Canal Street is the beacon that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. With vibrant nightclubs, restaurants, bars and pubs, the village welcomes all LGBTQ members within and outside of Manchester.
1. The Molly House
The Molly House is a cosy bar and tapas restaurant nestled behind Canal Street and is adorned with a mural featuring gay icons such as Anna Phylactic, Alan Turing and Quentin Crisp. Beautifully decorated and comfortably made, The Molly House sits right at the heart of the Gay Village - offering an alternative experience for the community. Expect a lovely selection of cocktails, tea, beers and more. During the night, you can also enjoy Molly House's wine-bar atmosphere, a relaxing night from a venue that welcomes everybody!
2. New York New York
The beating heart of Manchester's Gay Village, New York New York is a venue known for its dancing nights. With an ideal coffee and cocktail bar open from 1 pm every day, and a main room with a DJ that opens from 8 pm (where events take place), the party palace is one of the best clubs to go to. It's a place that hosts themed nights and charity events, a safe place that allows you to be whoever you want to be.
3. New Union Hotel & Show Bar
Built in 1865, the New Union was one of the first ever gay establishments in Manchester and has been a gay venue for as long as anyone can remember. In the 1950s, the owner went to prison for running a public house of ill repute. The name was changed to the New Union in the 70s and today it is a gay bar that is traditionally furnished with a varied clientele. The large dancefloor comes alive at night with many drag acts performing cabaret on a regular basis. The New Union Hotel has 12 rooms at reasonable rates and also offers breakfast.
4. Oscars Bar
Oscars is an intimate, theatre style bar showing classic and modern musical film clips in glamorous surroundings, offering a warm welcome in the heart of Canal Street to the LGBT community and your friends. The bar offers live music from singers and pianists on selected nights, serves premium wines and cocktails and plays endless showtunes which you’re encouraged to sing along to.
5. Vanilla
Described as "the lesbian mecca of the north", vanilla is a lively women's den situated in the heart of Manchester's gay village. Since opening in 1998, Vanilla has won many awards for its total dedication and commitment to the lesbian scene, not only in Manchester but throughout the UK. This culminated in winning the coverted title Best Bar in the UK 2002 and 2003 @ the DIVA awards, Europe's leading lesbian magazine. Vanilla has welcomed nearly one million women through its doors since opening and thousands have become lovers and friends.
6. Via
A gay, gothic labyrinth bar serving quality dishes with specials in the heart of the Village, Via provides a unique relaxed environment. After dining, dance and enjoy DJ's playing until 2am Friday and Saturday night. With events on most evenings, it’s always a hotspot for nightlife over the weekends.
7. Love From
Manchester’s brand new alcohol-free pop up bar in the village. For those who are off the booze, sober-curious or just looking for something outside of their norm to try. Love from hosts interactive events with guests paving the way in the alcohol-free market including a tasting masterclass, workshops and music, all alcohol free.
8. G-A-Y
The Manchester arm of the ever-popular London nightclub, G-A-Y Bar is over three floors and offers a state of the art video jukebox system throughout. Its fully heated rooftop terrace offers an outdoor social area and with regular drinks offers, its perfect for those on a budget. Their strictly pop and commercial music policy caters to a young gay clientele seven nights a week.