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Via – the Canal Street institution that’s been Manchester’s ‘most epic night out’ for almost 30 years

The LGBTQ+ venue has been a popular part of the city's epic nightlife scene ever since it opened in 1995.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 10th March 2023

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. 

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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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The incredible Manchester apartments where your rent includes a Jaguar

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of Manchester’s most beautiful places to live has just got even more desirable, with Moda, Angel Gardens adding a pair of luxury Jaguar cars to its list of resident perks. 

Residents at the city centre apartment neighbourhood will now be able to have on-demand access to fully electric Jaguar I-PACE cars. 

They can easily book out a car through their MyModa app, then take them out for a spin for up to 48 hours at a time. 

It means that city centre-dwellers will easily be able to explore all that Greater Manchester has to offer, from the market towns on the region’s outskirts to the countryside that surrounds the city centre. 

And it also means that Moda residents can have access to a car without the little stresses like finding a parking space. 

The new private car-sharing pilot has launched at Moda neighbourhoods in both Manchester and Leeds this week. 

One of the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs that Moda, Angel Gardens residents can book. Credit: The Manc Group
One of the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs that Moda, Angel Gardens residents can book. Credit: The Manc Group
Moda, Angel Gardens residents can book their Jaguar through the MyModa app
Moda, Angel Gardens residents can book their Jaguar through the MyModa app. Credit: The Manc Group
The interior of the luxury Jaguar I-PACE
The interior of the luxury Jaguar I-PACE. Credit: The Manc Group

Each Jaguar I-PACE booking includes concierge handover, charging, valeting, insurance, and vehicle ownership costs, as people embrace the sharing economy. 

It’s part of Jaguar’s transition to become a leading provider of luxury experiences. 

Since its debut, the Jaguar I-PACE – an all-electric SUV – has won more than 90 global awards, including the unprecedented treble at the 2019 World Car of the Year Awards. It won World Car Design of the Year, World Green Car AND World Car of the Year.

Oscar Brooks, executive director at Moda Living, said: “At Moda we are committed to sustainability and leading the industry transition to a low-carbon future, with the aim of achieving operational net zero carbon by 2030. 

“This partnership with Jaguar offers our residents easy on-site access to an all-electric car, allowing them flexibility while being mindful of their carbon emissions, something which is another important step on that journey. 

“Our longer-term aspiration is to provide access to sustainable transport to our growing 24,000 home pipeline.”  

An apartment at Moda, Angel Gardens. Credit: The Manc Group
An apartment at Moda, Angel Gardens. Credit: The Manc Group
Facilities at Moda, Angel Gardens include a gym and a rooftop sports pitch
Facilities at Moda, Angel Gardens include a gym and a rooftop sports pitch. Credit: The Manc Group
Facilities at Moda, Angel Gardens include a gym and a rooftop sports pitch
Facilities at Moda, Angel Gardens include a gym and a rooftop sports pitch
An apartment at Moda, Angel Gardens
An apartment at Moda, Angel Gardens. Credit: The Manc Group

Rawdon Glover, managing director at Jaguar, said: “At Jaguar, we are carefully considering every aspect of our client journey as we progress to an all-electric luxury car company from 2025. 

“As we explore alternatives to direct car ownership, this scheme provides a client centred mobility solution with on-demand concierge access to the all-electric I-PACE. 

“Future Jaguar clients are continually looking for alternatives to car purchasing and we will closely monitor the success of this initiative and consider expanding across major cities around the world.”

Other amenities at Moda, Angel Gardens include a cinema room, rooftop sports pitch, a gym, co-working spaces and private dining rooms. 

It’s also on the doorstep of Manchester’s vibrant city centre, with Pot Kettle Black coffee shop on its ground floor, and cultural hotspots like Band on the Wall, Mackie Mayor, and Ramona just across the road. 

To find out more about life at Moda, Angel Gardens, visit modaliving.com/locations/manchester/angel-gardens.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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The complete guide to the restaurant and bars at Kampus, Manchester’s greenest neighbourhood and foodie hotspot

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The food and drink guide to the restaurants and bars at Kampus in Manchester

In what feels like the blink of an eye, Kampus has become one of Manchester’s most exciting hubs for restaurants and bars. 

After work, at weekends, at lunchtimes and for breakfast, the various businesses who have popped up around its central garden are packed, with people travelling from all over the city centre (and beyond) to visit the canal-side neighbourhood. 

What started as some abandoned university buildings and a couple of warehouses has soon shaped up into some of the city centre’s best accommodation. 

And then the trees around the garden began to flourish, and with it so did the collection of food and drink operators opening at Kampus. 

For those who have chosen Kampus as their home, they’re blessed with having Manchester’s best independent restaurants and bars quite literally on their doorstep. 

But for the rest of us, we can make do with the very easy walk from Piccadilly. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen some familiar names move in, joined by some exciting new faces. 

Local favourites like Pollen Bakery and Nell’s (created by the team behind the institution that is Common) were the first to announce they’d be moving into the Kampus neighbourhood. 

Then they were joined by the likes of Seven Brothers Brewery, and Great North Pie Co. 

Then businesses started making the move over from neighbouring cities, like Madre, who chose Kampus for their first proper Manchester restaurant. 

Now, this is a neighbourhood where you can grab a slice and a pint in your gym kit, where you can bask in the very last of the summer sun on a terrace with a cheeseboard, and where you can dress up to the nines to drink exceptional cocktails – without ever having to cross a street. 

Here’s our ultimate guide to the restaurants, bars and cafes of Kampus in Manchester.

Nell’s

Nell's New York pizza at Kampus in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Nell’s New York pizza at Kampus in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Nell's New York pizza at Kampus in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Nell’s New York pizza at Kampus in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Massive 22-inch pizzas (or 11-inch slices if you’re not feeling quite that ravenous), happy hour margaritas, a photobooth and great beers. That’s the vibe at Nell’s. 

This huge site has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Kampus garden and canal, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the sun. 

Beeswing

Food at Beeswing. Credit: The Manc Group
Food at Beeswing. Credit: The Manc Group
Beeswing, a wine bar at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Beeswing, a wine bar at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group

Head on up the stairs from the garden and you’ll find a little slice of paradise, especially if you, like us, are a wine drinker. 

Beeswing has a great selection of small plates and cheese boards, plus plugs outside on the terrace so you can take your laptop and fire out emails while firing olives into your mouth. 

Yum Cha

Yum Cha, Kampus
Yum Cha, Kampus
Yum Cha, Kampus
Yum Cha, Kampus

Colourful, fresh stacks of dim sum and some truly enormous portions of Chinese food that are great value for money are the order of the day at Yum Cha. 

This neon-soaked restaurant serves fiery dishes like Singapore vermicelli and king prawn or char siu firecracker, alongside the likes of sweet and sour chicken, dan dan noodles and grilled chicken satay.

Pollen

Pollen Bakery at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Pollen Bakery at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Pollen Bakery at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Pollen Bakery at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group

We probably don’t need to tell you about Pollen Bakery, it’s such a local institution. 

But in case you’re unfamiliar, this place is renowned for its pastries – freshly-baked croissants, cookies, cruffins and more – and its loaves of bread and excellent coffee. 

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It’s all served in its sunny garden-side cafe space where you can watch the kitchens in action behind more huge glass windows. 

Great North Pie Co.

Great North Pie Co at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Great North Pie Co at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Great North Pie Co at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group
Great North Pie Co at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group

Us northerners love a pie and you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than Great North Pie Co.’s.

This cosy pie and mash cafe prides itself on using quality ingredients from the north west, like classic Lancashire cheese and onion pie, made with Dewlay’s tasty Lancashire cheese and caramelised onion, and 14-hour braised beef and ale pie, with Manchester Union Lager and redcurrant jelly.

Red Light

Red Light bar at Kampus
Red Light bar at Kampus
Red Light bar at Kampus
Red Light bar at Kampus

Already establishing itself as one of Manchester’s best bars is Red Light, a queer cocktail bar just off the cobbled Little David Street. 

The brainchild of Deana Ferguson, it’s all about refined cocktails, natural wines and locally-brewed ales, soundtracked by disco beats.

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Seven Brothers

Seven Brothers. Credit: The Manc Group
Seven Brothers. Credit: The Manc Group
Seven Brothers. Credit: The Manc Group
Seven Brothers. Credit: The Manc Group

This well-known local brewery has taken up a Kampus unit that fronts out onto the Kampus garden, and it’s got to be one of Manchester’s best-looking beer gardens. 

You know the drill here – Seven Brother’s huge range of beers, with occasional live music and lots of great vibes. 

Madre

The newest kid on the Kampus block is Madre, but it’s familiar to a lot of us already – it’s been spoiling Liverpool with its incredible Mexican fare for years. 

It’s got a menu of mouth-watering tacos, wood-grilled seafood and steaks, fresh oysters and ceviche, not to mention ice-cold margaritas.

To find out more about Kampus, head here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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