Fetish Destinations: Manchester
from
Recon News
14 May 2016
Manchester is a city that's known for it's nightlife and for having one of the best gay scenes in the UK. Most of the clubs and bars can be found in the Gay Village, with the famous Canal Street found at the centre. The fetish scene is ever expanding, with several clubs and bars holding weekly events with mandatory dress codes and zoned off areas specifically for fetish men.
If you fancy making the journey, or you're a local who's new to the scene and doesn't know quite where to go, here's our list of the best places for a fetish night out in Manchester:
Alert!
Billed as Manchester's premier gay fetish night and taking over The Cellar at the Bangkok Bar in Princess Street, Alert! is a monthly event for 'those who prefer their clubbing with a bit more sleaze'. It's membership only, so if you're heading up there, you'll need to join first.
Events include Alert! Brief Encounter (for those who like underwear), Alert! Retro (reliving the glory days of 80s/90s clubbing) and Alert! Lite (where there's no dress code). For standard Saturday nights, wear your best gear. It has a staffed cloakroom, so you can get changed out of your civvies on arrival.
The Cellar is located across two floors and is separate from the rest of the club. It features a VIP Cabin for hire, pup cage, bondage room, wet-play area, video/orgy room and on Alert! event nights, there's a special room with sling and inner darkroom – so there are plenty of dark spaces to play in.
Company Bar
Popular with fans of leather and muscle, Company Bar is a men-only establishment tucked away in a basement. It can be found under fellow gay venue, The Molly House on Richmond Street. The music might cover all extremes, but you can expect a relaxed atmosphere, large crowd and a happy hour not bothered by the bounds of time.
Billed as 'the place for the gay man on the town', it's fairly small but well worth seeking out.
Cruz 101
This huge members' club in Princess Street pumps out house, disco and pop music during the week, and could be considered a pretty generic gay club. However, it does occasionally lay on some big fetish events (check out what's on for details) at the weekend.
One such event is Dark Cell, hosted by Manchester Rubbermen during the annual Manchester Rubber Weekend. Gear up and let your inhibitions go in the bondage area and dark spaces.
The Eagle
If it's a masculine nightspot you're after, this men-only bar could be right up your alley. Again located in the Gay Village, The Eagle is modern and discrete, and throws some of Manchester's best fetish events. It's known for being a 'no nonsense venue for men who like men'.
At weekends, the Dark Eagle bar is opened – an area where everyone can 'be free'. There's also a darkroom and porn playing on screens around the venue. It can get packed, so either arrive a bit earlier or prepare yourself for a squashed evening.
Basement
Though not a fetish venue, this is one of Manchester's two gay saunas; if you don't find horny men here, where will you? Basement is a spacious complex of low-lit showers, saunas, steam room, Jacuzzi and spa pools that's open 24/7. There are also private cabins, massage rooms, a lounge / café, a cruising area and glory holes, so plenty of fun to be had. The maze steam room features lots of dark, intimate corners, ideal for getting to "know" someone better.
Again, membership applies but towels are provided. Situated in Tariff Street, you're just a five-minute walk from the gay village, if you want to continue your night after a bit of play or head there after the clubs.
Of course, if you want some first-hand recommendations, you should chat with Manchester-based Recon members before getting on the train. Arrange some play mates in advance, or get to know new friends who can show you the ropes.
Have you got any alternative suggestions? Share your top Manchester night spots with us on Recon Twitter.
*Photography by Ropewolf Photography
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