Man Bar and Growlr Club

What it is

This weekend-only venue near the bottom of Dickson Road packs three quite different nights into one building.

• Man Bar, on the ground floor, is a traditional gay bar: conversation, music, a pool table and weekend drinks deals that run all night. It is relaxed and sociable, and the clientele is mostly men, though it is not men-only.
• Growlr Club, upstairs, is a men-only cruise club with a cosy bar, dark themed zones and an industrial-style layout. You get in with a wristband, which you buy at the ground-floor bar. The name comes from the bear community, and the club leans towards bears, cubs, daddies and their admirers, though all men over 18 are welcome. Visitors also mention a locker area and an outdoor smoking terrace.
• Gin & Bear It is a botanical gin lounge inside the venue, built as a calmer escape from the dancefloor. The list runs to a very large number of gins (regulars talk of 200 or more), served with artisan tonics and fresh garnishes. Tell the bartender the flavours you like and they will build a drink around them. Visitors describe it as inclusive and a safe space to be yourself.

History in brief

Man Bar has been part of the Dickson Road scene for years as a no-frills men's bar a few doors up from Funny Girls. More recently the building was refurbished, giving the upstairs club a brighter, more modern look, and the gin lounge was added as a third space. Growlr has also hosted promoter-run themed parties: a jock-themed bear night with a kink twist launched there in spring 2024.

What's on

The whole venue opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 8pm until late. Growlr Club's busiest sessions are Friday and Saturday. Themed parties and guest DJs are announced through the venue's own channels, so check before travelling for a specific event.

Drinks and food

The main bar serves beers, premium spirits and snacks, with weekend offers. Gin & Bear It focuses on gin and tonic pairings. There is no kitchen.

Who it suits

• Man Bar: anyone who likes a traditional gay pub atmosphere and a game of pool.
• Growlr Club: gay and bi men looking for a cruise club. It is men only and strictly adult.
• Gin & Bear It: couples and friends who want a good drink and a conversation without shouting over music.

Entry and etiquette

Entry is strictly 18+, and staff may ask for ID. Growlr is men only, with wristband entry from the bar downstairs. As in any cruise space, consent is everything: respect a "no", and look after your belongings and your friends.

Accessibility

No accessibility information is published. The club is upstairs, so expect stairs.

Location and nearby

Man Bar is a short walk up Dickson Road from Funny Girls and Oscars, close to the rainbow crossings at the Springfield Road junction. The venue places Gin & Bear It inside the building, though some listings give it a Springfield Road address round the corner. Acqua Sauna is also on Springfield Road, and the Cuban Bar is a few doors along Dickson Road.