Weekend gigs: which pubs?

[StevePXR5 at AOL.COM]

Mike,
Get yourself into The Bitter Suite in Preston, a mere few yards from the  
venue. 
Cross the road from 53 Degrees and head left. You'll see a pub called the  
Mad Ferrit.  Ignore this if you can (being a Scotsman) and the Bitter Suite  is 
down the side of that. Once you turn right the entrance is directly in front  
of you. _http://www.bittersuitepreston.co.uk/_ 
(http://www.bittersuitepreston.co.uk/) 
It's much much bigger on the inside than it looks from outside. Sadly, we  
have just missed a beer festival there, but there will still be a healthy  
selection to work through.
See you there.
Can't advise on hotels - sorry.
Steve.
 
In a message dated 03/27/2008 12:13:57 GMT Standard Time,  
fofp at HOLYROOD.ED.AC.UK writes:

Usual  one in Manchester I guess? (Will the redheaded barmaid still be
there?)  Where are folks headed for Sheffield and Preston?

Any tips on hotels  for Preston and Manchester?