The Parlour
The Parlour
Gay Village
October 2009
AT last! An independent operator has injected some fresh perspective into the Gay Village’s dated bar scene.
Recent monopolies and corporate bars have fostered a commercial playground for party crowds, and stag and hen visits in the area, deterring some of the gay crowd. But, belying the sleazy connotations of its name, The Parlour shuns the cheesy gay bar prototype to bring some of Chorlton and the Northern Quarter’s kooky-kitsch style into the Village.
Owners Ryan Edwards and Justin Knott have transformed their former hairdressing unit into a 65-capacity bar that blends the best of your nan’s living room with modern vintage cool.
Floral lampshades, retro prints and an old-fashioned back bar with tea cups and trinkets provide the Eighties kick, along with eBay gems like the Pacman games table and giant popcorn machine.
A broad and eclectic soundtrack, album posters and unisex toilets adorned with famous heroes, heroines and naked ladies give it a cultural edge.
A small but intelligently stocked bar features ample staple favourites alongside strategic choices like Sailor Jerry rum and Becks Vier on draught.
An eight-strong variety of rare Belgiuan beers and a £6.99 bottle of rosé offer for after-work drinks give it an original slant.
The Parlour opens from 5pm, but from 3pm on a Sunday you can enjoy free tea and cakes while watching a classic film – perfect for kicking back in one of the cinema seats or swallow-you-up swivel chairs.
The Parlour, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3LZ (theparlour manchester.com).
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