New Union (pub)

New Union
The pub in 2009
Location within Greater Manchester
Former namesUnion Hotel
General information
TypePublic house, hotel
LocationPrincess Street, Manchester, England
Coordinates53°28′35″N 2°14′19″W / 53.4763°N 2.2385°W / 53.4763; -2.2385
Year builtEarly 19th century
RenovatedMid-1990s (extended)
Design and construction
Designations
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name
New Union public house
Designated3 October 1974
Reference no.1247444
Other information
Public transit
Manchester Piccadilly
Website
newunionhotel.co.uk

The New Union (formerly known as the Union Hotel) is a Grade II listed public house and hotel on Princess Street, adjacent to Canal Street in Manchester, England, within the city's gay village. Established in the 1860s, it is one of the area's longest‑standing venues and operates as a drag and karaoke venue as well as a hotel.

History

The building originated in the early 19th century, according to its official listing.[1] It was established as the Union Hotel around 1860, a name referring to the union of countries within the Commonwealth.[2]

The pub has served a largely gay customer base since the Second World War and is regarded as one of the oldest LGBTQ venues in the country.[3] It was given its present name in the 1970s.[2]

On 3 October 1974, the pub was designated a Grade II listed building.[1] The New Union was extended in the mid-1990s,[2] and it continues to function as a venue within the gay village.

Architecture

The building is constructed from red brick with stucco dressings on the ground floor and has a slate roof. It has two storeys, three bays, and an extension to the rear. The doorway on the front façade has a segmental head, and the windows are altered casements.[1]

The interior contains stained‑glass windows depicting Commonwealth nations, including Australia, Canada, India, and New Zealand.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Historic England. "New Union public house (Grade II) (1247444)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d "New Union Hotel". Manchester History. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
  3. ^ "New Union Hotel & Show Bar". Visit Manchester. Retrieved 24 March 2026.