Manto
1 sound
In 1991, a lesbian property developer and her business partner purchased a run-down building on Canal Street. It was named Manto, which stood for Manchester Tomorrow, and was the first in the area to be clad with large glass windows, a revolutionary decision allowing the casual passerby to view what was going on inside. This architectural design was seen as a bold visual statement “we’re here, we’re queer – get used to it!” The bar made significant losses in the first six months of business, mostly from people’s fear of being seen, but is credited for pioneering the contemporary style of venues in the Village today.
