Manchester gay scene

For visitors doing a longer trip to the U.K., it’s a nice change from humongous London. It’s always worth doing a stroll first to investigate what’s busy and what’s closest to your own vibe on any given night.

We’ll start our listing with several of the best Canal Street venues, none of which usually charge a cover, followed by places that are more distinctive—usually located off the strip but not too far.

Via Manchester (28-30 Canal St., Manchester).

The Eagle is split over two levels. Most recently the Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield took centre stage. Though the city defines 19 neighbourhoods that are of interest to visitors, some of them are a mere three blocks across. 

Beyond the city itself, there are nine districts surrounding Manchester proper, each with its own character and history.

It has live music and other entertainment, workshops, and wonderful guests. It serves food, drink, and some very decadent treats. There are rooms facing the front and the back, and, you guessed it, the rooms facing the back are quieter.

Moxy Manchester City (8 Atkinson St., Manchester). The hotel hosts events such as ‘Come as you Are’ and other LGBTQ focused initiatives.

Dubbed as industrial glamour in the heart of Manchester, with some excellent restaurants on site and walkable to the gay village, this hotel comes highly recommended.

This 120-year-old beauty does not feel tired whatsoever. Want something historic with some wow factor? Nowadays, the crowd is typically very young and mixed.

There is also a rooftop area with seating available. From the vacant lot on the southwest side of the building, visitors can see a mural of local LGBTQ+ icons—plus Quentin Crisp, who wasn’t from Manchester but died there at age 92 while staying with a friend.

Richmond Tea Rooms (46 Sackville St., Manchester).

The first official Manchester Pride event was held in 1985, and today it is the biggest and most attended parade in Manchester.

Homobloc

Homobloc is a queer block party that welcomes everyone. While it serves lovely ales, wines, and other alcoholic beverages, many people head here for tea and coffee.

It also serves low- or non-alcoholic alternatives.

Most events take place within the day or on weekends.

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride Festival takes place every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend and is one of the largest and longest prides in the UK. Most festivities are organised in the Gay Village, on and around Canal Street, but the Pride March heads through Manchester’s city centre.

During Pride, the village is split up into different areas and stages and you can expect some big names and performances.

It’s a pub that wants to be a nightclub—and sometimes turns into one.

New Union Hotel (111 Princess St., Manchester). It’s a showbar, yes, but also a place for a pint in the bar or out on one of the tables on the street.

REM/The Rembrandt Manchester/Club Tropicana (33 Sackville St., Manchester).

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