Queer Lit – LGBTQ+ shop in Manchester
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Queer Lit

Google (369) 4.9
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98
/ 100
GayOut Score
G4.9
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Address
27 Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ
🌐
Website
www.queerlit.co.uk

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About this place Queer Lit

Queer Lit is an independent LGBTQ+ bookshop at 27 Great Ancoats Street in Ancoats. It bills itself as Europe's largest, with more than 5,500 queer titles plus badges, flags, cards and clothing. It shares the building with Social Refuge, an LGBTQ+ café and bar, so you can browse and then sit down with a coffee. Google reviews are 4.9 from about 370. The shop also runs events, including a queer history walking tour. It's about 15 minutes' walk north-east of Canal Street.

Upcoming events at Queer Lit

Features

Mixed LGBTQ+ Card payments accepted Walk-ins welcome Day venue Year-round

Insider Tips

Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.9
★★★★★
319 reviews

Based on 319 Google reviews.

Erin Hales 8 months ago
★★★★★

Does what it says on the tin! A wonderful selection of queer books, as well as greeting cards and accessories. The bookshop is inside a bar/cafe so you can hangout as well as grab a book. It can be a little difficult to find a specific book if you are looking for one, since the ordering system is not very clear. The staff are friendly so I'm sure they'd be able to help. I was just here for a browse so it was perfect for me! While it is a very large space (and therefore ideal for spending time in), one wall is covered with books and the rest is a cafe space. It doesn't feel as packed with books as 'gays the word', but the open space makes it a more relaxing place to spend time.

Rory Haney 4 months ago
★★★★★

Always love coming here! The staff are so lovely, down to earth and helpful. The cafe is a wonderful place to relax and unwind, and their book selection is fabulous! Happily recommend this to people all the time. They make the nicest drinks and cakes. ♡

Jessica Allen 3 months ago
★★★★★

Queer Lit is an absolutely gorgeous bookshop and such a special space. I came in looking for fiction with non-binary characters for my eldest, and the advice I got was spot on. The staff member who helped us was funny, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive - the kind of person who makes you feel instantly at ease asking questions. We left with ‘Meet Cute Diary’ and ‘Kickflip Vol. One’, which felt perfectly chosen and exactly right. It felt like a safe, thoughtful, community-led space rather than just a shop and that really matters. A total gem for Manchester. We’ll definitely be back 💖📖

Richard Lamph 6 months ago
★★★★★

Really friendly atmosphere. Staff working in the bookshop were lovely and have actual knowledge of what theyre selling. Great range of pin badges to! Cakes were really tasty! Very reasonably priced. The new location (not sure when they moved) is stunning, really spacious and a lovely spot to sit and read a new book and have a coffee

Millicent Taylor 7 months ago
★★★★★

The staff in here are always super friendly and the coffee is great, they do my favourite mocha in the area! The book collection is well organized and varied too and there really is something for everyone. I have been given recommendations by staff a couple times and have always enjoyed what I ended up reading, as well as have been in looking for something more particular and been assisted in finding it! Great spot to meet up with friends too, as well as a comfy space to enjoy a drink alone. Plus it's dog friendly! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Last updated on 13 November 2026

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