The Molly House: Eclectic Tapas Bar in Manchester's Gay Village
Eclectic tapas bar blending Argentinian-Spanish flavors with vintage charm in Manchester’s vibrant Gay Village.
The Molly House is a vibrant tapas bar and restaurant located at 26 Richmond Street in Manchester’s bustling Gay Village. Known for its Argentinian-Spanish fusion tapas, eclectic atmosphere, and welcoming vibe, it offers a relaxed setting with vintage décor, plush outdoor seating, and a diverse drinks menu including vegan options. A favorite for casual dining and socializing, it blends charm with quality food and drink in a lively yet cozy environment.
A brief summary to The Molly House
- 26 Richmond St, Manchester, M1 3NB, GB
- +441612379329
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 1 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-11 pm
- Friday 1 pm-1:30 am
- Saturday 1 pm-1:30 am
- Sunday 1 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Try the signature tapas dishes like prawn croquetas and chicken thighs in garlic and sherry sauce for a taste highlight.
- Visit the outdoor veranda for a cozy seating experience with plush cushions, perfect for warmer days.
- The venue offers a variety of alcohol-free beers and ciders, ideal for non-drinkers or those seeking lighter options.
- Book ahead for weekend evenings as the bar can get busy, especially during events in the Gay Village.
- Explore the upstairs snug room for a vintage atmosphere and a more intimate dining experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Molly House location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Molly House
A Hub of Eclectic Charm and History
Nestled just off Canal Street in the heart of Manchester’s famed Gay Village, The Molly House stands out as a distinctive venue celebrated for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and unique character. The building itself exudes historic charm with exposed brickwork, original fittings, and scattered vintage ephemera that create an inviting, slightly rustic ambiance. This blend of old-world character with modern hospitality makes it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.Culinary Delights with a Fusion Twist
At the core of The Molly House experience is its menu, featuring expertly crafted Argentinian-Spanish fusion tapas alongside mouthwatering burgers and sharing platters. The kitchen, visible from many tables, ensures dishes are freshly prepared, showcasing quality ingredients and inventive flavors. Highlights often include patatas bravas, artichokes, prawn croquetas, and chicken thighs in garlic and sherry sauce. The food is complemented by a thoughtfully curated drinks selection, including artisan beers, wines, bubbles, and a notable range of alcohol-free options, catering to diverse tastes.Atmosphere That Welcomes All
The Molly House is renowned for its unpretentious, friendly vibe. The staff are attentive and welcoming, contributing to a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. The venue’s layout offers varied seating options — from the plush cushions of the outdoor veranda to the snug vintage-furnished room upstairs — providing spaces for intimate conversations or larger gatherings. The bar’s golden lighting and eclectic décor enhance its quirky, boutique feel, making it a perfect place to unwind any time of the day or night.Community and Cultural Significance
As a stalwart of Manchester’s Gay Village, The Molly House holds cultural importance as a safe, inclusive space that celebrates diversity and eccentricity. It has been recognized as one of the area’s top attractions, drawing a mix of locals and visitors who appreciate its welcoming spirit and alternative vibe. The venue often serves as a social hub for after-work drinks, casual dining, and special occasions, reflecting the vibrant community it supports.Practical Details and Visitor Experience
Open daily from early afternoon into the late evening, The Molly House caters to a range of schedules, with extended weekend hours. Its moderate pricing makes it accessible while maintaining quality. The venue is well suited for solo visitors, couples, groups, and families, offering vegan-friendly and vegetarian options. The presence of all-gender restrooms and a relaxed dress code further underline its inclusive ethos.Distinctive Features and Ambience
The Molly House’s combination of historic charm, fusion cuisine, and eclectic décor creates a unique sensory experience. The aroma of freshly cooked tapas mingles with the sounds of background music and lively conversations. The outdoor veranda, adorned with plush cushions and vintage furniture, offers a tranquil retreat in the city center. This blend of sensory elements makes The Molly House not just a place to eat and drink, but a memorable destination in Manchester’s social landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arch of Chinatown
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Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
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Victory Over Blindness
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Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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St. Peter's Square
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Historic England
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Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Canada House, Manchester
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Manchester City Council
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Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
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A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Albert Memorial
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A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
John Bright Statue
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A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Free Trade Hall
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Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
John Dalton Statue
0.7 km
Honoring John Dalton, father of atomic theory and pioneer of colour blindness research, with a distinguished statue in Manchester.
Mulberry Passage
0.7 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Dalton Entry
0.7 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Via Manchester
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Discover the lively nightlife of Via Manchester, a premier nightclub and bar on Canal Street, offering unforgettable experiences amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
拿破仑（Napoleons) Restaurant and KTV
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The Cockatoo Club
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Manchester’s vibrant cabaret hotspot offering dazzling drag shows, lively bars, and unforgettable LGBTQ+ nightlife in the heart of the Gay Village.
The Beacon Of Hope
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A striking and unique memorial in Manchester honoring those living with and lost to HIV/AIDS, symbolizing hope and resilience.
Sackville Gardens
0.1 km
A tranquil urban garden in Manchester, home to the Alan Turing Memorial and vibrant LGBTQ+ cultural events.
The Tree of Life
0.1 km
A heartfelt memorial in Manchester’s Gay Village symbolizing hope, resilience, and remembrance for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Alan Turing Memorial
0.1 km
A poignant tribute in Manchester’s Sackville Gardens honoring Alan Turing, the father of computer science and a symbol of courage and equality.
The New Union
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Discover the vibrant pulse of Manchester's LGBTQ+ nightlife at The New Union, a welcoming gay bar and pub with lively entertainment.
Grey Horse Inn
0.2 km
Experience the heart of Manchester at the Grey Horse Inn, where delicious food, local brews, and a welcoming atmosphere await.
Chinatown
0.3 km
Discover Manchester Chinatown’s vibrant streets filled with authentic Asian cuisine, rich culture, and festive charm in the city’s heart.
The Vimto Park
0.3 km
Discover the historic green oasis celebrating Manchester’s iconic Vimto drink in a tranquil urban park setting.
Manchester Art Gallery
0.3 km
Explore centuries of art and design in Manchester’s historic and dynamic city-centre gallery with free entry and family-friendly spaces.
The Portico Library
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s historic Portico Library, a Greek Revival architectural gem and vibrant cultural hub since 1806.
City Tower, Manchester
0.4 km
Manchester’s iconic 30-storey skyscraper offering premium office spaces and panoramic city views in the heart of the vibrant city centre.
Palace Theatre Manchester
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre, a grand Edwardian venue hosting world-class musicals, plays, and concerts in the city’s cultural heart.
Essential places to dine
Habesha Restaurant
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Higher Ground
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A vibrant Manchester bistro blending seasonal British produce with sustainable ethos and refined, shareable dishes in a modern, welcoming setting.
Store Street Exchange Restaurant
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Namii Kitchen & Cocktails
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Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester
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The Refuge
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Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester
0.4 km
A lively Italian restaurant in Manchester’s city centre blending traditional flavours with modern style and vibrant atmosphere.
Tariff & Dale
0.5 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Adam Reid at The French
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Experience innovative Northern British fine dining with theatrical flair in Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
Browns Manchester
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Grand Pacific
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Experience Manchester’s gothic-inspired Pan-Asian cocktail bar with stunning décor, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks in the city center.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
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Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
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Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
10 Tib Lane
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A refined French-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester’s historic core, blending seasonal small plates with natural wines and crafted cocktails.
Kala
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Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stare Society
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T.La Art & Craft Gallery
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A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
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Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
needi
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Discover unique, locally crafted gifts with expert personal service in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly at Needi.
The Manchester Shop
0.5 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.6 km
Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.6 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Thunder Egg
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Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.6 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Fred Aldous Ltd
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Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Bionic Seven
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Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Pop Boutique
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SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made
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Suzylovesmilo concept store
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Amazonas Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist New York Street
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Gorilla
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All Bar One Manchester
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NQ64 Northern Quarter
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Hold Fast Bar
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Dusk Til Pawn
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Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
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Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Night & Day Cafe
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The Daisy
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Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
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The Fitzgerald
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Flok
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7Sins, Northern Quarter
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Wilson's Social
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All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
Speak In Code
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Tropicana
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Satans Hollow
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Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Kable
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Twenty Twenty Two
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Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Viva Manchester
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Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Aatma
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Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Funkademia
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Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
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Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Venue Nightclub
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Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.8 km
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Club Liv Manchester
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Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
42's
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Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Cargo
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Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
History Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Popworld Manchester
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Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Quirky
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
