Gay Bar in Manchester

Guide To REM Bar

REM Bar holds a special place in Manchester's LGBT history as one of the oldest and most original gay male venues in the Gay Village. Established alongside the Rembrandt Hotel, REM Bar has been a staple of the community for years. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, attracting diverse patrons over the years.

The bar’s decor combines classic elements with contemporary touches, creating a unique ambience. Electric blue lighting sets the mood, while the dark and cruisy atmosphere adds to the allure of the venue. The friendly and attentive staff ensure that every visitor feels welcome and comfortable.

 

REM Bar
3.3
3.3 out of 5 stars (based on 32 reviews)
Excellent47%
Very good6%
Average13%
Poor3%
Terrible31%
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Business Types


  • Gay Bar

Theme Nights and Special Events

One of the highlights of REM Bar is its regular theme nights and special events. These nights are designed to cater to specific communities within the LGBT spectrum, such as bears, skins, and sports gear enthusiasts. Whether you’re into a particular subculture or simply looking for a fun and lively night out, REM Bar has something for everyone. Keep an eye on their event calendar to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

Belinda Scandals Showbar

Located above REM Bar, Belinda Scandals Showbar offers a fantastic entertainment experience. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, comedy shows, cabaret performances, and even karaoke from Wednesday to Saturday. The show bar adds another layer of excitement to REM Bar, providing diverse entertainment options for those seeking a memorable night out.

REM Hotel: A Comfortable Stay at the Heart of the Village

For those looking to stay in the heart of the Gay Village, REM Hotel is the perfect choice. Situated on the top floor of REM Bar, the hotel has been completely modernised and refurbished to offer a comfortable and convenient stay. With six comfortable double rooms, guests can enjoy the central location and explore all that the Village and Canal Street offer.

 

Facilities


  • Men Only
  • Rooms Available
  • Drag Shows
  • Bar Service
  • Accessible Entrance

REM Bar Information


33 Sackville St, Manchester M1 3LZ.

Phone

01618 700032

Social Media

Opening Hours

Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM

NOTE: Venues often have seasonal opening hours or can be subject to change and kitchen hours are often shorter, so it's always wise to check with the venue before visiting.

REM Bar Reviews

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7 November 2025

The following serious issues were recorded, supported by photographic and video evidence:

Bathroom:

Broken tiles on the floor, presenting a cutting hazard

A hole in the ceiling leaking water

Broken toilet seat

Light fitting hanging from the ceiling

Visible human excrement on tiles

Bedroom:

Light fitting detached and hanging from the ceiling

One bed with broken slats; another with exposed screws

Stains consistent with bodily fluids (including semen) on the wall

Brown stains resembling faecal matter on the wall

Pubic hairs on bedding and mattress stains

Mold around window frames and gaps in flooring

Broken and unsafe plug sockets and wiring exposed

TV non-operational due to damaged plug

Portable heater non-functional

Dirty, stained, and chipped crockery provided

Despite raising these issues and requesting an alternative room, we were refused and instructed to contact Booking.com for a refund. As a result, we were left with no alternative but to remain in the unfit accommodation due to financial constraints.

These conditions render the accommodation uninhabitable, breaching:

Section 49, Consumer Rights Act 2015 (service not performed with reasonable care and skill);

Section 9, Consumer Rights Act 2015 (goods and services not of satisfactory quality); and

General health and safety obligations imposed on accommodation providers.

This experience caused significant distress, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment, particularly given the occasion of our wedding anniversary and the presence of our two young children.

HULLSJOKER
5 November 2025

If your thinking about staying then I recommend to book book book.. my only fault is that I had to share a bathroom with others, but also for saying it is a busy bar on canal street it was quiet. I had the best sleep ever.. I eas kindly welcomed and also the location is brilliant. Highly recommend and if I’m Inthe area again I’ll be staying here

Wendy-louise Bowyer
20 October 2025

Room was OK in that it was clean and comfy. I came on a Sunday and as expected (I’d read the reviews) there was noise from outside and downstairs as music was thumping. Luckily, having read the reviews I had bought my earplugs, so was fine! There is indeed still a hole in one of the bathroom ceilings which was letting in rainwater when I stayed and broken tiles in the other bathroom. Apart from this though, all looked clean and tidy on my visit (even the mugs were washed!) Pretty basic, but great if you’re off out around Canal Street and want somewhere cheap to sleep. Staff were lovely, location great, rooms and bathrooms just need some TLC.

Joanne Whitham
1 September 2025

The room was in very poor condition. The bedsheets were stained, the ensuite bathroom wall had red marks, and the mirror was shattered on all 4 corners. The toilet seat was detached, the bed frame creaked and felt unstable, with visible gaps showing the dowels in the structure. The mini fridge smelled unpleasant, the air conditioning unit didn’t work, and the TV was not functional. While it didn’t directly affect my stay, I also noticed mold on the ceiling above the shared shower area. Overall, the accommodation did not feel clean, safe, or comfortable.

Alfie Welch
11 July 2025

I had a very disappointing experience at this hotel. The room had a very strong smell of cigarette smoke, which made it really unpleasant. The power socket next to the bed didn’t work, and the pillows were extremely uncomfortable. On top of that, there were loud and annoying noises coming from the floor below starting at 6 a.m., which made it impossible to get a proper rest. Definitely wouldn’t stay here again.

Giuliana Melina Francesconi