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Manchester Gay Bars

Canal Street is arguably one of the most famous LGBTQ nightlife destinations in the UK. The Gay village located here is best known for its host of bars and clubs that cater for every taste and orientation, while also paying respect to the history of LGBTQ spaces in the area. dozens of gay bars and clubs offer entertainment and themed nights throughout the week, making Canal Street THE hub for gay nightlife in Manchester. It's a must-see destination for any gay tourist who is looking for a good time.

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Bar and Club Suggestions

G-A-Y Manchester

G-A-Y Manchester

Young Crowd, Dancing

A funky gay bar that plays pop and chart music videos on screens throughout the venue, day and night, across two floors and an outside terrace. With free entry, good deals on drinks, and doors open till late, this is the place to go if you want to have fun on a budget. It hosts games, events, and friendly competitions, so there's also something going on and everyone is welcome to get involved.
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The Thompsons Arms

The Thompsons Arms

Drag

Boasting an all-week happy hour, live shows, international cabaret, and live DJ, The Thompsons Arms is a lively gay bar in the hub that is Manchester's Gay Village. There's always a drinks offer on so you can enjoy yourself for a reasonable price, and locals and regulars love the lively atmosphere.
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The Molly House

The Molly House

Cosy, Cocktails

With a relaxed and friendly vibe, The Molly House serves freshly prepared med-inspired tapas & sharing dishes to people in Manchester's Gay Village. There are plenty of drinks to choose from as well, as it offers a wide range of gins, whiskies, rums, brandies, liqueurs and fortified wines. This eccentric venue welcomes everyone to come in and have a good time.
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Velvet Bar

Velvet Bar

Cosy, Cocktails

Located in Manchester's vibrant Gay Village, the Velvet bar is coupled with their luxury hotel. It's surrounded by other lively bars and clubs, and brings a warm sense of luxury to this LGBTQ party hub. On the terrace and in the sumptuous bar area, you can enjoy a range of cocktails and other drinks as well as live DJs and entertainment every weekend. There is also a well rated restaurant in the basement which is very popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd.
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Vanilla

Vanilla

Lesbian, Dancing, Cocktails

Vanilla is described as the "Lesbian Mecca of the North" and provides a great space for gay women to relax and have a good time in a space dedicated to them. It offers lots of drinks offers and a cocktail club, plus a wide range of music and special events. There's something for everyone here and everyone is made to feel safe.
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On Bar

On Bar

Cocktails, Dancing, Drag

The Manchester venue is the company's first venture outside on London, bringing innovation and a new face to the already famous Canal Street. On Bar Manchester is a versatile space offering the latest music, meals, drinks, and renowned drag acts on the top floor.
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New York New York

New York New York

Drag, Outdoor Seating

For over thirty years New York New York bar has been the beating heart of Manchester's Gay Village. It's known for its hands-in-the-air nights with music that you can't help but sing along to, outrageous drag queens and, of course, a welcoming atmosphere. The cocktail bar is open every day, and there is also a stylish function room and 'The VIP suite'. Located on the first floor, this suite is fully kitted out and perfect for parties.
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VIA Manchester

VIA Manchester

Cocktails, Drag

With bar, restaurant, nightclub cabaret and show bar, this is an exuberant place for everyone. It's a place to be seen and have a good time with live DJs and drag shows. Regulars praise the talent of the drag acts and love the friendly and lively atmosphere. Predominently a gay venue but very straight friendly.
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Bar Pop

Bar Pop

Dancing, Drag

Bar Pop is located in the heart of Canal Street in Manchester, bringing you weekly drag entertainment, drinks offers and event space all year round. This is a wheelchair accessible space where everyone from the community is accepted, whose owners continue to support LGBTQ charities and welcome everyone into Bar Pop for themed nights and parties hosted by the biggest in-house entertainment team in the area.
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Cruz 101

Cruz 101

Dancing, Cruising

Cruz 101 is an independent Gay Nightclub that has been serving the LGBTQ+ community since 1992. Stunning decor, door & bar prices that won't break the bank, the best state-of-the-art sound systems make Cruz 101 the busiest gay night out in Manchester. It's a party every night here, with the best DJs from across the country playing a wide range of genres and tastes.
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Company Bar

Company Bar

Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish, Cruising

Company Bar is Manchester's Gay Village is a predominantly men only gay bar but is does have all gender nights as well. In its secluded basement bar, it offers late night happy hours throughout the week, and caters to men in leather and the fetish crowd. This is a place to be seen but there is a darker space behind the bar if you'd prefer not to be...
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New Union

New Union

Drag, Dancing

The New Union Hotel and Show Bar is a gay bar and pub in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village. It promises a lively atmosphere complete with karaoke, drag acts, cabaret and themed nights. The staff and acts are always friendly, making this a great place to meet new people and have a great time.
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Eagle Manchester

Eagle Manchester

Bear, Drag, Dancing, Cruising

The Eagle Bar in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village offers a unique experience to gay men. Its interior combines industrial and victorian styles to create an unforgettable atmosphere, while the different sections of the bar allow to you explore and experience anything you fancy. With regular DILF parties and drag nights, The Eagle Bar is the place to be if that's what you're into.
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Oscars Bar

Oscars Bar

Gay Friendly, Cocktails

Oscars is Manchester's film & theatre cocktail bar, located in the heart of Canal Street. This intimate and classy bar shows musical film clips as a backdrop to premium drinks, and welcomes the gay community in to enjoy themselves. Regulars praise the great cocktails, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
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The Lounge By EVA

The Lounge By EVA

Cocktails, Drag

This brand new lounge bar in Manchester's Gay Village creates the perfect atmosphere with background music, and an extensive range of spirits, bottled and Draught beers. This bar specialises in shots and cocktails, so coupled with DJs and drag performances this is the perfect place for a fun night out as a group.
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Satans Hollow

Satans Hollow

Gay Friendly, Dancing

Satans Hollow is an LGBTQ friendly club in Manchester's Gay Village, which specialised in live alternative, rock, and metal music. For anyone who loves these genres, the Satans Hollow club is a must-visit venue, with themed decor, affordable drinks, and everyone's favourite rock bands.
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Iconic Bar

Iconic Bar

Cosy, Cocktails

A small and cosy bar in the backstreets of Manchester's Gay Village specialising in all things gin with a stock of over 200 gins! It regularly hosts themed nights complete with a DJ, and regulars praise it for its friendly party atmosphere and welcoming staff.
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Centre Stage

Centre Stage

Older Crowd, Dancing, Drag

Hidden away in the back streets on Manchester's Gay Village, Centre Stage describes itself as a Dive Bar. It offers nostalgia alongside camp cabaret and a flamboyant atmosphere. With friendly staff and hilarious performances, regulars recommend Centre Stage as a place to relax and have fun with down to earth entertainment and old fashioned fun.
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The Goose

The Goose

Older Crowd, Cocktails, Drag, Pub Vibes

This gay bar are a traditional pub in the heart of Manchester's Gay village. It offers a warm welcome to all customers with fantastic entertainment and superb offers throughout the week so there is something for everyone. Alongside pies and burgers, the bar is fully stocked with a great selection of drinks & cocktails and the staff are always friendly.
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The Brewers

The Brewers

Cocktails, Dancing, Drag

The Brewers Manchester offers both a bar and club experience in its two floor venue. In the bar you can sample a wide range of cocktails and shots in a fun atmosphere complete with live entertainment, while in the Back Room club there is always something different going on. The Back Room offers cabaret and drag nights, and is available for booking if you want an incredible night all to yourself.
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The Church

The Church

Drag, Outdoor Seating

In the heart of Manchester's Canal Street, The Church (formerly Churchills) offers a range of cocktails, wines, shots, and coffee. It's open to everyone for a casual and fun experience, offering karaoke, drag performances, and cabaret. Alongside regular entertainment, there's outdoor seating along to canal where you can enjoy your drinks and meet as a group.
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The Rem Bar

The Rem Bar

Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish, Drag

This bar is one of the oldest venues in Manchester's Gay Village, situated right by the canal. It hosts events popular with bears, leather and rubber crowds. There's bearaeoke every Sunday after cabaret, and other events catering for a wide range of fetish interests such as the furry community.
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B Lounge

B Lounge

Gay Friendly, Cocktails, Outdoor Seating

Situated in the famous Gay Village, this is a stylish bar in the heart of the city, offering first class food, drink, and service. B lounge serves three meals a day alongside a wide range of alcoholic drinks, so whether you want fancy cocktails or a classic fish and chips this is the place for you. With multiple function spaces including an outdoor area, parties are welcome here as well.
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Tours & Experiences in Manchester

Manchester wears its history and nightlife equally proudly. Visit the John Rylands Library, tour Old Trafford or explore the Northern Quarter, then wander towards Canal Street when the sightseeing is done and let the city’s famous LGBTQ village take over from there.

Gay friendly hotels in Manchester

If nightlife is the priority, staying around Manchester’s Gay Village and Canal Street makes life very easy – especially at the end of the night. The area is beside Piccadilly and within walking distance of the city centre, while the nearby Northern Quarter offers independent restaurants, bars and a slightly different atmosphere. GayMapper’s recommended gay-friendly hotels include rooms right in the Village, good-value city options and stylish aparthotels, giving you plenty of choice whether you want to be in the thick of it or a few streets away.

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