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The gay village, Manchester
A beacon of celebration and tolerance in the city, the gay village is a must for any visit to the city.
Located just south of Chinatown, along and around the Canal Street area, the village is both party central for the city's thriving 'out and proud' gay and lesbian community and a living piece of social history - proof that Manchester is one of the world's leading gay-friendly cities.
Gay culture has flourished into a village-like community with a combination of bars, clubs and green spaces. Join one of the monthly Out in the Past heritage trails which explore the city's gay and lesbian 'historic haunts and events.
Manto Bar is the grand daddy of Canal Street, the bar that single-handedly brought the café culture started on Oldham Street into the village. Its sleek designs of brick and steel have for a long time been the height of urban sophistication.
Essential is a gay superclub that attracts men from all over the country to party into the small hours. Watch out for the club's fashion-leading door divas whose job it is to make sure the venue remains forever gay-friendly!
Essential's own bar, Queer is located at the heart of the village and is a must-see for any tour, as is Cruz 101, the non-stop gay club that helped kick start the city's modern gay nightlife.
Vanilla, the city's legendary lesbian bar, makes sure that the girls get good representation in the hustle and bustle of the city with a selection of fun bar nights and one off Bank Holiday events.
Taurus bar is one of the most warmly regarded bars in the village, seen by many as the community heart of Canal Street. Its informal drinking and dining atmosphere and appreciation of the arts mean you might get to see a new play or exclusive book reading if you pop by.
More traditional visitors might want to experience the village's many pubs. The Rembrandt and Churchills hold many secret of life before the burgeoning gay scene of today.
