Tardis-like and extremely central, yet right off the beaten track as far as live music is concerned, Friday night saw this huge but hidden venue packed to the rafters, with queues reaching right down Oldham Street as far as Piccadilly Square.
I was last here six years ago for the hastily-arranged inaugural members-only meeting of the then barely-formed rebel football club FC United of Manchester, but this was my first time at a live music event in this cavernous, balconied hall.
Judging by the half-hour delay before the doors opened and the makeshift, no-alcohol bar once inside, the Methodist Hall remains unused to housing gig-goers despite its impressive size. The delay in gaining admission meant that W&H (like all but a handful of tonight's sizeable turnout) missed Sophia Knapp's support set.
But lack of alcohol and organisational teething problems aside, it was the venue's horrendous acoustics that hampered the set. Linen-suited CALLAHAN, classical guitar in hand, fronted a trio that also consisted of drummer Neal Morgan (who, aside from the usual sticks and brushes approach, was equally adept when using just his mitts) along with an electric guitarist, seated centre-stage.
The chosen psychedelic, oil-based backdrop projection was wholly appropriate for what was an 'arty' set of songs, delivered in a stripped-down fashion that did at least ensure that Callahan's impressive baritone emerged triumphant.
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Kicking off with 'Riding For The Feeling', the response from the packed hall was enthusiastic from the start.
We were also treated to renditions of 'America' and 'Free's' before airings of such ditties as 'Too Many Birds' and 'Sycamore'.
Callahan's dry repetoire of banter between songs didn't stretch far beyond the occasional "Thank You", although the venue's dimly-lit interior prompted a few gags early on.
'Say Valley Maker' was one of the numbers that prompted cheers from the packed hall, as Callahan continued to wield his 3/4 size guitar whilst imparting his own poignant brand of wisdom.
'The Well' also drew screams of delight, as did 'Let Me See The Colts' and 'My Friend' was almost enough to trigger the inert into singalong mode!
The three song encore also featured 'Universal Applicant' as well as (I think) 'River Guard' as the final track.
Good for the enthusiasts was this one, as Bill (no slouch when it comes to a bit of graft) was onstage for the better part of 2 hours, but this was no place for the casual friday night gig goer with itchy feet.
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