I know I am pushing the boundaries of some people with some of these venues but they are all places I have visited and been well received in so I am flagging Spoonies as a place that can be accepting if/when you feel ready on your personal trans journey to experience it.

On the site of the 1800’s Plaza ballroom which was later re-styled as a baroque super cinema in the 1930’s. Old photos of now closed theatres and cinemas adorn the walls

A large and often very busy pub, especially around 5-7pm, with a lively, yet always controlled atmosphere. You rarely have to wait long to get served as there are always plenty of good humoured staff. Queuing at the bar is usually well mannered and service usually efficient. If it is super busy I prefer to order on their App just to avoid hanging around in the queue. They have the usual range of well-priced drinks and food which is served through to 11pm.

Just a 7 minute walk from the Village, turn left on to Portland Street, walk along to the first set of traffic lights and then turn right onto Princess Street, after a couple of minutes you will see the New Union Hotel and canal Street on your left.

I often get asked what putting places that are non “Village” venues has to do with being Trans and my answer is it is not the 1970’s anymore, we do not have to hang out in LGB ghettos. No one in Manchester is surprised to see sensibly dressed Trans people out and about in the general community so I visit and check these venues to let other Trans people have the confidence to know I have been there, that I was well received by customers and staff and it is safe.