The Viking AF pastime of axe-throwing is now available to angry urbanites in Manchester, thanks to Whistle Punks – and it’s a satisfyingly primaeval alternative to darts and archery. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of hearing an axe whistle through the air and embed itself in the red bullseye of a target; you can almost feel your beard growing, shoulders getting a little broader, top morphing into a plaid shirt and the laces of your suddenly mud-flecked boots tightening at the mere sound of it. Well, now you can get a chance to experience that thrill of being a badass, by grabbing tickets for a session at Whistle Punks.
Situated in the former railway goods warehouse-turned-leisure-complex Great Northern Warehouse, the simply-adorned Whistle Punks venue is the ultimate stress relief. Here, Mancunians can get to grips with a mighty hand axe, taking part in axe-throwing tournaments and even getting a bit of a workout in the process.
Admittedly, there is a certain knack to successful axe-throwing; you need to impart just the right amount of spin so that it strikes the target blade-first, which requires a lot of trial-and-error. You’ll also have to test the relative merits of the single- and double-handed throws. Luckily, expert axe-chuckers are on hand to provide helpful instruction or at least sensitive words of encouragement.
After much experimentation, you’ll hopefully start to get the hang of things, for in the latter half of each 70-minute session you’ll be keeping score in a tournament format, to decide who is the most skilful axe-wielder of all. A few other things to bear in mind: there’s no booze allowed beforehand, for obvious reasons, and no, you mustn’t be squiffy from pre-drinks either. Of course, once your session ends, you can celebrate any hits with a drink or three at the licensed bar. In the case of any bullseyes, a cocktail is definitely in store.
Just a heads up, it might go without saying but we’re telling you just in case: open-toed shoes can’t be worn, and (how many jilted lovers have asked to do this?!) there’s strictly no throwing axes at pictures of people! Either way, it’s time to sharpen your skills.