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Via Canal Street
Bars

Via Canal Street

Big Canal Street pub for food, drinks and live queer cabaret

Manchester, UK
3.9
943 reviews

Neighbourhood

Manchester

Category

Bars

Vibe

LGBTQ+, Pub +6

Official website

About Via Canal Street

Via is one of the landmark venues on Manchester’s Canal Street. Its dark wood interior, multiple areas and waterside tables give it the scale of a proper pub, while a busy entertainment programme keeps it firmly rooted in the Gay Village. The venue opens from midday, serving food and drinks throughout the day before drag cabaret, live performers and DJs push the atmosphere towards a bigger night out. It works equally well for lunch, early evening drinks or staying until late. The crowd is broad and mixed, especially on weekends and during major Village events. Book ahead for food or a table at peak times, and check the what’s-on page for the latest show.

What to expect

A large and lively LGBTQ+ pub with food, canal-side tables, drag cabaret, live entertainment and late weekend DJs.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Food is served daily, with kitchen hours shorter than bar hours
The venue has outdoor tables beside the canal
Friday and Saturday close at 03:00; other nights close at 02:00

Gallery

Location

Via Canal Street

28–30 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3EZ, UK

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.2

943 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    3.9
  • Google Maps
    4.2

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Featured Google Maps reviews

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

Becky Chard
Becky Chard

2 months ago

Came here with a friend in the afternoon and grabbed a drink outside. It’s lovely sitting by the canal in the sun! My first time here I went into order some drinks and the person serving made it seem like a hassle they had to walk to the other side of the bar ( I was at the entrance of the venue and walked upto the bar) wasn’t that friendly or polite. Let it down a little as I thought I’d get some happy service! Start of the day and all that! The floors were quite sticky as well. Bathrooms were clean and tidy and lovely decor inside

Review from Google Maps

Kresha Monzon
Kresha Monzon

2 months ago

We loved the vibe of the crowd! The drag show was also great. Just noticed that some of the bartenders are so serious. I'm used to friendly/chatty ones in the US. But nevertheless, we had fun. Will surely comeback when we're in Manchester.

Review from Google Maps

Luke Conway
Luke Conway

8 months ago

Just wanted to share my thoughts after visiting that pub. The atmosphere was spot on – really nice and buzzing with good vibes 😊. The venue itself looks lovely and clean, which is always a massive plus 👍. However, I have to say, the prices were a bit of a letdown, especially at £5.60 a pint 😕. Bit steep if you ask me! Still, might be worth it for the ambience. What do you reckon? Cheers! 🍺

Review from Google Maps

Leon Barnfield
Leon Barnfield

10 months ago

Wow, wow, wow... What an amazing Gay Bar on Canal Street, Manchester. We all attended this bar for afternoon drinks. The weather was good enough to sit outside, the Halloween decorations were totally amazing. We shall always visit this place when in Manchester and we were lucky enough to meet the guy that did the Halloween decorations, he also does the Christmas ones too.

Review from Google Maps

Bell End
Bell End

6 months ago

Bit disappointed I couldn't swap a fizzy drink for a pot of tea with the £8 lunch deal. The chicken goujon wrap was fantastic btw! Lovely place & the staff were helpful too!

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
12 September 2026
Listed in
Manchester › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google