Via, formerly Via Fossa, is a vibrant pub in Manchester’s Canal Street, the city’s famous gay district. When you first enter Via you are struck by its seeming normality, as at a glance, it looks like any other pub. Explore further however, and you’ll soon find the quirks that make Via one of Manchester’s unique public houses. Stray downstairs and you’ll be immersed in a den of iniquity with purple drapes and leopard print sofas showing a more eccentric side to this Manchester pub. On the top floor of this 3 level Canal Street pub another comes another twist in the tale; alcoves make up an intimate and cool space.

The bar is well stocked and affordable (you can pick up a bottle of house wine on average for £10) and the staffs are more than helpful. The entertainment is a little cheesy, but everyone loves a little cheese sometimes don’t they? Via does karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays for people who fancy a laugh and on the last Sunday of every month they have ‘Drag Kings of Manchester’ – which again is a bit cheesy, but great for a fun night out in Manchester. Though primarily a gay friendly venue, Via gets a very mixed crowd and is welcoming of all come through its door, so don’t feel intimated, get yourself down to Via and get involved in the fun.