All Mancs know that Canal Street offers one of the best nights out in the city, and one particular bar has stood the test of time for almost three decades.
Via, right in the midst of the city’s LGBTQ+ heartland, has been part of Manchester’s epic nightlife scene ever since it opened in 1995.
It’s an institution of the Gay Village and is still serving up massive nights out when other bars in the area have shut their doors for good.
The secret to its success boils down to a perfect formula of live entertainment, food, outside space and fabulous interiors, all immortalised through groundbreaking TV shows like Queer as Folk and Cucumber.
Via was once a former carpet warehouse, but all those years ago was transformed into a gay bar, then known as Via Fossa.
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Its decor was inspired by Irish pubs, hence all the ornate, church-like wood and chandeliers, and although Stonegate have made a few changes since they took over in 2016 (a new bar here, a new seating area there), the bones and the soul of the venue haven’t changed a jot.
Here, it’s all about the live experience, especially the drag cabaret Via is famed for.
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Via has been part of Manchester’s epic nightlife scene ever since it opened in 1995 / Credit: The Manc Group
Sometimes that takes the shape of a tribute act – you’ll find the likes of ‘Madonna’ and ‘Cher’ parading around this legendary venue.
Other times it’s actual famous faces, which have included in recent times, or will include in the coming months, drag legend and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Danny Beard, Claire Richards from pop group Steps, Mutya Buena from Sugababes, Christina Bianco, Black Peppa, and X Factor’s Sam Bailey.
And it attracts its fair share of famous punters too – Fred Again, one of the hottest names in music right now who will headline Parklife in the summer, was partying in here with Romy from The XX not too long ago, documenting it all on his Instagram page.
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The inclusive and safe hotspot has been part of Canal Street’s vibrant nightlife scene for longer than almost any other bar. The only places that have been here longer are the New Union, REM Bar, and Cruz 101.
The secret to its success boils down to a perfect formula of live entertainment, food, outside space and fabulous interiors / Credit: The Manc Group
Mike Mitchell, general manager of Via, has ploughed masses of time and energy into the bar’s live entertainment, and has done since the minute Covid restrictions eased in 2021.
He wanted performers to be able to get straight back on to the stage after so many months without live work, and supercharged Via’s programme with cabaret shows all throughout the week.
Arguably its best night of the week is Sundays, when it’s a full cabaret show with around six acts in one night.
House acts Ky Kelly, Miss Penny, and Shania Pain are joined by other musical performances, with free entry and live entertainment for hours and hours.
During the daytimes, it’s a more relaxed pub-like atmosphere, with a menu that includes stone-baked pizzas, burgers, winges and loaded fries.
Describing the bar, Mike went for one word – ‘epic’, and who could possibly argue with that?
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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A magical lantern trail is returning to Gulliver’s World theme park this winter
Daisy Jackson
One of the most glittering events in the North West is returning this winter, when Gulliver’s World is filled with beautiful lanterns.
The hugely popular Land of Lights will this year feature all-new lanterns, each one inspired by the wonders of nature.
With a WonderWild theme, the light trail will have a unique blend of ‘animal-inspired artistry with a fantastical twist’.
The breathtaking spectacle will lead visitors around a twinkling wonderland filled with light and colour.
The one-mile trail will showcase a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wonderous, wild, and magical atmosphere suitable for all ages.
It debuted at Gulliver’s World in Warrington last year and drew in thousands of excited people throughout winter.
This year’s lantern trail at Gulliver’s World Land of Lights will have a WonderWild theme. Credit: Supplied
And now it’s back, between 9 November and 4 January, and there’s a chance to save big on your tickets if you act quickly.
Super early bird tickets will start from just £10 per person when they go on sale this Sunday.
Ross Partridge, festival manager, said: “We’re excited to invite guests to experience WonderWild, our most ambitious Land of Lights festival yet.
“This year, we’re taking visitors on a journey through various enchanting realms, including the Jungle of Colour, Frozen Kingdom, and Winged Wonders. It’s an opportunity to see plants, animals, and nature in a whole new light.”
£10 tickets for Gulliver’s World’s Land of Lights are on sale from 10am on Sunday 1 September – you can grab yours here.
The Manchester city centre carvery with bottomless trimmings and gravy returns this week
Daisy Jackson
Seconds, a modern take on a carvery with unlimited trimmings and gravy, is returning to Manchester this week.
The popular offering will be back on the Platform at Freight Island from 1 September.
These traditional Sunday feasts are made with locally-sourced produce and served up in one of the country’s coolest venues.
Once you’ve booked your half-hour slot for Seconds, you can then select your meat from delicious porchetta with crispy crackling, succulent turkey crown, or rare topside of beef (or mushroom Wellington for the vegetarians and vegans).
A stand-out feature of Seconds is the bottomless trimmings, including proper Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, buttered mash, broccoli, honey-glazed carrots, petit pois and 48 hour gravy.
That gravy is unlimited, as is the bottomless cheese sauce you can pour all over your dinner.
And if that’s not quite enough for you, you can add a GIANT honey-mustard pig in a blanket, a gooey bowl of cauliflower cheese, and pork, sage and onion stuffing, each priced at £4 each.
Seconds, the Manchester city centre carvery with bottomless trimmings and gravy returns this week. Credit: Supplied
Plates start from £11 for kids – a small plate and one main – then £18 for adults (two mains) and £21 for XXL (three mains on a massive plate).
The modern carvery is transforming Sundays at Freight Island into a day for feasting on the very best of British food.
And new for this year, is bottomless dessert. Yep, all-you-can eat crumbles and custards and all sorts of other favourite puddings.
Seconds launches on 1 September, and is available every Sunday from 12pm-8pm.