Iconic LGBTQ+ pub reopens in Canal Street following ‘super bright and unbelievable’ £300k makeover

One of Manchester’s most iconic LGBTQ+ pubs in the heart of the Gay Village has reopened to the public following a major £300,000 refurbishment.

The Goose, located on Bloom Street, has been a mainstay in the city centre district since the 1990s but the pub building’s history ventures far further back to the mid-nineteenth century and has gone through various incarnations over the years, including The Ram’s Head, The Fleece Tavern and the Kingston Hotel.

But the venue, formerly known as Paddy’s Goose, closed its doors last month ahead of a major transformation that is now complete. As part of the refurb, the exterior of the pub now features bright signage that changes colour and ‘commands attention’ from afar.

READ MORE: First look inside the newly-revamped £33m Manchester hotel paying homage to the city's roots

The old décor has also been given a complete facelift with new flooring throughout as well as a new stage area fully equipped with new lights, backdrops and DJ box. The old fireplaces have been removed to create further space, whilst a new floral wall and giant neon Goose have been installed to create fun photo opportunities. Refurbishment work was designed and undertaken by hospitality and leisure specialists MGI partners.

The pub’s existing two bars have also been completely restored and combined together to create a modern and stylish area. Amongst its wide selection of drinks, the pub now serves Rainbow Juice, the Goose’s very own draught lager where 10p of every pint sold is donated to The George House Trust.

Publicans Paul Senior and David Thornhill, who have been licensees at The Goose since 2018, previously told the M.E.N how they had turned the pub from a ‘village joke’ into something that is well-loved by locals with open mic nights, karaoke nights and performances from some of Canal Street’s finest, including the likes of Belinda Scandal, KY Kelly and Shania Pain, drawing in big crowds.

Operating as a Punch Pubs & Co venue, David said: “The transformation of the Goose from what it was to what it is now is unbelievable. Paul and I are delighted with the changes and have been blown away by the compliments and feedback we’ve received.

“The whole purpose of the investment was to give some much-needed TLC to the Goose without losing any of its charm, I think it’s fair to say we’ve nailed it! The new-look pub is totally different to before - super bright, modern and spacious but still paired with our iconic drag queen entertainment from Manchester’s drag royalty; Misty Chance, Verry Cherry and Missie Jay.”

Drag queen Misty was on hand to cut the ribbon at the pub’s grand reopening, which also featured stilt walkers and an evening of live entertainment and music. Forthcoming events at The Goose will include cabaret nights and the return of Misty Chance’s incredibly-popular weekly quiz.

“It’s great to be back open after the extensive works and we are very proud,” joint publicans David and Paul said. “The Goose is such a major part of Manchester’s Gay Village and we have loved seeing everyone return after seven weeks.”

The Goose is on 29 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3JE.