 | There’s nowt as queer as folk. And with the largest gay scene outside of London they don’t come any queerer than in Manchester. Many Mancunian moons ago, The Gay Village consisted of only two pubs: The Rembrandt and The Union. Today, the area is chock-a-block with bars. The burgeoning of bars began during the mid 90s as corporate companies decided to jump on the benders bandwagon and cash-in on the over-hyped, over-inflated value of the pink pound. |
However, as it
became clear that poofs purses alone wouldn’t be enough to sustain the new
establishments, less selective door policies were introduced. As a consequence, a straight
suburban set followed the queers along Canal Street like lambs to the water. What was once
a gay ghetto, is now a mixed Mecca. This has prompted criticism from some gay quarters
that the area’s ambience has become so ambiguous that you daren’t look a guy in
the eye. Others are more magnanimous; taking the view that it’s better to integrate
than discriminate.
BOOZE AND CRUISEWhatever your opinion - and there are always two sides to every barm cake - Manchester’s Gay Village is recognised as the UK’s second liveliest scene. Its epicentre is Canal Street. The Rembrandt is one of Canal Street’s oldest gay venues and, unlike many of its newer neighbours, remains a male domain. The Rembrandt attracts an older crowd out for a booze and a cruise. You won’t find any Prada clad ponces here. The Rembrandt is more for your Millets man. The pub gets so rammed of a weekend that the crowd is forced to congregate on the cobbles. Open until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Cross over Sackville Street and the next big bar you’ll hit is Bar 38. Although a heterosexual hangout, Bar 38 likes to promote itself as “gay friendly”. Considering the bar’s location, it’s the least it could be. Are queers supposed to be grateful for being allowed in? Unless you’re a Tracy from Timperley, avoid. Instead, venture along to Via Fossa. This was the first brewery owned bar to open along Canal Street and its success led other corporate chains to follow suit. Large and lively, Via Fossa has a gothic charm that attracts sociable sorts. Its nooks and crannies are perfect places in which to cosy up with someone and explore their nooks and crannies. MANTO MAN Next up, you’ll come to Manto. This was the area’s first café-bar and when it opened in 1991 its designer decor gave Canal Street’s older venues a kick up the cobbles. Today it’s as posey and as popular as ever. Manto is where Manchester’s queer clubbers come up before moving on. The thumping tunes attract a mixed mob out for a mental time. Often frequented as a prelude to Paradise Factory. On Saturday night Manto reopens at 2.30am and kicks on until 6am. The New Union is to The Village what Ken Barlow is to The Street. It’s been around forever. And like Ken, The Union hasn’t changed much over the years. It remains a traditional space for traditional tastes. Entertainment includes a cabaret and a disco. Attracts scallies. Nearby in Richmond Street, is Company. Advertised as “Manchester’s ONLY gay male members bar”, Company attracts leather chaps in leather chaps. This dingy basement bar seems to be a hangout for grizzly geezers only and is no place for pretty boys. Pub furnishings include a hoist. Free sandwiches on a Sunday afternoon. QUEER CLUBBING Cruise across the car park toward Major Street and you’ll spot Cruz 101. A members only club (you can become a member on the door or via the net), Cruz tellingly sells itself as a safe gay space. Attracts Lancashire lads into pop and poppers. Around the corner in Princess Street is Mutz Nutz: “Home of Poptastic”. A somewhat schizophrenic space, the massively popular Poptastic has both an indie room and a pop-trash room. Expect an unpretentious pissed mix. But be warned. The in-between alcove produces a cacophony that will make your brain bleed. | |
 | Further down Princess Street is the infamous Paradise
Factory. Housed over three levels, Paradise continues to pump it out for the
pill-poppers. In the basement there’s a small stage for big show-offs and a video
screen which connects to the net so you can see what’s going on in other clubs around
the country. Chances are, the people on the screen will be having more of an upbeat time
of it. Paradise isn’t what it was. These days it tends to be half full with a mixed
crowd that’s half hearted. In contrast, the crowd at Essential go like the clappers. Manchester’s newest dance space operates a door policy that ensures 80 percent of its customers are gay. And whether in the upstairs bar, or down below on the main floor, they boogie down and whoop it up. As kicking as it gets. Churns out the choonz till 4am. |
| For a quieter time of it head to The Village’s newest bar, Gigai. Situated in Sackville Street, Gigai is the perfect place to flake out. With ambient sounds and swanky sofas, acting laid back couldn’t be easier. Occasionally visited by Corrie stars so seems to be the place not only to be serene, but seen. If you can't get to Manchester you could enjoy the Manc scene with a complete Queer As Folk DVD or video set. | |