A Guide To The Gay Village in ManchesterManchester is known as one of the world’s leading gay-friendly cities, and at its heart is the iconic Canal Street in the Gay Village. Set along the Rochdale Canal, the neighborhood gives major party vibes with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants welcoming all members of the LGBTQ+ community.AuthorsPeterTaras
DestinationsManchesterItinerary

Fabulous Eats 🍉🍔

MAYA
Enjoy tasty small plates from this Michelin Guide restaurant, creative cocktails, and a cozy vibe with warm lighting—ideal for lunch, socializing, or unwinding as the evening kicks in. The go-to meal is definitely their Sunday roast, featuring golden crispy roast potatoes, a large Yorkshire pudding, and innovative sides like honey-glazed baby carrots and a unique spherical cauliflower cheese.
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Madre
I'd have to say, if you're going to try a taco try the birria. These tacos are slow-cooked beef shin, paired with Oaxaca cheese. They're tender, deeply flavorful and the interactive experience of dipping them in the cozumel makes them a standout choice for anyone seeking a true taste of Mexican comfort food.
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Richmond Tea Rooms
Enjoy this whimsical, Alice in Wonderland-inspired afternoon tea experience. The décor is fantastically immersive. As for the food, I’m more of a sweet tooth kind of guy, so I prefer to stick to their signature sweets, such as their scones and raspberry mousse cake.
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Dancing & Afterhours 🕺🏻

G-A-Y Manchester
The venue spans three floors and features a state-of-the-art video jukebox system. The rooftop terrace is fully heated, which makes it a great spot to hang out during the summer solstice.
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Via Manchester
Come for the cheap drinks, stay for the drag shows. They also have a pretty great food menu. It's a great one-stop shop if you're just looking to chill out, eat, have a couple of drinks, and see some live entertainment.
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Cruz 101
Cruz 101 is the place to be once everything else closes, staying open well into the early hours of the morning. The club’s sleek, vibrant lighting adds to the energy and electric dance atmosphere. Keep the party going here!
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Tours & Experiences 🥾

Canal Street - The Bars & Clubs
This is a vibe. Let Canal Street sweep you away as you're hit with mouth-watering aromas from nearby restaurants, the pulsing of bar music, and the beautiful outdoor aesthetics of this wonderful neighborhood.
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Daily Manchester City Centre Walking Tour with Local Guide
Learn all about how The Gay Village came to be on this walkabout tour of Manchester. You’ll also venture out to St Peter’s Square, the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Medieval Quarter, the Street Art in the Gay Village, the Northern Quarter, and plenty of hidden treasures along the way!
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Private Cocktail Making Class in Manchester
Want a more personalized experience in Manchester? Take a private cocktail-making class with a friend or partner—it's the perfect way to kick off the weekend!
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Manchester Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour
Walking tours are great—but even better when they involve some of Manchester’s best cheese spots. Spend a couple of hours learning about goat, cow, and sheep cheeses, and maybe even enjoy a little wine along the way.
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Cocktails & Bars 🍹

The Molly House
The Gay Village’s most beloved bar—not only are the drinks amazing, but the food menu is killer too. With Spanish and South American influences, their dishes cater to a variety of tastes. Try the mushroom croquettes, made with earthy mushrooms and thyme, served atop a creamy aioli. And for drinks, they serve skin-contact orange wines.
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The Cockatoo Club
Sure, they’ve got dazzling drag performances, live vocals, and electrifying cabaret entertainment—but let’s talk drinks. Order specialty cocktails like the Raspberry Lemonade or Passionfruit Margarita, or stick with classics like the Espresso Martini and Negroni. If you’re after a good, reasonably priced cocktail, this is the place to be.
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Oscars Bar Manchester
Oscars Bar is famed for its glamorous, cabaret-inspired setting, showtune sing-alongs, and expertly crafted cocktails. For a signature drink, try the Summer Bloom—an elderflower and mint gin goblet—or the Mae West, an amaretto-infused vodka cocktail.
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Where to Stay 🏢

Velvet Hotel, Bar & Brasserie
Hands down the best hotel for the price point—just a stone’s throw from great restaurants, music venues, and charming bars. Plus, the on-site food is amazing too.
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Leven Manchester
A great option for a stay that has everything you need for a fun weekend in the Gay Village, just steps from your room. Did you know this hotel is housed in an early 20th-century warehouse with a rich industrial past? Originally a cotton warehouse and brewery, it retains original features like exposed red brick walls, large Crittall windows, vaulted ceilings, and cast-iron columns—blending history with modern design. You’ll love it!
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