whereis.gay
The Rem Bar
Bars

The Rem Bar

Community Pub in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village

Manchester, UK
3.5
70 reviews

Neighbourhood

Manchester

Category

Bars

Vibe

Bears, Drag Show +1

About The Rem Bar

Located in Manchester’s Gay Village, on the corner of Canal Street and Sackville Street, The Rembrandt has an enviable location in the middle of Canal Street overlooking Sackville Gardens. As one of the longest established businesses in the area, The Rembrandt has been serving Manchester’s gay community for decades. Comprising of The Rem Hotel, The Rem Bar and Club Tropicana, The Rembrandt has something to offer everyone whether it’s a centrally located hotel for a lively night out in Manchester’s city centre, an established community pub or the lively Club Tropicana nightclub, with drag DJ’s playing 80’s and 90’s classics into the early hours throughout the weekend and the ultimate party space for your event during the week.

Vibes

Gallery

Location

The Rem Bar

REM Hotel, Sackville Street, Manchester, UK

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

3.4

70 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay, Google Maps and Yelp.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    3.5
  • Google Maps
    3.7
  • Yelp
    3.1

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Neil Kelly
Neil Kelly

3 months ago

RIP to the Manchester Gay Village. I’ve visited several times since being back, and each time the disappointment sinks deeper—like a cheap heel into a sticky carpet. ​The current vibe? Empty bars, dated decor, and faces so sour they could turn a fresh Margarita into a battery-acid cocktail. I popped into REM today and sat for less than two minutes. I wasn't even scrolling through TikTok; I was actually looking up their room rates because I was prepared to spend real money. Apparently, that was two minutes too long for the staff. A bartender swooped in with all the charm of a Victorian bailiff to tell me: “You can't just sit in here if you're not going to buy a drink. Either get a drink or get out.” ​I informed them I was actually planning on buying a whole lot more than a drink, but since their version of "Customer Excellence" feels like being interrogated at a border crossing, I’d take my business elsewhere. ​I thought queer spaces were meant to be a sanctuary where you could let the worries of life pass you by. Instead, I found a place where "Safe Space" apparently means "Mandatory Transaction within 60 Seconds." I’m heading back to the Northern Quarter, where the bars actually treat you like a human being rather than a loitering citation waiting to happen. ​ Advice to Management: If you want people to stay at your hotel, maybe don't kick them out of your bar before they can finish hitting "Book Now."

Review from Google Maps

David Stanford
David Stanford

a month ago

The best bar in the village by far. Great atmosphere, great staff, great choice of drinks, great entertainment. Definitely my first choice for a drink and a good time.

Review from Google Maps

Rome Hakobian
Rome Hakobian

3 months ago

Absolutely shocking experience. First time in Manchester and I chose this bar expecting a safe, queer friendly space, what a mistake. The bartender made me remove my sunglasses, then immediately refused to serve me for no reason. No explanation, just pure attitude. I left feeling embarrassed and unwelcome. Completely the opposite of what a queer space should be.

Review from Google Maps

James Ferran
James Ferran

3 years ago

Decent pub in the heart of Manchester’s LGBT village. It’s a hotel and has a bar upstairs but not been tho those. It got a refurb a few years ago which changed it for the better, seems to be just as good now. Music is good and it gets busy with regulars in the evening. Seems to be the place I meet my mates first when we go out. They allow dogs too which is great for me as can nip out for a pint when in town. Great outdoor area too which gets very busy.

Review from Google Maps

K De Groot
K De Groot

a year ago

I really like it here. Staff great and very helpful. Sometimes on Fridays (unsure about other nights) there is a brilliant, amazingly focused DJ, who is called Simon and he is ABSOLUTELY fantastic. I love dancing when he is on. His discs are spot on for me. There used to be a horribly unfriendly and rather unpleasant door man, a few years back - he seems to have disappeared and hasn't been around for some time - and so, because of that added bonus, I visit more often, once again. Yes, I see that bar staff are generally VERY busy and their job isn't always easy. I have read others' comments and can only convey my own experiences. In relation to the bar staff's burdens and their hardworking endeavours, I have never had a bad experience there, and it remains one of my favourite watering holes. The manager has always been very helpful and approachable. Thank you. The clientele is well mixed and Inam comfortable being in there. Thank you for EVERYTHING that you continue to provide, and have provided over many, many years, in this location. I have never eaten there, so cannot comment on food. Cheers!

Review from Google Maps

Featured Yelp review excerpts

Excerpts provided by Yelp. Read full reviews on Yelp.

Duncan W.

Duncan W.

30 Nov 2010

This is a man's man pub, well I think that is how they want to be known. The men only after 7 policy certainly helps this perception as it was becoming a...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Rebecca D.

Rebecca D.

28 Jan 2010

Though I haven't experienced The Rembrandt as a hotel, so can't speak for that side of it, I'm glad, if the service I received at the bar is anything to go...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Andy H.

Andy H.

23 May 2016

This bar is on Canal Street This bar And there is plenty of seating and lots of outdoor seating as well. The staff was friendly.

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Be the first to review The Rem Bar

Share your experience to help the LGBTQ+ community find great places.

Claim this listing

Own or manage this venue? Claim this listing to update details, photos, opening hours and contact information.

Help keep this listing accurate

Seen something wrong? Tell us if this venue has moved, closed, changed opening hours or needs an update.

Listing details

Last updated
23 November 2021
Listed in
Manchester › UK
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp