Whether you’re looking for a quiet pint during the day or a night of dancing and fun, The New Union Hotel is the perfect place to let loose and leave your inhibitions at the door.
Gay Bar in Manchester
/Gay Hotel in Manchester
Guide To The New Union
The New Union, in the heart of Manchester's vibrant gay village, is a family-run pub and hotel catering to the LGBTQ+ community for decades. As one of the first openly gay venues in the city, The New Union Hotel has a rich history.
A Rich History
The New Union Hotel is more than just a gay pub – it also has an intriguing backstory. Erected in 1865, the building has undergone notable transformations over the years. Originally called the Union Hotel, it was later rebranded The New Union in the 1970s to acknowledge its evolution and acceptance as a gay establishment. The stained glass windows of the hotel portray countries from the Commonwealth, representing the solidarity and variety of the LGBTQ+ community.
In the 1950s, the owners of The New Union Hotel faced legal action for running a public house of ill repute. However, this setback did not dampen their spirits, and the Union continued to thrive as a beloved gathering place for the gay community. Over the years, the pub was expanded in the mid-1990s to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the Gay Village, solidifying its status as a staple of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene.
The Perfect Location
Situated on the corner of Princess Street and Canal Street, The New Union Hotel enjoys a prime location in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village. Its proximity to the Rochdale Canal adds charm and provides a picturesque backdrop for guests and visitors. Whether exploring the local attractions during the day or immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife, The New Union Hotel is ideally situated for easy access to all Manchester offers.
A Welcoming Atmosphere for Everyone
The pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where people from all walks of life can have a good time. The friendly staff and diverse clientele create an inclusive space that celebrates diversity and promotes carefree fun.
Unforgettable Entertainment
One of The New Union Hotel’s highlights is its incredible entertainment. Throughout the week, you can enjoy drag queen DJs spinning lively tunes that will get you on your feet. The hotel also hosts a fantastic cabaret show on Sundays, featuring talented performers who will leave you in awe. These lively performances add to the vibrant atmosphere and create an unforgettable experience for all.
Comfortable and Convenient Accommodations
If you’re planning a visit to Manchester and looking for a place to stay, The New Union Hotel has you covered. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, each with its own modern en-suite. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a group, there are various room options to suit your needs. All rooms come equipped with free WiFi, complimentary tea and coffee, wall-mounted televisions, and memory foam mattresses to ensure a comfortable night’s stay.
The New Union Pictures
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The New Union Reviews
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8 July 2025
The New Union is always a good time. Great music, fun crowd, and the perfect place to kick off (or end) a night out. Highly recommend for nightlife lovers.
7 July 2025
Me and boyfriend went in, quiet Wednesday, we must of been the youngest ones there at about 6.30pm. Staff were quite rude to customers, the other people there were quite old which is fine but they definitely didn’t seem friendly either. We went elsewhere.
1 July 2025
Visited this bar after being refused entry into other bars because of my wheelchair the door staff where exceptional they got me entry via a fire door and where phenomenal even when my chair and a curb got into an argument resulting in me flat on my back in a gutter.
The other customers were brilliant including in dancing and all in all awsome.
Thank you for making me feel normal xxx
27 June 2025
Suffered the same ‘no singles allowed in’ rule as several other reviewers have mentioned.
Reading between the lines of the other reviews, this appears to be a gay bar in name only, as it predominantly caters for hen dos, straight women etc. I can only presume that word got around and there were then one to many instance of single straight guys aggressively hitting on patrons, so they bought in this policy.
Which is fine as it goes, but just stop pretending, take down the rainbow decorations and own what you are. With 10+ other gay venues in the immediate vicinity can’t see what anyone would go here under the current management.
17 November 2024
Me and a few mates went here this evening and it was £5 entry which was fair enough. But later on my partner ended up losing her phone and i went to every bar about 5-6 times and so did she but they didnt have it, but then we found out that 5 other people had lost there phone as well, the bar staff and security team was not any help and they didnt care and brushed this awayv
