Gay Manchester Manchester City Guide

Capital of the North with a stellar reputation for arts and culture, Manchester is second only to thunder-stealer London when it comes to the best of Britain’s urban hubs. But unlike those mardy southerners, Mancunians are warm and welcoming, proud to introduce you to the scientific, musical, artistic and sporty achievements of their city. Formerly industrial but consistently progressive, Manchester leads where others follow. This makes the food scene a joy, where you can find everything from top-notch steaks to pucka street eats, allowing you to sample a bunch of flavourful international cuisine as well as hearty English fare, such as black pudding and pasty barms, before washing it all down with a local craft beer or cutting edge cocktail in a traditional pub. Aside from Manchester Pride in August, centred around the vibrant canal-side Gay Village, the city’s Queer Media Festival is another to watch out for in November, a unique celebration of queer storytelling in digital media. Confused about where to go and what to do in Manchester? Take our hand and let our Manchester gay travel guide lead the way.

The best hotels in Manchester

Let’s start this gay Manchester travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Manchester. Manchester happily mixes traditional hotels with contemporary boutiques. The Principal, the city’s latest addition, sees the infamous Palace Hotel transformed into a luxury residence. With its iconic Victorian clock tower, The Principal is a city centre landmark and was built as the Refuge Assurance Building in 1895. The multimillion-pound refurbishment retains and retells the building’s history.

The Midland, housed in a beautiful Edwardian Baroque Grade II listed building, is one of the city’s most iconic residences. Its location near the Town Hall is perfect for weekend stays.

If a more unusual rest is up your strasse, and why wouldn’t it be, the city has plenty to offer. The Great John Street Hotel, an eclectic townhouse occupying an old Victorian school, is one of the finest hotels in the UK with luxury rooms, stylish lounges, and an Oyster bar.

Hotel Gotham is the latest boutique opening, offering unashamed opulence in the city centre. In an imposing Art Deco building on King Street, designed by ‘Architect of the British Empire’ Edwin Luytens, its dramatic suites and OTT approach to interior design rival the world’s most unique hotels.

Alternatively, try the Lowry just over the river in Salford. This five-star behemoth has welcomed presidents and pop stars since it opened in 2001.