Summer’s still going, with another heat wave coming! We hope you’re embracing the sunshine (and surviving the heatwave) as winter becomes a distant memory, let’s ignore that next month is September for now. While the summer heat’s still doing its thing, here’s a solid little pit stop to pencil in for your next wander: Queer Lit. This brilliant independent bookstore in Manchester is packed with LGBTQ+ reads – and if you recognise the name, it’s probably because it’s Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ bookshop. Yep, right here on your doorstep. Curious? You should be.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are our own, unsponsored feelings.
If you’ve been walking through Ancoats recently and haven’t dropped in to Queer Lit or Social Refuge, you’re doing it wrong – sorry! Enter through Social Refuge (@socialrefugemcr) on Instagram, the café/bar/workplace at the same address, run by the same cool team as Queer Lit. Here, you can get a bite to eat, lunch, a pastry, a drink (soft, alcoholic, coffee, frappé – whatever you like). Social Refuge also boasts a lil’ extra space in the basement with additional seating, as well as events, you can find all the info on their instagram or through their website. And, just metres away is Queer Lit’s book selection! The place is accessible, with a ramp bridge into Social Refuge, a lift to access Queer Lit from there (which is otherwise two steps up from the café) and a lift to access the basement.
Queer Lit itself holds over 4500 titles in-store, as well as having books available on their website. Categories in-store include achillean, sapphic and bisexual – to just name a few. We were pretty taken with the mix of genres – and the layout? Weirdly satisfying. It’s got that cosy vibe, but still manages to hit hard with the stacked shelves, cool extras, and a menu that doesn’t mess around.
In case it wasn’t obvious – we totally think you should swing by. Whether it’s a mid-week lunch escape, a weekend browse with mates, or just an excuse to buy shoelaces in your flag colours, it’s all valid. Here’s the lowdown as of April 2025:
Address: 27 Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 5AJ (enter through Social Refuge)
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Insta: @queerlituk / @socialrefugemcr
If you visit, make sure to let us know in the comments! We want to know your thoughts! We also want to hear any LGBTQIA+ spots that you all love!
Love,
Team Nonchalant xoxo
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