They say that as fast things change, they stay the same. That description could be applied to one Village pub — being a steadfast pillar and meeting place for the LGBTQ+ community for decades — as a whole area of the city centre around it was regenerated, reinvigorated, and rediscovered.
However, to say that The Rembrandt pub has been stationary while the Village has become what it is today around it, would be to completely disregard the enormity of progress within its four walls.
The story of the pub — where they say Manchester’s first August bank holiday pride event took place — is something of a parable to how the city, and its LGBTQ+ scene, has evolved. READ MORE:"I’d be worried if I were selling my house now": The state of Greater Manchester's property market during uncertain times “That’s the bring-and-buy sale they had, in 1987,” owner Allan Whyte told the Manchester Evening News .
He was referring to one of the many photographs which adorns his pub’s walls — which he has worked in since 1996. In the photo, people are milling about by some trestle tables, which are full of items for sale.