Grand Central Alt Bar & Live Music Venue — Restaurant in Manchester

Firstly, I would like to say that I have been a GC regular for over 25 years . From the Subway at the back, on the way to The Banshee and Jilly's days. Despite my Alternative appearance, never had any issue with staff or clientele at all, not one cross word. Never been drunk,4 or 5 drinks between here, The Salisbury and sometimes Fab Cafe. Then on the 11.47 bus home regular as clockwork. Friday 29th April. Rock up to GC about 9-30( Had 1 pint in Fab on the way up). Noticed the new bar manager at the corner of the bar, also noticed the look he gave me. Ordered a pint of Coors. The girl between the bar gave me £2 change of £10. This she rectified without smile or apology, when I politely informed her of this fact. Went and stood by the machine at corner of the bar as normal. Drank my pint and returned to the bar for a refill, where another member of staff returned to me without my drink and informed me that she had been told not to serve me, as I'd had enough to drink. I was so shocked I had to ask her to repeat what she'd said. I tried to explain that I had only been out just over an hour and only had 2 pints but my fate was clearly sealed. Out of self respect, respect for the girl and for the place itself I left quietly and without fuss. To think of so many hours over so many years, for my GC days to end like this leaves me deeply saddened. I can only think that the place is no longer the inclusive, non judgemental safe place that it always was. And that lone Alternative men are no...

Update at the bottom: Went in day time around 2ish on my own. It was on bank hol Monday to grab a quick drink. Berfore heading home. Had my work top on. Was empty. I am a removal man. NO branded clothes. The guy serving said I am not allowed to have a drink here because how I looked. Was a little bit embarrass by it tbh. I went in there because the crowd looked altenative and non judgmental shame I couldn’t sit in there 🙁 UPDATE: thanks for responding, check again. It was defiantly this place, HIGH vis dark grey shorts. I remember it very well. It was not the other bar that you suggested it may be. It was a red ish colour frontage next to a bridge with the Starbucks opposite because I went and sat outside and had a coffee. I was quite polite and didn’t cause an issue out of it. Tbh it’s just made me feel bad all round about entering venues. It takes some people a lot of currage to walk into a place to try and socialise worrying about not fitting in or people judging you and this place completely failed. Which is why I have taken the time to warn anyone who fears they may not be accepted in social settings to just avoid at all costs to avoid that feeling that I...

Door policy seems to have changed from two years ago, and has improved in my experience. I've been several times now with no random problems in getting in.

Beer and spirit selections are good, and there are often events on, whether bands or a metal DJ.

My only criticism is occasionally being given the wrong drink by one staff member. I watch what they're doing now, as Kraken and Coke looks the same as JD and Coke until you try it!

Since it changed in ownership, the door policy here has been bit random. You can get turned away with little explanation.

Edited to respond to feedback from the venue:-

I've not been barred from GC, I wasn't asked to leave by another venue (I actually went to The Salisbury and Junior Jackson's instead), I wasn't drunk as it was the first place I went to, I'm 48 so not underage, and the bouncer gave no reason for not letting me in which would've been...