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You’ll recognise The Molly House in Manchester’s Gay Village instantly, mainly by the incredible collage of street art on the exposed side of the building depicting LGBTQ+ and feminist icons including Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing and drag queens Anna Phylactic and Foo Foo Lammar. But there’s plenty about this fascinating watering hole that many don’t know, from the history behind The Molly House name to that of the Manchester building itself… if these walls could talk.
The eighteenth century equivalent of a gay bar, a Molly House was once a place where queer men, or ‘mollies’, could meet others like themselves, without fear of prosecution and public hanging. Molly Houses were particularly important since prosecutions resulting in death were common in these times for anyone acting in an ‘immoral’ way, including being homosexual, and were often found guilty of sodomy.
Manchester and the surrounding areas also have a particular history when it comes to prosecuting and punishing LGBTQ+ people. On the night of 24/25 September 1880, a group of men rented out the Temperance Hall in Hulme for an event. Organisers knew the police would not allow same-sex dancing and intimacy so they did everything they could to avoid attention.
The ball was uncovered by a particularly enthusiastic Detective Caminada who had been keeping queer men in Manchester under surveillance for some time. Giving the password ‘sister’ in an effeminate voice, police burst in and arrested 47 men in fancy dress and women’s clothing − some were dancing the can-can. Appearing before a magistrate the next day, the defendants were released on sureties of £25 and good behaviour for one year.
What’s more, in an unthinkable story by today’s standards, in 1806, 24 mostly working-class men were arrested for offences committed together at a public house in Sankey, on the outskirts of Warrington. Tried at Lancaster Castle for buggery, several were executed, making the importance of Molly Houses even more stark.
These days, the only worry at The Molly House is finding a space at the bar. A former worsted tailors shop in a street behind Canal Street that may well have started a new movement in the village, The Molly House Manchester opened as a bar and cafe in December 2010, offering 20 different teas, specialist coffees, and high-end spirits.
Set on two levels, its décor is described as ‘post-Victorian decadent shabby chic’. The ‘Tea Room‘ where the kitchen is sited has the cask ale bar together with food servery and four handpumps, though not all may be in use, and the beer range specialises in local brewers, servin many different beer styles.
Wooden tables, chairs and benches adorn the interior, giving a sultry yet chic feel, reminiscent of old Molly Houses. Upstairs in ‘The Bordello‘, the décor and lighting is more intimate with sofas and a fireplace for chats with friends and perfect for a date night, plus a portrait of Molly herself, leading onto the outside terrace.
Molly manages to attract a diverse crowd, as well as a refreshing mix of ‘types’, whilst keeping the mood respectable yet proud. It has more of a wine bar feel to it during the evenings (and a lovely wine menu, too!), with tasty tapas dishes such as croquetas, marinated octopus and chorizo on offer, as well as a menu of fantastic burgers – which have been met with fan acclaim.
But most crucially, The Molly House itself encourages “the discerning, eccentric and alternative“, and it has been cemented as a truly diverse spot that has earned its name and place in Manchester’s thriving Gay Village for the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike to enjoy all year round, not just during Pride.
📍 The Molly House, 26 Richmond St, Manchester M1 3NB.