New Union Hotel

Name: New Union Hotel
Address: New Union Hotel, Princess Street, Manchester, UK, Manchester
Telephone: +44 161 870 0031
Rating: 3.9

Fun, friendly & entertaining!

Average Reviews

About

Established c1860, the New Union Hotel was one of the first openly gay venues in the city. We are a Hotel and Showbar in the heart of Manchester's vibrant Gay Village on Canal Street with a fun and lively atmosphere, awesome DJs, karaoke, the best drag cabaret in Manchester and themed nights.

We are a family run pub/hotel in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant gay village! The New Union Hotel was one of the first openly gay venues in the city offering something different to its patrons and to this day we continue to offer something for everyone.

Whether it’s a quiet pint in the pub with a game of pool during the day or if you like to dance the night away in to the early hours, you’ve found the right place. With drag queen DJ’s through the week and a fantastic cabaret show on a Sunday, The New Union Hotel really is a place for carefree fun and leaving your inhibitions at the door.

We also offer clean, no frills hotel rooms all with their own modern en-suite. All rooms have access to free WiFi, complimentary tea & coffee as well as a wall mounted television and memory foam mattresses to ensure a comfortable nights stay.

Photos

Reviews

3.9

Based on 991 reviews

Antonia Siddall

10:49 28 Apr 25

Just what you need, rooms are basic but clean and the hotel is right in the middle of everything. Weird system of having to ring in the morning to checkout as the reception isn't staffed the whole time, but they came up very quickly.Separate entrance to the pub once you are checked in and have your key, feels much safer for those worried/solo travelling.They do accept card payments for the £20 deposit unlike what Booking.com says, minus a small amount to cover the fee they pay.

Isalan Khan

16:39 22 Apr 25

I recently stayed at the New Union Hotel and had a fantastic experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff was welcoming and attentive, ensuring a smooth check-in process. The hotel’s location is ideal—close to major attractions, dining, and public transport, making it convenient for both leisure and business travelers.The room was clean, comfortable, and

Ramm

12:43 16 Apr 25

My stay at the New union Hotel was on Wednesday, the 15th of April 2025. We are welcome to the hotel by the bar staff and showed where the reception area is where we were greeted by an exceptionally lovely lady who not only handle our booking professionally, but also give us an extensive tour of the building itself and allowed us to have a choice of multiple different rooms. All renovated rooms are beautifully decorated with nice solid wood doors. The smell of fresh paint in the air beds were not only comfortable but provided with a nice thick Duvet it would’ve been nice to have an extra two pillows but the two were fine. It was only put our heads down for the night. We where also pre-warned about loud music until 2 am which didn’t seem to bother us in a single way as we couldn’t hear it. It was nice to have a pre-warning about loud music and not just dealing with it on the night. On leaving the new union hotel, we were again greeted by the receptionist who gave me a great price on my next stay there For the location of this hotel for anyone wanting to stay very close to Canal Street where you can’t get any closer than actually being on it within this hotel

Helen Armstrong

10:11 16 Feb 25

Omg my stay was unbelievableThe rooms were so clean and tidyThe staff were amazingWe will be coming again and again very soon

Aleksandra Paluch

19:48 11 Feb 25

The room was all dusty and dirty. There was no hot shower or heating, which meant we had to sleep in coats. There is no proper reception so the heating issue couldn’t be reported during the stay. You have to pay £20 deposit for the key, which is a bit ridiculous. The location is great, but that is probably the only benefit

Toni Lawrenson

17:49 02 Feb 25

It's a brilliant bar with mostly great staff. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get much sleep as it was like trying to sleep on the dance floor so loud and noisy and music only stopped at 6 am . Staff really unhelpful when asked about the noise ! Really disappointing won't be staying there again!

Darrell Johnson

14:29 18 Jan 25

It’s been twenty years since I visited The New Union! It was always the heart of the Gay village. Unfortunately it is not no more 😢 It feels more like an old mans heterosexual public house. Absolutely heartbreaking to see. Different owners, and the stage and dance floor area locked off in the daytime with metal shutters- and a snooker table put up in place of the locked up dance floor section. The end of an era for The New Union. Unfriendly staff, smashed lights above the bar, and a very dark gloomy and smelling of damp seating area. I don’t know what this place is now, but it’s not The Union. I went here every weekend from the age of eighteen until I was about thirty five. It was brilliant - always a banging night out. RIP - The New Union..

Shaunie “Starman”

17:33 15 Dec 24

I always like the union. Though it doesn't really get going until late at night, with the early hours of the morning being the key time.I loved the shows and the dancing.I briefly chatted to a few people here, which was nice, though i do think mostly, people keep themselves to themselves in most bars in Manchester now.Still one of my go to venues in the village.

Francis Laverty

18:52 02 Nov 24

Visited the New Union bar. There was a drag act on stage who was a great singer. He was replaced by music from the DJ. The overall atmosphere is good if a little lacking when considering how good this once was.

Jakub Kurczyna

08:40 17 Oct 24

Brilliant location in the heart of Manchester, chose it due to proximity to O2 Ritz, but feels like everything else is also on the doorstep. A couple minutes walk from Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly railway stations.

Matt H

21:10 22 Sep 24

We popped in for a pint while staying over night in Manchester, and we really enjoyed our visit. The staff were welcoming and beer was good, will definitely visit again!

Christian R

18:13 04 Sep 24

The iconic New Union, the first bar you see when entering the vilage from the Oxford Road Atrain station end of town. Close to all the other bars and actually on Canal Street itself, this bar holds memories when Canal Street was booming and growing and everything was exciting. Unfortunately The New Union hasn't managed to keep up with the rest of the street either with effort or investment. It's a shadow of its former self when it was packed every weekend and hosted by the Famous Roxy Heart. The service by the staff was quick and friendly, as always, and drinks no more expensive than anywhere else. But the area we sat in wasn't very appealing, surrounded by flies on the wall near the games machines that sat unused. The customers were of an older base and it felt more like a locals hang out than the vibrant exciting place it once was. It needs reinventing and investment, but who can really afford that these days. I've not seen it busy here for years, unfortunately. I used to love it here.

Derek Hilton

22:51 13 Aug 24

Been going in this bar many years ideal spot in the gay village. Was a hot day and was nice to sit outside.

John Hampson

13:55 09 Aug 24

Had a great stay with my partner. Been going to The New Union.gor years didn't realise it had room. Stayed for 3 nights.Had no issues. Staff were very helpful and on hand with any issues we had.Will definitely be coming back. Highley recommend.

Megan Jackson

02:07 27 Jul 24

The girl on the front door was rude on the 26th was rude and disrespectful as soon as I walked through the door making a comment about my gender. She has black hair and is quite young and was really discriminating. I won’t be coming back until this is dealt with.

Paul Garstang

12:28 18 Jul 24

Went to manchester for the day and ended up staying for the night with a friend.We walked in and was given a room there and then.Staff really nice room was spotless.Went for a night out came back and slept really well.Went home day after.Will definitely be back again.

Faye Battle

19:27 17 Jun 24

Great pub/club for end of the night . Fri/Sat open til 7am ! During the day has a pool table and punching machine . At night has a DJ and space at the back for seating . Prices can be a little high but thats expected on canal street. Very close to lots of other bars including others open til the early morning such as , Cruz101 and Satans

Lewis Marr

22:20 07 May 24

Excellent service and excellent quality Bar always loved it in hear thanks Guys Spot in pints good shots xxx

Marina García Macia

12:54 30 Mar 24

The place is ok, in a good central location. However it should be advertised that it is on top of the pub and the music will be sounding until 6 am.I love the idea of a refurbished toilet in a wardrobe!!

Mikey J

13:10 16 Mar 24

Very noisy! Don’t stay here if you want a quiet sleep. The bar downstairs was playing music until the early hours.I tried to get to sleep but I found myself singing along to Whitney Houston at 5am.The rooms are ok and it is well priced.

Paul Garstang

22:31 26 Feb 24

Went to manchester for the day and ended up staying for the night with a friend.We walked in and was given a rook there and then.Staff really nice room was spotless.Went for a night out came back and slept really well.Went home day after.Will definitely be back again.

sumaira mirza

13:03 22 Feb 24

Came with a family of 6 Did not get sleep because noise at pub and fire alarm came on and I felt quite itchy on bed

sumaira mirza

20:30 14 Feb 24

I WENT TO CHECK IN WITH A FAMILY OF 6 IN 2 SEPARATE ROOMS OF 3 BEDS THE MAN WHO TOOK US TO THE ROOM GAVE US QUIET ROOMS AND THE LADY SAW THAT WE WERE BOTH GOING TO THE OTHER ROOMS JUST TO CHECK UP ON OUR OTHER FAMILY WHICH THE LADY DID NOT LIKE AND GAVE US THE NOISY ROOMS INSTEAD SECOND OF ALL WHEN WE WENT TO OUR ROOMS ALL OF MY FAMILY WERE ITCHING SO MUCH WHEN THEY WERE LAYING DOWN IN THE BED WHICH WAS NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE THEY HAD BUGS WHICH I SAW 🐜🐜🐜🤮🤢AT ALL AND THE BED WAS SOO SQUEAKY EVERYONE WAS DISTURBED AND THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT FROM 10 TO 3 THE NOICY NIGHTCLUB WAS ON AND EVERYONE INCLUDING MY CHILDREN COULD NOT SLEEP AT ALL AND WHEN IT WAS 4AM THE FIRE 🔥🚒🔥🚒🔥🚒🔥TURNED ON TWICE WHICH WAS VERY DISTURBING AND NO ONE EVEN CHECKED UP THE ON US OR OTHER OF THE DORM MEMEBERS AND THEN WE. WENT BACK TO SLEEP AND IT TURNED ON AGAIN AND AFTER THAT MY FAMILY COULD NOT SLEEP FOR 1 DAY WE ALL CHECKED OUT UNSATISFIED WE WILL NEVER BE COMJNG BACK ❌❌❌❌

Andrew Richardson

07:46 12 Feb 24

Fab little find, rooms clean and comfortable, right at the end of Canal street, very short walk from Manchester Oxford Road train station.

Shaun “Starman”

11:24 04 Feb 24

I seem to always pop into here for a drink ever since I was visiting the village, which is over thirty years now! This place has not really changed much over the years. With trendy bars throwing themselves up all around the place, you can be sure that there is one constant. There is still the cosy chairs to have relaxed conversation. Pool tables and a friendly atmosphere. There is also the disco at the back, which opens up in the evening for all those who love the boogie. I like the touch of the safe sex packs on the bar as well ( not that I'll ever get that lucky). This and the Oscars bar are my favourites in the village.

Katarzyna “KARMEN” Mirowska

14:20 14 Dec 23

Very good location very friendly place to all family. Room very good condition, fresh clean every day and bar in downstairs.

Jonathan Coupland

22:06 05 Dec 23

An icon of Canal Street, the place is so much bigger than the outside presents. Wild and welcoming. Also open till 6 am!!!

Sam Deans

21:00 25 Nov 23

Great venue, great location. Rooms are above the bar - so expect some noise as late license. DJ and Karoake night I stayed. No problems getting to sleep though, comfy bed, great shower, tea/coffee, WiFi, TV, hairdryers available. Lovely ladylady ( lovely doggie too). Would definitely stay again.

Jay Lamb

12:25 14 Oct 23

Basic rooms above a busy bar. Music is very loud but they warn of this before you book. Nevertheless, unless you’re staying out till 6am, you’ll need earplugs to sleep! Doubt I would’ve had any shuteye without.Bathroom needs a little looking after (one tap not working, needs a new toilet seat and loo brush) but the room itself though compact was comfy. Pillows had a slight off putting odour.TV remote, iron, hairdryer available on request. Private entrance for guests if you don’t want to walk through the bar.Ideally situated for Piccadilly station and Manchester City centre. Based in Canal Street gay village for access to every other local venue! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Kira Emery

12:31 21 Sep 23

Annie was lovely! Came in before an interview for a coke and she wished me good luck. Very friendly atmosphere and great prices!

YAFEA ALYAFEI

02:32 13 Aug 23

Nice bar at the heart of Canal Street. Great vibes and music. It used to be a bar that's tailored to older men, but now it's more for hip young people. The prices are great for the drinks.

Kei F

12:52 13 Jul 23

We stayed here on a Friday night booked last minute as it was the cheapest place in city centre because the noise carries on till 6am. But for about £60 we really couldn't complain. The rooms were very clean and the staff accommodating! We used it as an opportunity to have a good night out ourselves and it went perfectly! Great choice for last minute

Josef Bilek

15:44 28 Apr 23

I would love to express my gratitude to the member of staff and her manager who works at the hotel. I messed up my booking and had to do some changes in it. They were both extremely helpful and kind while dealing with my issue and found the best solution possible. Thank you very much again.

Hayden Hayze

11:42 24 Apr 23

We stayed here for a weekend (Thursday - Sunday) and enjoyed our time here. It was pretty loud at night, but it was to be expected due to being above a pub/showbar. The staff were friendly and I felt incredibly safe despite it being a new experience for me. I absolutely would stay again!(They/He)

MADDOGLEP

12:50 20 Apr 23

First visit in many a long year..a first for Martin. No real ale ( seems to no longer exist in any of the Village pubs.) but a pleasant Strongbow. Pavement seating on Canal St. Big indoor area for the busy nightlife. Loud music.Took cash.

jason lee

19:53 01 Mar 23

Stayed here a number of times.Excellent staff, rooms clean. And location is perfect for shopping, food and drinks.

Alexandra Kafetzaki Apostolaki

11:59 15 Feb 23

It’s a nice hotel, great for LGBTQI+ and most stuff (if not all) are part of the community. However, it’s located in a busy area so I wouldn’t recommend if you have to wake up early in the morning.The building is old but it’s good if you’re in town for chill vacation and nights out.

Liam Binns

15:20 22 Jan 23

nice nightclub ❤️ this place the staff are lovely the rooms are clean and the bed is comfortable. The entertainment is also amazing you cant go wrong everything you need for a good time is right on your doorstep. Drinks prices are also reasonable.

Mark Hibbard

16:58 30 Dec 22

Was told in advance, twice, of music until the small hours, but honestly didn't expect zero chance of sleep until 05:45. Nice rooms and nice staff - but you will not sleep until nearly 6am guaranteed.

Rebecca Mather

00:54 11 Nov 22

Came to the bar tonight for the drag show. Had a wonderful time. Had to leave mid way through second part due to one of our party being ill. Sorry to the host, felt a bit rude leaving mid way.

James Rickman

17:05 16 Sep 22

Recently visited with a group of cis males and was welcomed with a rather agrresive MC. The evening was uncomfortable to say the least, as a newly 'out'd' man I would not recommend this establishment due to is uninclusive environment.

Jack Harris

17:26 16 Aug 22

Firstly, I'm reviewing the hotel, not the bar or club.Whilst the location is fantastic for Canal Street, the amenities within the room were extremely lacking. The bed sheets and towels were dirty, no bath mat on the floor, no toilet seat cover, no toilet brush, only a couple of hangars, no drawers to store your clothes (meaning we had to lay them on the floor) and the complete lack of finishing touches made the room feel like a less comfortable locker. The bath mat was particularly a strange point as their notice explicitly states to use it as otherwise it's a fall hazard but yet they do not provide one. The noise at night was insufferable too, although to be expected from the location, but the dumpsters full of glass bottles being emptied into trucks at 0700 was not the most pleasant noise to be awoken to. Furthermore, the noise didn't end at early morning but rather 0600 as the last guests trickled out, even on a Sunday, meaning the sleep was short, broken, and left us groggy the next day. Check in wasn't great either, having to stand in a noisy bar trying to get the solitary barmaids attention before being spotted by the presumed manager.Sadly, besides the location, I can think of nothing positive to say about this place, and would not recommend it to others as plenty of better hotels are within a short walking distance. I feel they've expanded into the motel business without properly being informed of what needs to be done to make it a pleasant stay.

Harriet R

11:10 10 Aug 22

DO NOT STAY HERE. Very poor experience staying at this hotel. They played loud music from early evening until 6am, staff greeted us but then charged a deposit for room keys which we weren't made aware off. Staff shouted down the halls outside the rooms. Bedroom door didn't shut correctly and overall didn't feel like a safe environment to stay in. They prioritise club attendees over hotel guests. The room did look clean but the shower gel and hand soap had separated along with a rip in the actual duvet itself along side several cracks, dents and damage on the walls. The scart cable hung from the TV and went into a connector which was placed between the outdoor window and the indoor window sliders. Cleaners came in everyday, cleaned everything and changed towels whether you wanted it or not. Sadly, we didn't feel safe enough to stay here another night even though we booked it and couldn't get a refund. Had to go up the road to premier inn and pay out more money.

Lucie Clark

12:09 20 Jul 22

I visited here last year in July. It was for a night out on Canal Street and I came across here. It was still in lockdown so everyone unfortunately seated at separate tables but that didn't stop us having fun. There was a drag queen who was DJing who was super funny, throwing patter with the crowd. She was also accommodating to any music requests. They operated an order through the app method for drinks which was really easy to use (perhaps too easy lol). The drinks were super affordable, not over priced at all.I can honestly say I had one of the best nights out in my life here. Would Definitely recommend visiting.

Stuart Gilmour

21:44 13 Jul 22

Just like to say a huge thank you to Leia and the other lovely person on duty today for your amazing hospitality, absolute credit to this pub both of you.Great to sit outside in the Sun ☀️ and watch the world go by.Thanks again from me aka @nakedcyclist, the free wilders and Graham

Raminta DiaMay

15:42 24 Jun 22

Nice staff, but room wasn’t too clean, we found shoe mark on our bed

The Great British Clothing Company

17:09 21 Jun 22

Iconic Manchester pub/ hotel, been drinking in here on and off for 30 years way back to Paradise Factory / Mantos / Queer As Folk days.Great day/ night out even if you aint a fruit.Friendly and fun and covered in bees of course.

Dan Howells

16:46 18 Jun 22

Friendly, fun no frills pub with dance floor…staff always very friendly

The Great British Clothing Company

14:25 24 May 22

Charlie Gross

09:22 16 May 22

Booked a hotel for 1 night in June for a set price. Had email confirmation and booking details sent.A week later they what’s app to say the hotel should have been set at £408 more than what we paid!Unless we would pay that the booking would be cancelled.No apology, no meet in the middle, nothing.Poor customer service.Hotel seemed over priced for the room anyway, but was the only hotel we could find.Wouldn’t recommend

Abbie Collinson

08:56 11 Apr 22

Room was really nice, and the lady looking after us who I believe was the manager was extremely friendly and really great hostess with even letting us keep our bags in the hotel as we did some shopping on check out day. Even with music playing downstairs which we could hear up in the room we all managed to sleep great. Would stay again

David Smallman

02:07 09 Apr 22

Freindly ' good entertainmentWith pool table

Joe Charrot

06:50 22 Jan 22

Just a review of the pub:Lovely little pub with a cosy atmosphere and comfy seating area.

Jason Huskie

19:33 15 Jan 22

The hotel is brilliant, clean and very homely, the best of everything is at your door step from partying to food from shopping to chilled areas very much recommended oh then you get the canal for walks down to castlefield on a summers day is recommended

Dean Rebanks

19:21 08 Jan 22

Blonde hair girl rood and miserable. All I can say is kat get a new job

Patrick A. Crawley

15:57 21 Nov 21

Anti-segregation.Excellent.That's an honest welcome.

Janine Armitage

13:53 03 Nov 21

Rang and got a room last minute after wanting to surprise my daughter to her first hotel room stay out on her own for her 20th birthday 2-11-21. Didn’t catch the ladies name (sorry) took her own time out and put balloons and birthday banner and confetti in the room. How beautiful of you to do that for her considering I hadn’t even thought about asking you. Such a beautiful heart you must have especially to go out of your way to make someone else smile. ( my daughters so shy so she prob just didn’t know how to react) she did love it though and asked me to thank you too for that… a lovely memory for a lovely first independent hotel stay. Thank u so so much… Janine x

Mitchell Knowles

16:38 25 Oct 21

I I had my hotel cancelled that morning on me by another place so I called up the New Union and wow they went above and beyond to make sure the 6 of us had a bed and somewhere to stay for a very reasonable price, I would fully recommend and will be back there myselfA big thank you to the team

Chris M.

21:11 25 Jan 17

I just sat in the corner bar here and it was fine. Nice mix of age groups. Gay and straight. Bartenders are friendly. I didn't even realize there was a...

Jaye J.

09:23 03 Mar 16

Clean, hotel has had a makeover since when I used to stay, adequate for a nice stay, great location for going out around the area, lovely staff, attentive,...

Chris F.

00:58 16 Nov 12

Tooloud, no ale..just a local keg bitter. Really didn't enjoy the place.

clearyourheart

12:48 28 Feb 10

New Union is a great night out, simple as that. Prices are cheap, the crowd is cheerful (mainly) and the cabaret show on a Sunday night is legendary....

Alfie B.

03:06 24 Jan 10

Yes indeed, New Union. From the outside it looks like a Royal British Legion or a small town Conservative club full of old codgers lamenting...

Haaay East Bay l.

03:01 14 Jan 09

Ah yes, found it. The New Union. The first-ranked trashiest gay magnet on Canal Street, but I friggin' loved it. Think heading inland from Barstow with a...

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