Firehouse is one of Manchester’s strongest dinner-that-becomes-the-night options. Start with slow-fire food and cocktails at candlelit tables, then let the after-dark programme pull the room towards something much less sensible as DJs, dancers, cabaret and live acts start taking over.

Friday and Saturday are the key nights, when the entertainment runs around dinner without forcing the group to relocate halfway across town. It is ideal for a hen that wants some structure but not a rigid itinerary: one booking, one room and a night that naturally gets louder as everyone decides they are definitely staying for another drink.