Queering the Alphabet: An A-Z Guide to Gay Manchester

Forget what you learned in primary school - we're about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Manchester's LGBTQ+ scene, from A to Z!

Whether you're a local looking to spice up your routine or a visitor ready to paint the town red (and orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple), this queer-tastic guide has got you covered.

A is for Afflecks

A quirky labyrinth of indie shops in North Quarter, Afflecks is where you'll find everything from queer literature and Pride merch to cute cafés.

B is for Bar Pop

A lively LGBTQ+ venue in the heart of the Gay Village, Bar Pop serves up fabulous drag shows and cheeky drink deals all year round.

C is for Canal Street

The beating heart of Manchester's Gay Village, this pedestrianised street is a rainbow-hued paradise of bars, restaurants, and queer joy.

D is for Diecast

Diecast is a new creative neighbourhood, home to Manchester's biggest beer garden, House of Daiquiri, Rum Town, Open Air BBQ Kitchen and a new ‘NeoPan’ Pizzeria.

E is for Eagle Bar

Manchester's men-only members' bar, Eagle Manchester provides a safe space for the community to explore in a Victorian-meets-industrial setting.

F is for Frontrunners

The Manchester Frontrunners is an inclusive LGBTQ+ running club where joggers and marathoners alike pound the pavement in fabulous company.

G is for G-A-Y Manchester

A two-floor party paradise where pop tunes and music videos reign supreme, attracting a diverse crowd from students to suits. G-A-Y Manchester features a popular rooftop terrace in summer.

H is for HOME

HOME is a performing arts theatre and cultural hotspot showcasing provocative and playful art, with a strong line-up of LGBTQ+ performances with a smashing café to boot.

Iconic Bar

A gin lover's paradise in the Gay Village, boasting the city's second-largest collection and hosting regular themed nights for weekend revellers.

J is for John Rylands Research Institute and Library

A breathtaking neo-Gothic gem housing rare books and manuscripts - it's like Hogwarts for history buffs!

K is for Kiss Me Again

Kiss Me Again is a bi-monthly queer club night in one of Manchester's finest basements, serving up eclectic tunes by a slew of talented DJs for discerning night owls.

L is for the LGBTQ+ Heritage Trail

The Manchester LGBTQ+ Heritage Trail is a rainbow-tiled walk through queer history, making Manchester one of the few cities to proudly display its queer past on the pavement.

M is for Manchester Pride Festival

The city's biggest LGBTQ+ party, painting Manchester in rainbow colours every August with parades, music and poignant moments.