Vanilla
3
Thursday
7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Friday
4:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Sunday
7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
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The area
Address
How to get there
- Piccadilly Gardens • 5 min walk
- St Peter's Square • 6 min walk
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2,164 within 3 miles
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434 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.0
49 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
8
Average
10
Poor
5
Terrible
13
sasha ripley
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
My sister and I were in Manchester for the weekend. Came to vanilla and were greeted happily by the door staff. We witnessed the door staff telling many women and men they wouldn’t be allowed in the club If they were not obviously gay women. Even a group of girls with one boy friend. On entering the club we were served several times by bar staff. On receiving our last round of drinks (we had bought several for the staff who had been drinking with us), the member of the barstaff bringing our drinks to our tables told us these would be our last drinks and we must leave on finishing them. We were not given a reason as to why. My sister went to the toilet before we left and when waiting for her by the toilet I was approached by the bar manager who told me I had to leave the club immediately, again with no reason as to why. I stated I was not leaving my sister in a club in a city we were not familiar with and asked if I could leave when she was finished. The manager called the door staff and asked her to escort me out of the club leaving my sister with no idea what had happened or where I was. They escorted me to the door with the manager pushing me the entire way. she pushed me at the door staff with a finger in my back saying ‘get that out of here’. Degrading and disgusting. Being called ‘that’ and treated in this way had me leaving the place crying. The door staff tried to get to the bottom of why I had been treated this way but as soon as my sister appeared we left the vicinity and left Manchester. It was humiliating and degrading and I hope no one ever goes there and is treated in such a way. This experience will scar me for life
Written June 15, 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.
matt
Manchester, UK2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Not impressed last night Vanilla.. 2 gays 1 lesbian wanting to come and join boys and girls already inside and not ywt had a drink.. Told by female bouncer that it was females only, and no men allowed, yet males inside. It wasn't full either, however bouncer stated women inside would not be happy. Shame on you Vanilla for wanting equality one minute and not the next. Looks like male homophobia still exists. Sounds like a theme with this bar based on comments and conversations had at other bars.
Written February 26, 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.
Lisa M
Stockport, UK32 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We waited outside for 15minutes to finally get seated at the end of someone’s table. No one came over to serve us for 20minutes!! We told the manager we hadn’t been served and she said, “well it’s table service,” still no one came over. Then the security guy came over and asked us to move tables!! We ended up leaving still not had a drink?! What a total joke. Also the music was terrible, never again!
Written June 5, 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.
Dan H
Harpenden, UK20 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Shocking, 40 min queue to be told there is to many men in there.
Was with my partner, could have said in the queue. Sexist. Canal street meant to be welcoming. Like every other bar/club is.
Would love a bar in the city and say to many females in there and see the outrage. Really poor from the bouncers
Was with my partner, could have said in the queue. Sexist. Canal street meant to be welcoming. Like every other bar/club is.
Would love a bar in the city and say to many females in there and see the outrage. Really poor from the bouncers
Written October 29, 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.
abbz74
middlesbrough8 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
We where looking forward to going to this pub for our friends hen do. What a shame we did. Totally ruined the end of the evening for all of us. First of all my bag was stolen and then miraculously returned with no money and my e-cigs gone. My partner accidentallly stood on what i think was a females !!! foot and although she couldnt apologise enough it seemed to be the start of the events to come. The hen in our party had noticed this person throwing menacing looks at my partner who was at the time completely oblivious to her. Then as i was stood with my girls and having a jolly old time and I was all of a sudden being dragged out the pub by a pathetic excuse for a bouncer and this he/she character. Not only this but once out they threw me so violently to the floor that although have not yet been to A and E due to work commitments think i have a cracked cheek bone. When a police man passed by i reported the incident and was told by this very helpful officer to put it down to experience.,....... WHAT!!! My partner demmanded to speak with the female that instigated all of this aggressive violent behaviour to get and explanation as to why i was escorted out in the first place and she refused to come out. If i thought i would get anywhere by making a formal complaint i would but it seems that this is the overall mentality of the people who are hired to work there. I have never in my life experienced anythiing like this and as a respectable, professional and mild mannered person i have never been so so angry and upset about this, not only am i in pain, but my best friends hen do was ruined. I will never return and will tell the world what kind of a dangerous dive this pub actually is.
Written March 2, 2015
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.
Fiona_goode
11 contributions
Aug 2014
Came to Manchester as a visitor, was recommended vanilla by a friend but was highly disappointed. Was impressed by drinks offers and welcoming bar staff. But while dancing I was pushed by a really drunk girl who then proceeded to attack me, I finally found a member of door staff and told them what had happened but they didn't care or try to do anything to resolve the situation. Highly disappointed.
Written August 26, 2014
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.
Rebecca C
Halifax, UK2 contributions
Sep 2016
Myself and friends visited canal street and vanilla bar as it was a well known women's bar. It was the worst experience we have ever had. Fighting broke out between a group of people outside vanilla bar with the door staff just standing by and watching! If this wasn't bad enough the people were then allowed back into the venue a short time after. When this was pointed out to staff as we felt intimidated we were spoken to very rudely and asked to leave. I can only assume this is normal for this establishment? We certainly won't be returning!
Written October 7, 2016
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.
Go559004
12 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
I had the most amazing time in Manchester because of this bar and the ladies running it! It was my first time in the city - I was there for a conference and didn't know anyone. I thought about checking out Vanilla since it is the only place in the Village just for women (men have to come in with a lady). The place has great music and the staff is incredibly helpful and sweet. I went in alone and always felt safe and included as everyone was friendly and looks out for each other. I would recommend Vanilla to any girl heading to Manchester! Also their Gin Balloons are amazing :) I look forward to going back soon.
Written September 17, 2018
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.
Paula R
1 contribution
Dec 2017 • Solo
Can't fault the place tho I'd recommend going in solo as if your with someone else it can look like you are with a partner and I've personally only ever had luck when in solo. Also my advice is to keep going in as some of the coolest chicks I've met so far told me they only visit the bar once a month. If you are serious about finding a lady then this is definitely the bar to come to. I've found others on canal street are full of straight women and just complete waste of time this is where the real lesbians hang out.
I really don't get the negative reviews, ok it took a few visits to get my face known but as soon as they saw I was serious about coming in they have been nothing but out of their way friendly towards me. Well I am serious about the situation and will be frequenting the venue quite frankly til I get somewhere, forget those waste of time dating apps the chicks are here like it says, tho my best tip is to visit when the pool table is out and avoid Saturday night until you've got a chick to come in with cos everyone seems taken on that night and it is packed.
As for the toilet comments I have a level 2 in facilities and they are cleanest I've seen in gay village so far so don't know what people are going on about and the decor is edgy and nice totally doesn't need changing. As for the music yep totally my sort of music, urban and edgy they played Mks and So Solid Crew, all in all best place to find a woman I'm sure of it, only downside is it doesn't seem to be open as much as it says but yeah just stick with it first few times going in I didn't feel very comfortable, its women for gods sake they aren't like men and all over you from minute they see you the intimidating atmosphere is in people's heads I'm sure it just feels that way at first cos there's so many women into women in one small space. It can appear stand offish at first cos of this and I would avoid Saturday at all costs.
Door staff are great had one guy come onto me on Sunday night only to be kicked in touch by bouncer who was sat down at time with her girlfriend I assume. She rose up outraged a guy had dared do this in vanilla tho it's not first time it's happened to me in there, at the moment I feel like I'm doomed and only attracting guys but I can feel or hope my luck is changing soon. The pool table I feel is the way forward.
We also got offered a free bubblegum martini cocktail off the bar owner who introduced herself to myself and my friend probably cos I've been hitting the bar solid tho for few weeks now, so in my opinion it is worth the time to keep going in and getting your face known, I personally won't rest til I get somewhere and would like to be seen in the vanilla gallery soon. As for the bad reviews I'm not sure we visited the same place to be honest it is described as the Mecca cos it is its just patience and time is needed to get anywhere with women.
I really don't get the negative reviews, ok it took a few visits to get my face known but as soon as they saw I was serious about coming in they have been nothing but out of their way friendly towards me. Well I am serious about the situation and will be frequenting the venue quite frankly til I get somewhere, forget those waste of time dating apps the chicks are here like it says, tho my best tip is to visit when the pool table is out and avoid Saturday night until you've got a chick to come in with cos everyone seems taken on that night and it is packed.
As for the toilet comments I have a level 2 in facilities and they are cleanest I've seen in gay village so far so don't know what people are going on about and the decor is edgy and nice totally doesn't need changing. As for the music yep totally my sort of music, urban and edgy they played Mks and So Solid Crew, all in all best place to find a woman I'm sure of it, only downside is it doesn't seem to be open as much as it says but yeah just stick with it first few times going in I didn't feel very comfortable, its women for gods sake they aren't like men and all over you from minute they see you the intimidating atmosphere is in people's heads I'm sure it just feels that way at first cos there's so many women into women in one small space. It can appear stand offish at first cos of this and I would avoid Saturday at all costs.
Door staff are great had one guy come onto me on Sunday night only to be kicked in touch by bouncer who was sat down at time with her girlfriend I assume. She rose up outraged a guy had dared do this in vanilla tho it's not first time it's happened to me in there, at the moment I feel like I'm doomed and only attracting guys but I can feel or hope my luck is changing soon. The pool table I feel is the way forward.
We also got offered a free bubblegum martini cocktail off the bar owner who introduced herself to myself and my friend probably cos I've been hitting the bar solid tho for few weeks now, so in my opinion it is worth the time to keep going in and getting your face known, I personally won't rest til I get somewhere and would like to be seen in the vanilla gallery soon. As for the bad reviews I'm not sure we visited the same place to be honest it is described as the Mecca cos it is its just patience and time is needed to get anywhere with women.
Written December 19, 2017
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.
Murphy R
Leeds, UK8 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
My partner and I went to Manchester to explore the city for few days. We were deciding which bar ti visit on our 5th year anniversary and as the comments said that it was one of the great bars in the centre.
We were disappointed that the ambiance of the bar is not really good. Considering the size of the bar, you can imagine that it is as big a living room. The poor decoration and dirt around like spider webs put off us down.
If you are expecting a fancy and good ambiance bar, you may have to change your mind visiting in this bar. We are really wondering why people never put comments regarding this matter.
We were disappointed that the ambiance of the bar is not really good. Considering the size of the bar, you can imagine that it is as big a living room. The poor decoration and dirt around like spider webs put off us down.
If you are expecting a fancy and good ambiance bar, you may have to change your mind visiting in this bar. We are really wondering why people never put comments regarding this matter.
Written January 11, 2014
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.
enza012018
Naples, Italy
Hi everyone!
I'm a 17een girl from Italy. I'm going to stay in Manchester two weeks this summer. I'd like to know either if this bar can allow me in because of my age or if you can suggest me some bars that will let me in
Thanks a lot
Chelsey Macauley-Mitchell
Mobberley, UK
don’t waste your time ,, your not a regular so U wont be made to feel welcome,, it’s how they are. not nice at all
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vanilla
- Vanilla is open:
- Sun - Sun 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Thu - Thu 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Fri - Sat 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM
- Hotels near Vanilla:
- (0.01 mi) Ville Hotel
- (0.01 mi) The TownHaus by The Jacksonheim Boutique
- (0.01 mi) Free Parking: Luxury Canal Street Villa
- (0.01 mi) Free Parking: Luxury Canal Street Villa
- (0.01 mi) Free Parking: Luxury Canal Street Villa
- Restaurants near Vanilla:
- (0.01 mi) Yizhichuan
- (0.02 mi) Roadie's
- (0.02 mi) Maxwell's Chippy
- (0.02 mi) Krunchy Fried Chicken - Bloom Street
- (0.02 mi) ON Bar Manchester
Vanilla Information
Excellent Reviews | 13 |
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Very Good Reviews | 8 |
Vanilla Photos | 3 |