gay manchester

Manchester boasts one of the most stylish gay scenes in Britain. Set picturesquely alongside the water, glass fronted bars and restaurants make up what is known as 'the gay village' of Canal Street, Manchester’s main gay and lesbian street. Bar hop in the footsteps of Vince, Nathan and Stuart from the original 'Queer as Folk' or just chill out by the waterside. Is there a gayer city block anywhere in Europe? We don’t think so.

Should you manage to drag yourself away from 'the gay village', you will discover that this is a city that has reinvented itself. Modern Manchester expresses a truly contemporary metropolis, and as such, reveals a fresh canvas decorated with modern landmark buildings, a font of art and culture, great nightlife and world-class events, all making for a truly unique experience.

Experience a lazy afternoon stroll through the galleries, boutiques and rejuvenated Victorian streets of the funky Northern Quarter. Most of all, watch for the Mancunian approach to life – friendly, down to earth, never afraid to laugh at oneself and always with a wry eye for the humour of the situation.

Hip Hotels in Manchester

The Great John Street Hotel Customer June 16, 2005:"Great John Street is like nothing else Manchester has to offer. From the second you walk in, you are aware of the cool vintage style that is whispering to you. The guy on reception showed no sign of pretension that I have previously experienced staying in hotels of this standard, but instead a genuine warm welcome and an eagerness to help. Next you walk through the theatrical red curtains into a stunning bar and lounge mixing the old with the new all bathed in tasteful candle-light. The room itself was so beautiful. A split level suite with two (yes two) roll top baths side by side, an amazing hand carved sleigh bed and a few quirky little touches. After a luxurious night's sleep, we met for breakfast, which was cooked to perfection. (Try the Full Irish if you're hungry)."

The Lowry Hotel - 5* "Customer July 9, 2005: We've stayed at the Lowry many many times and it's always been nothing short of fabulous. The rooms are huge and the service is quite exceptional - from the receptionists, to the bar and restaurant staff - they're always brilliant. The attention to detail is superb also. Even if you never stay there, go for afternoon tea - it's the best. And if you do stay, the Eggs Bendict is killer."

Manchester Gay Village Hotels

Atrium by Bridge Street The Atrium by BridgeStreet Worldwide is a stylish apartment hotel overlooking Canal Street and is now a well established favourite with visitors to the Gay Village. The 116 luxury apartments which have been recently refurbished offer the comforts of home including designer bathroom, DVD, Hi-fi systems and a fully fitted kitchen. Special weekend rates are also available.

Malmaison Manchester Manchester outpost of the modern upscale hotel chain that started a style revolution in the UK hotel business. Essentially that means casual luxury, with individual design touches, a great French brasserie and a terrific location just a few steps away from the gay village and Canal Street.

Alias Hotel Rossetti

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by Stephen Grindrod pinkpassport crew