The New Union Hotel and Showbar, Manchester's Iconic Gay Village Venue
Historic gay-friendly hotel and showbar in Manchester’s Gay Village, blending traditional pub charm with vibrant drag cabaret and nightlife.
The New Union is a vibrant gay-friendly hotel, bar, and show venue located at 111 Princess Street in Manchester's famous Gay Village. Established around 1860, it blends historic charm with lively nightlife, offering a traditional pub atmosphere by day and dynamic drag cabaret, karaoke, and DJ nights after dark. With affordable drinks, pool tables, and a welcoming crowd, it’s a cornerstone of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene and a hub for entertainment and socializing.
A brief summary to The New Union
- 111 Princess St, Manchester, M1 6JB, GB
- +441618700031
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 5 hours
- Budget
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-2 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-2 am
- Thursday 12 pm-2 am
- Friday 12 pm-6 am
- Saturday 11 am-6 am
- Sunday 11 am-4 am
Local tips
- Visit on Fridays or Saturdays to experience late-night drag shows and DJ parties that run until early morning.
- Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with pool and drinks in the traditional pub setting before the nightlife kicks in.
- Book a no-frills hotel room onsite for convenient access to Manchester’s Gay Village nightlife.
- Take advantage of affordable drink deals and themed nights throughout the week.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The New Union location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The New Union
A Historic Pillar of Manchester’s Gay Village
The New Union Hotel stands proudly at 111 Princess Street, a landmark within Manchester’s vibrant Gay Village. Established circa 1860, it is one of the city’s earliest openly gay venues, reflecting decades of LGBTQ+ history and culture. The building’s architecture retains a heritage charm that complements its longstanding role as a safe, welcoming space for the community. Over the years, The New Union has evolved while maintaining its core identity as a hub for inclusivity and celebration.Daytime Pub Ambience with Classic Entertainment
During the day, The New Union offers a relaxed pub atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a quiet pint or a casual game of pool on the American-style table. The main bar area features traditional pub elements, including fruit machines and a jukebox, making it a perfect spot to unwind after work or escape the city bustle. The venue serves a wide variety of beverages, from lagers and ciders to boutique gins and spirits, catering to diverse tastes at affordable prices.Nightlife: Drag Cabaret, Karaoke, and Dance Parties
As evening falls, The New Union transforms into a lively showbar and nightclub. From Tuesday through Sunday, the venue hosts drag queen DJs, energetic cabaret performances, karaoke nights, and themed parties. The large dance floor, complete with dancing poles, invites guests to let loose and dance into the early hours, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when the bar stays open until 6 AM. This vibrant nightlife scene is a cornerstone of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ entertainment, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd.Comfortable, No-Frills Accommodation
Above the bar and nightclub, The New Union offers clean, modern hotel rooms designed for convenience and comfort. Each room includes a private en-suite shower, free WiFi, memory foam mattresses, and complimentary tea and coffee. The accommodation is straightforward and affordable, making it an excellent choice for visitors wanting to stay in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village with easy access to the city’s nightlife and cultural attractions.Community Spirit and Inclusive Atmosphere
The New Union is deeply embedded in Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community, known for its friendly and inclusive environment. The venue balances a casual pub vibe with high-energy entertainment, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a quiet drink, a lively party, or a night of spectacular drag performances, The New Union welcomes all with open arms and a festive spirit.Location and Accessibility in Manchester’s City Centre
Situated just a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens and close to Canal Street, The New Union enjoys a prime location within Manchester’s city centre. Its proximity to public transport hubs and other nightlife venues makes it easy to access. The venue’s central position also places it near theatres, shopping, and cultural landmarks, making it a convenient base for exploring the city’s rich offerings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arch of Chinatown
0.2 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
0.3 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Historic England
0.3 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Canada House, Manchester
0.3 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
St. Peter's Square
0.4 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Manchester City Council
0.5 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.5 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Victory Over Blindness
0.5 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
John Dalton Statue
0.5 km
Honoring John Dalton, father of atomic theory and pioneer of colour blindness research, with a distinguished statue in Manchester.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.5 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Hotspur House
0.5 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Albert Memorial
0.6 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
John Bright Statue
0.6 km
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
0.6 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Friedrich Engels Statue
0.7 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Unmissable attractions to see
拿破仑(Napoleons) Restaurant and KTV
0.1 km
Discover the ultimate dining and karaoke experience at Napoleons Restaurant and KTV in Manchester, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and fun.
The Beacon Of Hope
0.1 km
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 Molly House
0.1 km
Discover the delightful atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings at The Molly House, Manchester's favorite bar and restaurant for tapas and drinks.
Via Manchester
0.1 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Via Manchester, a premier nightclub and bar on Canal Street, offering unforgettable experiences amidst a vibrant atmosphere.
The Tree of Life
0.2 km
A heartfelt memorial in Manchester’s Gay Village symbolizing hope, resilience, and remembrance for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Alan Turing Memorial
0.2 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 Cockatoo Club
0.2 km
Manchester’s vibrant cabaret hotspot offering dazzling drag shows, lively bars, and unforgettable LGBTQ+ nightlife in the heart of the Gay Village.
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.
Palace Theatre Manchester
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s historic Palace Theatre, a grand Edwardian venue hosting world-class musicals, plays, and concerts in the city’s cultural heart.
Horse and fox statue
0.3 km
A captivating sculpture on Oxford Street celebrating Manchester’s heritage through the symbolic horse and fox.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
0.3 km
Dive into Manchester's vibrant nightlife at FAC251 - Factory Manchester, a premier nightclub and live music venue that promises unforgettable experiences.
The Vimto Park
0.3 km
Discover the historic green oasis celebrating Manchester’s iconic Vimto drink in a tranquil urban park setting.
Landmark, St Peter's Square
0.3 km
A central corporate hub in Manchester’s St Peter's Square, blending modern office facilities with urban vitality.
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.
Essential places to dine
Habesha Restaurant
0.1 km
Discover authentic Ethiopian cuisine and warm hospitality at Habesha Restaurant, Manchester’s beloved spot for traditional injera and hearty stews.
The Refuge
0.3 km
A stylish sanctuary blending global flavors and British classics within Manchester’s iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester
0.3 km
A lively Italian restaurant in Manchester’s city centre blending traditional flavours with modern style and vibrant atmosphere.
Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester
0.3 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with an art deco flair, vibrant bar scene, and shareable dishes in Manchester’s lively St Peter’s Square.
Higher Ground
0.4 km
A vibrant Manchester bistro blending seasonal British produce with sustainable ethos and refined, shareable dishes in a modern, welcoming setting.
Namii Kitchen & Cocktails
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Vietnamese and pan-Asian flavors with creative cocktails in Manchester’s lively city centre.
Store Street Exchange Restaurant
0.4 km
Modern British dining with rotisserie specialties and craft cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly hub.
Adam Reid at The French
0.5 km
Experience innovative Northern British fine dining with theatrical flair in Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
0.5 km
Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Grand Pacific
0.6 km
Experience Manchester’s gothic-inspired Pan-Asian cocktail bar with stunning décor, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted drinks in the city center.
Browns Manchester
0.6 km
Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
0.6 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood
0.6 km
Experience Simon Wood’s innovative fine dining and artisan pairings in a stylish yet relaxed Manchester setting.
10 Tib Lane
0.6 km
A refined French-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester’s historic core, blending seasonal small plates with natural wines and crafted cocktails.
Tariff & Dale
0.6 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Stare Society
0.2 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
needi
0.5 km
Discover unique, locally crafted gifts with expert personal service in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly at Needi.
SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made
0.5 km
Discover thoughtfully crafted jewelry and homewares at SHMYLS, a unique gift shop nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Hatch complex.
The Manchester Shop
0.7 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Cute Things By Aggie
0.7 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and charming homewares crafted with natural elements in Manchester’s cozy boutique, Cute Things By Aggie.
Red and Blue Umbrella
0.7 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
0.7 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Thunder Egg
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Fred Aldous Ltd
0.7 km
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
0.8 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Pop Boutique
0.8 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Menkind
0.8 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Gorilla
0.4 km
Manchester's ultimate hybrid haunt: brunch by day, beats by night in a funky bar-club fusion with live gigs and roasts.
The Alchemist New York Street
0.4 km
A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
All Bar One Manchester
0.6 km
Stylish wine bar on Manchester’s King Street offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively, modern atmosphere for casual dining and drinks.
The Britons Protection
0.6 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.6 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.6 km
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.
Speak In Code
0.7 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
0.7 km
Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Three Little Words
0.7 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
Hold Fast Bar
0.7 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
Night & Day Cafe
0.7 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Dusk Til Pawn
0.7 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Corbieres Bar
0.8 km
Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
The Daisy
0.8 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
The Fitzgerald
0.8 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Tropicana
0.1 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Satans Hollow
0.1 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Kable
0.4 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Viva Manchester
0.4 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.6 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.7 km
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.
Venue Nightclub
0.7 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
0.8 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Popworld Manchester
0.8 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Aatma
0.8 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Ark Manchester
0.8 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Club Liv Manchester
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
History Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Funkademia
0.8 km
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
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly