A versatile venue offering everything from up to the minute sounds to bespoke cocktail menu & fantastic food
Average Reviews
About
ONBAR is our first venue venture outside of London, this site launched in May 2015 on Manchester's World Famous Canal Street.
We believe in constant re-invention which is why we have been world leaders in Gay Venues & Clubbing for decades and this ethos is continuing in Manchester's ONBAR, our all day venue from lunch food and drinks to early hours of the morning we are the perfect setting.
A versatile venue offering everything from up to the minute sounds to bespoke cocktail menu & fantastic food.
ONBAR is a family owned business with a dedicated Manchester team - we look forward to seeing you!
Can not give a good review because I was not allowed in, perfectly sober, well dressed but the bouncer thought I was straight so therefore gave me some rubbish about single entry not allowed. Discrimination laws work both ways and I will be taking it further. Just for your information I am a gay guy who just happens to be straight acting. With the smoking ban coming these pubs will loose 12% of trade but this obviously does not bother them.
Same old story with this place, the bouncer with the blond hair completely ruins the vibe. I watched him as he refused a few different people entry over the course of a few minutes for absolutely no reason. Guy’s on a power trip putting small D energy out everywhere.
Refused entry by incredibly rude and smug bouncer who claimed that I had had too much to drink (this was early in the night and I was completely sober). When me and my friend asked if he was kidding since we couldn’t believe him, he claimed that my pupils were too wide and that he could tell by my demeanour that I was clearly too drunk. Absolutely awful treatment and clearly just selectively refusing entry to people without any valid reason.
every time i go, the same bouncer (blonde with a buzzcut) tells me i can’t come in because my pupils are too big? i don’t do drugs nor have i been under the influence of alcohol and i think its very unprofessional. every single bar other than this one lets me in perfectly fine.
Came in on a Sunday night and was met at the door with two amazing, polite and very attractive bouncers, the drinks were reasonably priced and the music was a vibe, overall great experience!
just wanted to give a bit of a feedback on the event that we have had turned up to tonight. The brunch states 4 pm until 8 pm. Which was the Beyoncé show. The brunch started close to 5 and was only on until 7pm. We have had to pay for drinks in the end as I've been told it's not paid for. Well, we have paid 50 pound for a brunch that wasn't even fully covered? The food had arrived. We have been given chips and burger? the lady has come up and gave us the food. Without asking which girl has the diary free option and there was only two of us? They didn't ask which one can't have it before handing me the food. Which is really disappointing because I strictly can't have diary. I had to question the waitress myself. The brunch and the girls were great but I feel like we didn't pay what we were ment to pay for. We paid over £100 for what exactly? The brunch started late and finishing early. Feel like it hasn't been what we expected which is really disappointing night, and asked us to pay for drinks because it didn't include it? So the money we paid for what was it for exactly !We won't be returning surely as I feel like we didn't get our moneys worth, infact, we have wasted it. And had to pay nearly £30 towards it.
Went to OnBar this evening with my friend, came all the way from Glasgow just for this establishment as the bartender Jay had recommended it. No regrets whatsoever! Jay was very accommodating, approachable, knowledgable about the drinks and undoubtedly made us feel very welcome tonight. I’ll most definitely be back - cheap drinks, good shots & outstanding service! Thanks again to Jay & team. X 🩷
Great place for a night out, no issues whatsoever! Soo welcoming! The security staff are exceptional! I lost my wallet at the begining of the night and the bouncer (Corey I think he's name is) great lad, picked it up for me and kept it with him safe until he saw me and passed it over to me.Great people. Great staff. Great night out!
Looked a nice busy bar from outside so joined the queue which was moving very slowly. Noticed the group in front of us being thoroughly questioned before going in. When we got to the bouncer, he was rude and refused us entry for no good reason. His customer service skills were shocking, he was just picking and choosing who he wanted to let in for no apparent reason
Gabby, who was working behind the bar, was an absolute angel! She gave me and friends such lovely, friendly service front the second we got into the club. I lost my phone and when it was handed to the bar she immediately came and found me in the smoking area and gave it back! Such amazing staff and beautiful vibes!!! Love it!!
Nice a place and beautiful view it’s famous as queer as folk been there and I do enjoying myself and nice a good respectful staff there and warmly welcomed for all proud peoples pride
6 gay lads all having a great night, we was going to call in on bar, we didn't even get to the door before one of the bouncers denied us entry, he said he didn't have to have a reason after one of the lads an ex bouncer asked why.Why have such an angry attitude to people enjoying themselves.There wasn't a single person in the bar, so they are only losing custom for the landlord, we were spending over £40 a round, so if they can afford to turn this down then they obviously don't need to do much trade.This bouncer needs to move on to another job that makes him happier as he obviously isn't happy here.
Tbh, 1 star might be unfair because the cocky door staff wouldn't allow 3 of us (all gay men) in. Weird! We were all sober but the doorman refused entry and was just an obnoxious goon. Seems other reviews tell of other peeps having the same experience. Thank goodness for the old bars where gays feel welcome... NewYork, Centre Stage, Union...this venue seemed not at all inclusive in its entry policy... what a shame if LGBT+ in the village is going this way
We always visit Onbar when we venture to village i even take my mum. There's a Great atmosphere, music and the staff are lovely. the Door staff are great. we were there a few weeks ago and had an issue with a group of lads outside door staff got on the radio and told other bars about a group of trouble causers in the area, got rid of them and made sure we were safe. everytime we went out for a smoke they would chat to us about our night and gave us a few bar recommendations when we said we were moving on.
I love this place. The bar staff are all welcoming and have excellent customer service , the door staff are great making sure you feel welcome and safe full of smiles and laughs never had a bad experience here and I’ve been going for over 6 years🫶🏽
I dont ever post on these things but I really thought I MUST in this case. I add to another reviewer called 'MS' point about discrimination against single men. Tonight I was refused entry as a single man. The bouncers told me this was 'policy' which fits with 'MS' review. I subsequently managed to speak to the bar manager who apologised and told me it was not policy, but he refused to ask the bouncers for an apology, or to get them to acknowledge any wrongdoing, or to allow me entry. Another visitor, and her boyfriend, were denied entry even for speaking to me. I went home, lay on my bed, and cried. As a 38 year old man I have never been so humiliated in my life, and in a place that I thought was my safe space. End of. Please do not visit this place, I cannot understand how bar management do not understand the pain they are causing people. Take care real people X
Drinks are reasonable price, people are friendly including bar staff. what’s off putting is the bouncers attitude on the door.( needs to be re-trained customer service) Very blunt and rude. No customer service skills at all. Seem to be on some power trip. Selectively letting individuals in but telling other people they have to be in a couple but letting over people in individual 🤔okay
For a bar that had about 10 customers can you really afford to be so discriminatory to actual gay men. Last night I saw a customer refused entry for being on his own, do u know how people stop being on their own? By coming to gay bars and socialising. It’s a disgrace
As someone that is recently single, recently lost a parent and a sibling, I decided to head out and spend some time alone in a village I am meant to feel safe (as a gay man) I was refused entry as Tey don't allow 'single entry'
Used to be my fave place to go in the village however I will NOT be going here again unless the security change. They are homophobic and rude! I have been going to the village for over 10 years and NEVER been spoken to the way the new security did to me on Wednesday night. AVOID AVOID AVOID. If I could give 0 stars I would!
The bouncer was so rude no manners at all decides to kick you out with no reason at all, Me and my girlfriend ordered a beer and went out for a smoke he asked us to leave the drinks inside my girlfriend asked him could we put it on a side near to his station he told her do as told and shut up .! It was quite a shocking way I asked him to speak with ladies in a better way he decided that both aren’t allowed to enter back inside and I asked him politely to meet the manager since that he didn’t have manners he said I’m the boss here no manager is available at this time , So it ended up I paid for my drinks and didn't even manage to have it. The place has nice vibes, good music but This bouncer needs to understand how to respect people and to be more professional and that would be my last visit to your bar Thank you !
Dreadful mine show part of bottomless brunch. Awful good insipid Prosecco and a most awful selection of people girating not dancing and miming to loud music. Shocking. Also smells. Loads of people left.
Attended the venue with friends and colleagues recently. Upon leaving I realised that I had left my bag inside with valuable belongings, such as a branded card holder, a passport, my insulin and my house keys. It took me over two days to speak with a human being. Upon calling them, I was originally informed that only the passport had been found. As I went on to question them further, they miraculously found some of my other belongings. I expressed that if they had all of these things, they must also have my bank cards. I was immediately asked if I was possibly referring to a card holder that I hadn't yet even described to them. Once all of these things had been located, the only thing missing was the bag itself. Today when visiting to collect my items, I was advised that the bag hadn't yet been found. Whilst someone went to get my things, the cleaner approached me and asked if I was there to collect a black bag that I had lost. Agreeing to them, the cleaner went through a different door to get the bag she was referring to. Whilst the cleaner was out of view, the other member of staff arrived in which I informed them of what the cleaner had just asked. I was told not to listen to the cleaner as she doesn't speak much English and that she was likely asking me for a black 'bin' bag for her cleaning duties. Once the cleaner had returned, they were incredibly confused that the bag they had clearly found, was not where they had left it. It also seems strange to me that all of the possessions that had been inside of the bag I lost, were now all grouped together in what looked like an evidence/clear bag, yet my actual bag was not located. It's like I played hide and seek with my belongings whilst attending your venue and then allowed you two days to piece it all together. I have read previous reviews surrounding lost/stolen property at this venue and I have also had conversations with others who have had similar happenings. I understand that it was my own fault leaving my things behind ,which in turn started this ordeal, however, I will not be returning to ON Bar given their lack of empathy, transparency and what felt incredibly suspicious in the way it was handled.
What a fantastic night. Food 10/10 hot , fresh and tasty just the way the I like. Atmosphere was soo good. Very interactive. Can't wait to come back again
Bar staff and on site photographer were lovely. I had left my keys in the club and only noticed when security were the only ones left inside. They took the opportunity to intimidate me into agreeing to write a review before returning my flat keys to me. Overall good time but the bouncers have questionable morals to say the least.
Took over an hour to be served. All the staff just kept disappearing from behind the bar. When I finally placed an order the waitress had no idea what she was doing and basically had to get the manager to make all of our drinks. They also ran out of Hells. Not planning to go here again.
Yesterday I had an awful experience at on bar. During the day, me and my partner were frequently coming in and out of the bar to purchase drinks/use the toilet whilst enjoying the pride street party. Suddenly, as it turned 8pm, the bouncers began to claim that you could only be let into the bar with a wristband. Baring in mind, 5 minutes earlier, they had let me and my partner enter the bar to use the toilet/purchase drinks. I was very confused about the sudden change in attitude as to who could/couldn't enter the club, especially as they hadn't asked to see anybody else's wristband as we were entering. I questioned the bouncers as to why they had a sudden shift in attitude as to who could enter, then, out of no where, a female bouncer wearing sunglasses who was working yesterday, grabbed me and shoved me towards the street. Her attitude was awful. I have honestly never met a more disrespectful bouncer in my life. She had no right to handle me like that, especially since they were being so inconsistent with their rules. If you are the manager of on bar, then please do properly vet the people you hire as not only was she intimidating, she was extremely rude and caused a lot of distress and upset to me and my partner yesterday.
Been coming to the gay village for over 15 years and this place lied about it being a ticketed event they also breached pavement licensing and glass was thrown from the balcony. And before the manager wants to make a sarcastic comeback, I have a video it. This place is gentrified it's gay friendly only it's not a gay bar anymore.
The place is okay, but got attacked by one of the bouncers, who was barging into me all night, then just as I was about to leave she grabbed my hair and threw me out onto the floor outside, then ran back in, the other bouncers were laughing at me and refused to give me her name to make a complaint
AVOID security are constanly picking fights with punters. They'll walk up behind them, deck them and then drag them out. They're currently being investigated by the police for assault, battery and false imprisonment. They also haven't registered their CCTV with the ICO so if you've been in, the've violated your data protection rights.
Avoid! Extremely rude male bald barman. Went there for the first time in years on Saturday, and we will never return. I can see from other reviews that people have had similar issues with with this guy before. Spend your money elsewhere
Amazing bar in Manchester canal Street and the gay village. Great atmosphere and vibes. The staff were amazing. Great drinks and music. And the drag queens were amazing.
A racist club. I was going to enter with my friends white and black. All the white getting in the place but us black they said not. It’s funny because we all dressing well. They had nothing to say because we have never been there. They try to say is not about color because it’s a "gay bar". Shameless
I wish I could give 0stars. The service is so bad, they don’t serve you, they just stare at you . Impolite and unprofessional!!!!!I asked for a Vodka and Red Bull and she gave me just Red Bull!Thanks god the other guy ( long black hair and blue eyes) was so nice and understood her mistake and kindly got me the right drink
Had a good time there, prices are ok, but jeez so many straight men, it was unbearable! I went with my friend and we had to keep telling men off because they were hitting on us. Made me feel very uncomfortable when over 80% of gay village that night was straight men just starring at us. It's not the bar's fault of course, but it definitely ruined our night.
The worst fckin welcome Eva! Got denied coz they thought I was 2 drunk.. Wot rly annoyed me is that these lickle boys judged me. I was rockin in ere bk in the 90s wen it was Breakfast Club. Rude disrespectful boys on the door not Men, BABIES!
Came early on - wasn’t very busy, bald white bar staff member serving all the men before us, no matter how many females at the bar. Had to correct the order he made me 3 times due to him not listening correctly (it wasn’t loud) and was incredibly rude the entire time, rolling his eyes etc. Floors incredibly sticky, it’s a shame as I’ve always had a great time coming here. Although, DJ on fire as always.
Went here for a meal with the state legislator Cindy we decided to have a few cocktails it was very bad quality stuff... The staff were very unfriendly and nasty to me and Cindy.. we won't be bad again
9/7/2022: Disgusting place. No regard for anyone. The staff is ridiculous and the staff misbehave with customers including misbehaving with girls. Very racist staff. Not to forget stinking toilets and sticky floors and tables. The staff just throw the drinks from customers hands and get physically abusive.Utterly shameful place. Please dont go if you are not white.The people in the picture below just come to you, say no reason and take you by your collar and hit and scratch you if they are bored on duty and need attention. (With no proof of identity or manners)
Can’t even give 1* . My humble request if you aren’t white never go there it’s not for you. They will throw away with no reason and kick you out m. Nobody is gonna listen to you. Same thing you are gonna expect from me in the future
always have such a blast here! love the vibes and staff are super friendly too. music isn’t too loud and the bouncers are really nice. probably the safest place i’ve felt at canal street / gay village.
Mature 40+ couple told we couldn’t go in as they were full (after enquiring why we were not allowed entry). As LGBTQ venue owners we are more than aware of relevant licensing laws & criteria involving health & safety & capacity. The venue was definitely not full & people entering around us. Obviously our faces didn’t fit!! We’d literally had 1 drink before arriving. Happy to have spent our money at all the other accommodating venues on Canal Street. Needless to say we won’t be returning or recommending. Think management need to get a grip of security staff.
Went in with my girlfriend last night had an amazing experience so far and was a lovely night so far. We left for another place and decided to come back later as we enjoyed it that much. As soon as we went in we went to the toilet (unisex) we both went in the same cubicle as we always do and had done earlier that night in the bar. A guy staff then told us to come out so I came out straight away and stood outside where he then radioed for security and when security came up he asked them to escort us out of the bar. I was utterly confused and disgusted as we’d already been in earlier in the night and had no problems and I came out the toilet when asked but still got security on us! Will not be going back in a hurry
Want to preface this by the fact the vast majority of people here were lovely - the experience was let down by one of the Drag Queens (Smiley Virus I think) kicking my friend in the back from stage for no reason.She was incredibly aggressive and tried to play it off as a joke, however it was a ridiculous thing to do and completely out of order. The female bouncer witnessed this happen and simply laughed - thought they were hired to keep people safe and ensure people are behaving themselves? As a club that prides itself on creating a safe and inviting space this experience was way off the mark.To make things worse the Drag Queen started shoving her competitors off stage during the lip sync battle - very immature and embarrassing.Shame the night was marred this way as the rest of the bar team were very nice & the music was great.
Amazing bar ! Amazing door staff a shame the same can’t be said for “G A Y” next door and their discriminating door staff… will definitely return to “on bar” the same can’t be said for next door avoid at all costs and go to “on bar” it’s a million times better and they do not discriminate!!
Came here on a Thursday early evening, ordered two cocktails on the deal and paid by card...then waited. Fifteen minutes later and still no drinks.There was nobody else waiting to be served and only one other couple in.After waiting a little longer I enquired where our drinks were, as we had to get a train shortly and didn't have time to wait twenty minutes for a drink.They said the WiFi was down.Which meant the machine they used couldn't work? I don't understand how we were about to pay via a card machine, but everything else wasn't working.I coils physically see the ingredients for the cocktails behind the bar, I'm not sure why they could not have just poured them into a shaker and made the drinks.So instead of apologising and asking if we'd like something else - I suggested if we have something else instead.I asked for a beer which also wasn't working when they tried to pull a pint.To be fair I picked a different beer and they gave us a half each while we waited for free, and then when we couldn't wait any longer as another ten minutes went by - a double rum and coke to try make up for the £12 worth of cocktails we had already paid for but not received.That should have just been fine, except the Cole was flat and tasted awful.If I hadn't been rushing to catch a train that night, I wouldn't have minded waiting as much - but yoo should not have to wait 20-30mins for a drink in a bar in which nobody else is waiting.Poor service, poor drinks, overall poor.Hopefully the problem for fixed and it got better the rest of the day.
Poor service from security. Control every movement where you dance. Always half empty due to lack of, or increase of fun police. You want to have good music but lack of movement. This is the place 🙂
Great bar. It wasn’t too busy on a Thursday night, and we got a couple of nice drinks. The staff are friendly, and the place is well decorated. They had a nice looking cocktail menu too. I’d definitely come back here.
This bar is on Canal Street This bar And there is plenty of seating and lots of outdoor seating as well. And they do food as well. staff was friendly.Nice...
My first visit to this newly opened bar, and what a massive disappointment! I had such great high hopes for the place. I'd walked past a few weeks ago to...
Excellent bar made cocktails , and happy he 3-8pm bogof- great quality, quirky glasses. great venue. 3 floors. Outdoor waitress service on the lawned area!...
On Bar Manchester reviews from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIsGay
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