Best;
Shepherds Bush Empire
Bush Hall - Shepherds Bush (I like it in the bush.......)
Ritz Manchester
Portsmouth Guildhall (but can be full of d*ckheads)
Cardiff Uni
Royal Albert Hall
Basingstoke Anvil

Worst
Southampton Guildhall
Hammersmith Odeon/Apollo/Academy (or what ever else it's calling it's self this week)
Wembley Arena
Brighton Arena

Best:

Brixton Academy (although the area is a bit dodgy, class venue though)
Manc Apollo/ deaf institute
Northampton Roadmenders
Mad Ferret, Preston

Worst:

Apart from the soulless arenas mentioned by most on here there are very few I'd call terrible.

Does anyone think the new Leeds Arena might be on peoples best list when it opens? I know most people (me included) dislike arena venues but with the different design the audience should be closer to the stage

I'm with you on this, potential to be fantastic

Why is that, what are these design features?

this should explain it www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/Design.aspx "Fan shape" I still think it will be too big to get any intimacy but should be a lot better than the likes of the MEN and sheffield arena.

this should explain it www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/Design.aspx "Fan shape" I still think it will be too big to get any intimacy but should be a lot better than the likes of the MEN and sheffield arena.

The Star and Garter in Manchester a cracking little venue, very diy, very punk.

More than sure that's The Roadhouse.
A few fave venues over the years, as mentioned above The Star & Garter,Night & Day Café, Band On The Wall, The Ritz and The Wychwood in Ashton Under Lyne.
Worst has to be Academy 1 next door to Manchester Uni and Manchester Apollo before they had removable seats downstairs.

I just checked which venue it was and it is actually the Ruby Lounge.

Sounds a lot like the old Gallery from the mid 80's which was round the corner from Tommy ducks.

Blinkin eck , forgot about the Gallery, saw The 3 Johns , Chris Sievey and Hank Wangford there.

Is the Gallery still there? I remember seeing Flux of pink Indians there during the miners strike benefit tour, and also remember The English dogs playing there to name a few. Great venue and great times. Jillys was also a great venue all them years ago. And not forgetting the Mayflower. Manchester has had and still got some great little venues.