Trying to wait out the queues for the trams after the first day of Christmas markets, Sparky and I decided to head to Canal Street for our first proper pink drinks since moving to Manchester. It was still early though, so a lot of bars were very quiet and the one which seemed to have some life(Via) was too busy. Then we spotted Eden across the other side of the canal. Actually, it’s quite easy to miss because not only is it on the other side, but it’s also below street level so it doesn’t easily catch your eye. They do food and drink, and have a nice outside seating area by the canal but it was a bit too cold in November for that so we went inside. A refreshingly wide range of beers on tap from Black Sheep to Staropramen. Not cheap, but we were in the heart of the gay village so that’s probably to be expected. Staff were friendly and attentive and the place had a nice laid back vibe. I’d give it another star were it not for the fact that it was a bit too dark for my liking, and at the price of the beer(£4 a pint) was a bit steep. Still better than playing sardines on the tram though.
Pawel W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
This is my and my friends favorite place for drink. We like siting on boat and drinking vine and beers in good price always happy hours. Only 4 stars no 5 because I eat in this place and I was not impress very little portions.
Tom B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Lymm, United Kingdom
Love Eden. Nice food and cheap beers, £2 a pint. Recommend the Calzone. They even have their own boat to sit on in the canal so you are covered if the floods come!
Gayle P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sale, United Kingdom
Had a lovely meal at Eden last night. The place is much more laid back than a lot of the bars to be found on Canal Street. The service was extremely friendly and attentive. The food was also very good. I had the salt and pepper calamari which was delicious and a very generous portion for the money. My husband’s cajun chicken main was extremely substantial and my pizza wasn’t bad. Dessert also hit he spot. If you want somewhere good for casual dining then Eden would be a perfect choice.
Tony P.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Wigan, United Kingdom
Only been in once so far so only a quick review. Will do proper review after next visit nevertheless this place wernt too bad first visit a bar on a boat cool enjoyed sitting on the canal the staff were nice the beer was good and the atmosphere great.
Asr97j
Rating des Ortes: 1 Yeovil, United Kingdom
A while ago. Hopefully its changed hands now but three of us met up here. Two of us ordered the same pizza. It came cold with so much cheese on top that anything could have been under it. We were then both ill.
Stuart T.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Manchester, United Kingdom
This venue is fine if you are in a group and are out for a meal. Booking is advised at prime times if you are intending to eat. I wouldn’t really recommend it as a potential venue for a bar crawl however. It is also more popular with the straight crowd than the gay crowd, even though it is situated in the heart of the gay village.
Stuart ..
Rating des Ortes: 4 Salt Lake City, UT
I’ve been going to Eden for as long as I can remember now, years and years. The only thing that ever seems to change is the menu. Not just the menu items, but the style, layout, the format, it never ever seems to be the same when I go back. I’m not sure if that’s multiple chefs all wanting to put their stamp on the place or just one really hyper chef/manager. Whatever the reason, the food and service thankfully never change, always great. I’ve stopped by mostly for lunch here but the odd dinner here and there as well. Its hard to really describe the menu, what with it changing so often, but its got a solid European feel to it. There’s generally something for everyone. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salad/soup at lunch with chicken/fish/lamb/vegi options for dinner. Inside is dark, lots of heavy wooden tables, and laid back. The outside often draws big crowds, especially the after work one, with the canal barge moored up, where you can eat and drink when the weather allows.
Alfie B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manchester, United Kingdom
I agree. This is a five star venue. Most of canal street is pretty good to be honest. A lot of people I know are reluctant to visit it but for me, a straight man, its one of the friendliest and most fun-filled parts of Manchester. And Eden is probably, along with Cruz 101, in its top two venues. The inside and that is fine but the real pull factor is the outdoor seats on the top of a barge. You know, a boat. Its also slightly set away from the main centre of canal street so you get a pleasant view of the canal with much fewer passers by and no rowdiness whatever the hour. Prices are not exactly cheap but it is the centre of town and I would say probably the most picturesque place to sit for a summer beer. Staff are all friendly and very nice. I don’t mention this mundane point in my reviews unless they have really made a good impression and here they make you feel very welcome and go out of their way to make your pint that little bit tastier. So they deserve a mention. So, yes, its one for the summer months. But if you’re in the area then pop over and have a look anyway as its still pretty cool.
James b.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manchester, United Kingdom
Sooooo badly misrepresented by the tacky, generic every-bar name, Eden is actually one of the best bars I’ve ever been to in a long time. It’s cheap, the food is fantastic, the bar staff are really courteous and best of all, the outdoor seating area is a motherflipping boat shamon!!! What’s not to like about getting sea sick whilst supping on an affordably priced pint of Carlsberg? Beautifully lit, with fantastic views of pretty Canal Street, you might almost believe you’re abroad… if it wasn’t for the omnipresent Manchester drizzle and highland temperatures. One for the summer months.
Alexandra s.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manchester, United Kingdom
Right guys, here’s a good one! I went to this bar last night and boy have I been missing out. Due to the fact that this place is set off Canal Street and is not clearly visible I have missed out on good times during the summer months… god damn it hit me hard where it hurts. It may be chilly now and I may need mittens but you will find me sitting outside this bar on the canal. The major appeal of this place is that it is extended onto a barge with seats and outdoor lights and a rather HUGE umbrella. Now me and my better half found it quite hard to find to find anything displeasing about this place and trust me if there had of been we have very keen eyes for this type of thing. So rather like spot the difference I challenge you to ‘spot anything wrong with Eden’, excluding the fact its winter and YOUWILL try to sit outside till your lips go blue cos ‘its like being on holiday’ just 20 degrees colder… but hey its a boat with lights and music and drinks… in the centre of Manchester!
Tofudr
Rating des Ortes: 3 Manchester, United Kingdom
I so wanted to give this place 4 if not 5 stars but unfortunately on my last couple of visits I feel food quality, choice and value for money has dropped. Found in the centre of Manchester’s gay village it provides a nice setting/place to meet/eat before a night out or for lunching on a bright day. The canal boat-esque outside dining area is a nice touch but could do with a bit of TLC, inside is nice but nothing special. It’s a great shame this place got rid of their 2 courses for £20 offer, I once ordered a sirloin steak as my main and it was one of the best I have ever had — the chicken skewers and mussels were delicious too but these options for this value have gone. I find the menu not as inspiring as it used to be, quite disappointing compared to it’s better days although nonetheless Eden stills provides a good meal with pleasant atmosphere.
Mattwi
Rating des Ortes: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
Bar eden is located in the heart of canal street which is the gay village. It is on the canal and has lovely fairy lights at night making you feel you are somewhere far away and tropical. Fun dancing on the tables takes place late at night.