Via

TL;DR - It's a gay bar on Canal Street. Nothing more, nothing less.

I've got fond memories of Via Bar since it was the first place I ever visited on Canal Street many years ago. Now though, there's nothing in particular to recommend it over anywhere else - it's got the same problems as everywhere else on the street: expensive drinks and an excess of hen parties. Still, sitting outside on a warm evening is pleasant and it's a great space for people watching. The interior scores points for its unusual layout across multiple levels.

Absolute worst bar I've been too (in any country). I've just come over to visit the U.K. and this was the mrvery first Gay bar I tried to visit. I walked up and straightaway the bouncer said that I looked too drunk to enter... I hadn't had a single drink all night and this was the very first bar I tried to visit. I simply said "OK" and went to the bar immediately to the right of them without issue. Being told I was too drunk to enter when I was absolutely sober at the very first bar I tried to get into in the UK was my only bad experience this entire country. I would dissuade anybody from going to this bar... especially foreigners trying to experience the UK for the first time.

Always a good crowd at Via, its not pretentious and its a great bar in the summer overlooking Sackville Gardens. Drinks are ok priced and just a nice bar to be at really. All the bar staff are down to earth and all the crowd seem friendly and just a great bar to go to with friends anytime of the week.

Sometimes they have a Drag Queen on who's usually really funny.

Really cheesy gothic decor and the latest pop playing when I was there on a Monday night. I suspect it'd be a good place to come and let your hair down and annoy the DJ with your song requests.

I came for the monthly comedy night which was a bit underpopulated but very friendly and came with free sweets.

The part of the night I wouldn't bother repeating was the food. I got sausage and mash and the sausages were obviously cheap, the mash bland and rubbish gravy from granules (lots of it though). My brother got a lasagne which I tried and it wasn't very good.

The staff were good though, especially the Aussie girl downstairs.

One of the best dancing bar for over 30 years old people. This is best place if you like music from 80's and 90'( last one is my fevorite), Saturday night is always busy. This is very cosmopolitan place where is mix lots of different people who like drink and dance. Full bar and on the day this is nice place to have relaxing drink and chat with friends.

Fantastically cosy and refreshingly subdued, Via is amongst the best of what the famous Canal St has to offer.
Both a great daytime hangout and a fun place to dance the night away, Via is friendly and inviting to all.
The food and drinks are reasonably priced given the famous location and the staff are courteous and polite.
Go early, stay late!

Been in here a couple of times the staff are very nice and polite.

The bar fairly big you can choose were you want to sit near the bar down stairs or upstairs.

The food lovely I had the chilly dog with homemade chunky chips and the prices are not to bad and the drink prices are not that bad eather.

All in all very friendly bar and will be visiting again soon.

This bar is on Canal Street This bar And there is plenty of seating and lots of outdoor seating as well. The staff was friendly.

Via Fossa is a gorgeous bar with all the eclectic charm of a Barcelona establishment. Although it's won awards for being one of the best gay bars in Manchester, anyone is welcome here and the staff are super friendly. Sit around the bar during the afternoon and chat away to the barman or take a table early evening to enjoy some dinner. I personally found the prices rather reasonable, and whilst we only shared a plate of Chilli Nachos, I saw some other dishes, burgers, curries and steaks that looked extremely inviting....

At night check out the other floors as Via Fossa turns into a club. There's all types of music played here, depending on the night, but generally its focus is firmly on fun - disco, chart music and Ibiza house are all popular choices. It can get very crowded in here though, that's the only downside.

I LOVE this place.

I remember the first time I walked in - I was wowed by the interior, it looks amazing, and is so huge. I think I got lost the first time I walked in.

The staff are always friendly and happy to help. They have a good drinks selection, and the restaurant area is lovely, serving a great range of delicious meals and desserts.

This is definitely a fave of mine on Canal St!