Gay Village
Gay Village
4
About
Centered around the Canal street area in Manchester is a thriving gay scene, which offers a plethora of bars, clubs, restaurants and other nighttime venues for gays and straights alike.
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The area
How to get there
- Piccadilly Gardens • 5 min walk
- Piccadilly • 6 min walk
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Restaurants
2,345 within 3 miles
Attractions
455 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,190 reviews
Excellent
546
Very good
340
Average
132
Poor
64
Terrible
108
Keegab
7 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Absolutely disgusting that a place that does not discriminate actually does discriminate against people with disabilities. Me and my friend spent 2 days in Manchester Christmas shopping and decided to go clubbing on the night time. My friend is a 48-year-old man with cerebral palsy And due to this he suffers with low confidence in going to places. After convincing him to have a look around Canal Street with me I was absolutely shocked and disgusted with how he was treated by door staff in the following bars, Bar Pop, Thomson’s, Eagle, Centre stage refused us in full stop along with New York bar who told us members only but I know this is a way of stopping people from coming in that they don’t want in which is fair enough but when it’s down to the fact that the Doorman says my friend looked worse for wear and I explain to him that he had cerebral palsy he ignored this and refused us entry. My mates words was there’s no point me coming to Manchester again for a night out because this is all I’m going to get. I felt terrible that I brought him to a place that is all about promoting non-discrimination but in fact turned out to be full of discrimination.
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael
Blackburn, UK6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
By treating a family like a family instead of something they have seen in a horror movie!!! We went with my daughter and son in law to meet my husband’s friend who is gay. Soon as we walked into canal street the people stopped talking and started giving us bad looks like we wasn’t meant to be there. The bar staff was extremely rude and I blame the fact because we wasn’t gay lesbian bi or tran. I have always supported the lgbt community I have many lovely friends who are gay and trans. I was really disappointed how we was treat it was mainly the men, I won’t be visiting again and I will be telling all my friends about our experience. Maybe if you want to be accepted in to the community treat everyone the same kindness matters. Anyway to the few that smiled happy pride month
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
becsb
Derbyshire30 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Where to start… really shocked by the whole place to be honest. Everyone used to rave about going down to Canal street and the gay village but I have no idea why.
I was out shopping with friends and we decided to go for a drink and some food. It was busy outside very bar as it was such a nice day. We found a table that was free only to be getting dirty looks from some men. Next thing the bouncer comes over and said these men were waiting for that table….
They came out of nowhere they hadn’t been waiting at all. Very discriminatory against women obviously, and after reading a few of the reviews it’s very prevalent this is the case.
We went to a bar down the street, still in the gay village but it wasn’t the cleanest. We had a bottle of Prosecco and every glass was sticky and dirty, we ended up cleaning them with alcohol wipes.
Needless to say I won’t be going back, the whole “village” is a dive and has a lot of discrimination issues that they need to sort out.
I was out shopping with friends and we decided to go for a drink and some food. It was busy outside very bar as it was such a nice day. We found a table that was free only to be getting dirty looks from some men. Next thing the bouncer comes over and said these men were waiting for that table….
They came out of nowhere they hadn’t been waiting at all. Very discriminatory against women obviously, and after reading a few of the reviews it’s very prevalent this is the case.
We went to a bar down the street, still in the gay village but it wasn’t the cleanest. We had a bottle of Prosecco and every glass was sticky and dirty, we ended up cleaning them with alcohol wipes.
Needless to say I won’t be going back, the whole “village” is a dive and has a lot of discrimination issues that they need to sort out.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GK91
Liverpool, UK185 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
This place is a good laugh and super safe to visit, so ideal for small to medium groups who aren’t too sure of the area. It is pricey so don’t except a night here to not damage your bank account but I do highly recommend it. Loads of bars with all different themes and offerings. Central Manchester so easy to get to and from places too.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simone M
9 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I have just got back from my cousin’s hen do in Manchester. We went to Churchill’s bar in the gay part of Manchester, what a terrible experience all 30 of us had! The drinks were flat and when we told the staff they all moaned at us and did not want to replace our drink’s. The supervisor, was so rude to us all, calling us abusive swear words, upsetting many of us on what was to be the start of a lovely evening. We have on video his behaviour. I asked for the manager to complain about they way we was all treated but he did not want to know!! Would i recommend this bar? Absolutely not!! Unless you want to pay for flat beer, flat gin and tonic and be rudely abused by staff!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C...
Victoria, Australia65,000 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Celebrating diversity is what this neighbourhood is about… it embraces the freedom of choice.
When I walked here I found the area subtly beautiful with lights adorning the businesses and flags along the canal.
I really enjoyed my visit to the neighbourhood- it really is something special.
When I walked here I found the area subtly beautiful with lights adorning the businesses and flags along the canal.
I really enjoyed my visit to the neighbourhood- it really is something special.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith F
5 contributions
Sep 2022
These three bars refuse entry to anyone who is single. As a tourist to Manchester I went down to Canal Street only to find these three bars refuse entry on a quite Sunday night. Thank you to The Goose Bar, New Union, central Stage and Eva Bar who were all welcoming and don’t apply this stupid rule as it’s a lone tourist who are not trouble makers.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plamsky
Manchester, UK76 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Going I’ve previous comments I’m getting the impression that the Village was a real LGBTQIA+ Mecca long ago. Nowadays is a just business and of questionable quality. If you go two different weeks you will see the same program (let’s not overreact calling it ‘show’). One and the same people ‘running the business’ and no outsiders allowed. It’s obvious that the idea of the place long ago was replaced with greed for profits. And to pump their bank accounts, they are closing it during the Pride days as asking for entry - like the Pride and the Village are their registered trade mark products that has to be sold at any occasion.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mr W
Beaumaris, UK7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
Overpriced and unprofessional.
Ordered a £45 bottle of champagne. Didn’t see the bottle and we were served a liquid of some sort in dirty plastic glasses because “no glass is allowed outside”, despite this not being the case elsewhere on Canal Street.
Despite being assured by security that he “definitely heard a pop” we refused to pay and left.
Pretentious bar with absolutely no atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon, and a place we certainly will not be visiting again.
Ordered a £45 bottle of champagne. Didn’t see the bottle and we were served a liquid of some sort in dirty plastic glasses because “no glass is allowed outside”, despite this not being the case elsewhere on Canal Street.
Despite being assured by security that he “definitely heard a pop” we refused to pay and left.
Pretentious bar with absolutely no atmosphere on a Sunday afternoon, and a place we certainly will not be visiting again.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Off their P
Manchester, UK4,293 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is an area of Manchester that we have been coming to for decades now and it certainly has changed. Without meaning to be nostalgic it isn’t as good as it was in my opinion but it’s still definitely worth going there.
The appeal to us was that there were loads of great outside bars and they still are. On this latest visit though we realised a few of these have become quite rough and definitely rundown.
Choose your places, or better still choose a nice day and you will still have a nice time sitting by the canal and there’s always loads to watch as people go about their business.
The appeal to us was that there were loads of great outside bars and they still are. On this latest visit though we realised a few of these have become quite rough and definitely rundown.
Choose your places, or better still choose a nice day and you will still have a nice time sitting by the canal and there’s always loads to watch as people go about their business.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie H
4 contributions
Hello everyone,
My name is Natalie Horrobin and I'm a Journalism Master's student at The University of Sheffield.
For my final project, I'm investigating the pros/cons of allowing stag and hen do's and heterosexual people on nights out in general into the Gay Village, and whether this sustains or threatens the safe space, or if the businesses appreciate their custom.
I was wondering if anyone would be available for an interview about this, whether you have had your stag/hen do here, or if you have had any similar experience of unsafety/issues regarding this issue, whether you are LGBTQ+ or not.
Please let me know if you'd be up for speaking to me about this, it would be greatly appreciated, or reply/message if you have any questions.
Thank you!
Natalie
Is there any house music on in gay village tonight please it's my youngest daughters 18th please reply
james k
6 contributions
Are people on their own allowed in to bars? Also I don't get in on flight till 11.30 am what would be open late on a Sunday night that a single person would be allowed in comfortably
Tina L
Cheshire, UK12 contributions
Sorry I don't know. Best contact the venues directly- some places fall in and out of favour as the place to go on Friday / Saturday night. Maybe see facebook pages for latest details of whats hot and what is not.
Sonia B
United Kingdom
which bars in the gay village have single gay women and what are the bars called
LaraEm
Burnley, UK9 contributions
Do any venues cater for young teens in the day? My son is bi and would like to look around.
Jason B
67 contributions
Hi Em
I guess it depends what you are looking for. I have taken my daughter along Canal Street several times during the day time when she was younger. I think the first time I took her she was still in a pushchair! My advice would be to maybe pick a nice sunny weekend day and go and take a walk with him down there and pick a bar that feels right and sit outside and enjoy. As others have said it is much livelier at night, but that may well not be appropriate. If you visit on a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon there is usually plenty of people out and about.
riaz67
Derby, UK7 contributions
Hi, is it comfortable for a single guy to come to canal street for bit of fun?
Jacquie C
Swansea County, UK126 contributions
I think it's quite clear from my post that anyone could have a good time in Canal Street. Whether it's comfortable or not will depend largely upon what you're wearing... stillettos or pumps!
Leandra
Skelmersdale, UK
Not been to Manchester drinking for a long long time, but been invited for a night out by a friend in a couple of weeks, I only drink double vodka's so was wondering if anyone knew some good bars where the vodka is as cheap as possible in / around the village? Thanks in advance for any replies given.
TracenTez
Bolsover, UK980 contributions
Many bars, pubs & clubs in and around the village, quite a few have boards outside with info about drinks offers. Also could ask around when you get there,lots of friendly locals with local knowledge. Enoy.
Jirathananart K
England, UK
Is it a very racist place to go in? I'd like to avoid it if going into such pubs from the reviews could get myself alienated. I'm a good-looking Asian with a smile + normally dressed, studying in England for almost a year, but I have had the look before but have never been asked to get out of a place - I'd feel really terrible if that really happens.
B Roberts
46 contributions
Never seen any issue but cant say it hasn't or wont happen. Am sorry you feel that you have to ask. The village is generally friendly. Say away from the Venues like G-A-Y they have a homophobic, hetrophobic and everythingphopic door policy
Is it open on a wednesday night? Were coming to see beyonce on june 13th and wanting to go clubbing after xx
Howard B
Manchester, UK30 contributions
The village is "open" every night. Obviously there is more going on over a weekend but any night is good especially if the weather stays as good as it is at the moment.
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Claim your listingGay Village - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Gay Village
- Hotels near Gay Village:
- (0.01 mi) REM Hotel
- (0.03 mi) New Union Pub
- (0.03 mi) Canal Street Apartment
- (0.03 mi) Free Parking: Roof Terrace: Luxury Townhouse
- (0.03 mi) Free Parking: Luxury Canal Street Villa
- Restaurants near Gay Village:
- (0.01 mi) Istanbul Express
- (0.01 mi) McTucky's Fried Chicken & Burgers
- (0.01 mi) Mumford Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) Habesha Restaurant & Bar
- (0.02 mi) Via
- Attractions near Gay Village:
- (0.00 mi) Club Tropicana
- (0.01 mi) Beareoke
- (0.01 mi) The Rem Bar
- (0.01 mi) The Mountain Goat
- (0.01 mi) Iconic Bar