Eastern Bloc Records

Eastern Bloc Records is a record shop, café, bar and music venue at 5a Stevenson Square in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Founded by John Berry and Martin Price of 808 State, it opened in Affleck’s Palace in 1985. The shop moved to Oldham Street in 1992, then relocated to Stevenson Square in 2011. During the 1980s, it helped launch Inspiral Carpets and held signing sessions with The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.

At Stevenson Square, the business added a café, outdoor seating and a licensed bar. Its venue space holds 80 people and has a sound system for DJ sets, late-night sessions and label showcases. The shop’s dance-music stock has centred on house, techno and drum and bass, alongside other electronic records. Eastern Bloc co-founded 808 State’s Creed label and released records by 808 State and K-Klass.

SILASTHEDON is among the promoters to have run electronic music events at the venue. The programme features underground electronic music and DJs. Artists who have played there include Synkro, Cartridge (UK), dogger and foxi; A Guy Called Gerald and Roni Size have also appeared. The shop marked its 40th anniversary with a three-day event from 25 to 27 July 2025.