THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Smoke And Salt, Brixton, London

    ★★★★☆ | Smoke & Salt, Brixton, London

     Pop Brixton’s critically acclaimed and award-winning Smoke & Salt are now doing brunch, and in true Smoke & Salt style it’s different from any brunch menu you’ve seen before, and this is not just a tagline – it’s the truth!

    Available on both Saturdays and Sundays between 11am-3pm, the new Smoke & Salt brunch menu is a new and exciting addition to the eternally loved London brunch scene.

    Based on the ethos of ‘Modern Dining, Ancient Techniques’, founders and head chefs Aaron Webster and Remi Williams have created a menu of unusual and surprising flavours, perfect for livening up those taste buds on a morning.  The menu has been divided into three sections, which are Lighter, Richer and Sweet.

    Lighter –  ‘Guacaleeky Toast’ – sourdough, homemade avocado-free leek guac, coriander. This is what I had on a recent warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, with the leek tasting, and looking, so much like avocado – it’s surreal! And with the sprinkling of coriander on top it was a dish too good looking and beautiful to eat, but eat I did. I noticed the guy next to me had ordered this same dish, and it looked like he enjoyed it as much as I did! This dish is highly recommended by me, but it’s on the light side (good value for £7.50) – so another dish is in order. So go, and indulge and go Richer – with the ‘Steak and Eggs’ – Bavette steak, crispy new potatoes, two eggs, and sriracha cheese sauce. It is a huge dish so perfect for two to share, with the Bavette (French for Flank Steak) amazingly tender yet moist and flavourful. The potatoes were nicely well-done, and the dish was smothered with a wonderful sriracha cheese sauce – but be forewarned – this dish has jalapeños – so if you don’t like your dish spicy (me and my lunch companion were clearly not expecting for the dish to be spicy as there’s no mention of this on the menu) then ask for no jalapeños – por favor!. But bear in mind that sriracha sauce is a bit on the spicy side, but it’s bearable. At £14.00 a great value because it’s so delicious. However, the piéce de résistance, which is also in the Richer category, was the Imbhams Farm Cornbread. Wow! Amazing dish. It’s so simple – basically, it’s cornbread topped with seasonal fruit compote and butter (on the side). The cornbread is a healthy portion (and cheap at £7.50) but it’s the taste and flavour, with the compote, that makes it so so so good. It’s a bit like jelly on toast but a million times better. I was going to ask for some cornbread to take away but held back – it was that good!

    For the Sweet category, recommended is the – ‘Spiced Plantain Cake’ – seasonal fruit compote and whipped yoghurt – which we didn’t have but I am sure it is amazing!

    The drinks menu is just as tantalising.  Under ‘Refreshments’, guests can choose Iced Coffee, Grapefruit & Mint Iced Tea (very refreshing and different), Brixton Iced Coffee (with an option to add rum) or a Seasonal Bellini. There are also local lagers available including Smoke & Salt’s very own Modern IPA as well as a selection of red wines, white wines and Prosecco.

    When the sun is shining, the front terrace at Smoke & Salt is the perfect place to bask in the South London sunshine. And when it’s not, Aaron, Remi and General manager Alex, and Sue, keep the brunch-party going inside.

    They also do dinner! Choose from a selection of Fish (Ceviche, Monkfish), Meat (Pig Cheek, Grilled Spring Lamb), or Vegetarian (Spring Vegetables, Farm Cornbread, Asparagus) from their compact menu and with it have one of their many delicious cocktails or wines). Smoke & Salt is a cosy restaurant at very cosy prices.

    Also, on 17th July, Pop Brixton’s Smoke & Salt will be heading over to the stunning East London Liquor Company for a night of delicious food and boozy drinks.

    The menu, based on Smoke & Salt’s culinary ethos of ‘Modern Dining – Ancient Techniques’ will include mouth-watering dishes such as ‘Tomatoes | whey, smoked ricotta, tasted buckwheat’; ‘Grilled Pork Collar | baby beetroot, preserved orange relish’ and ‘Goat’s Curd & Berries | candied fennel, black pepper, sweet cicely’, complete with an East London Liquor Company summer cocktail on arrival.

    Each dish can be paired with a sensational East London Liquor Company tipple, curated by Brand Ambassador Mikey Pendergast and available to purchase on the night.

    The first gin, vodka and whisky distillery in East London in over 100 years, East London Liquor Company is known for their cocktail creations, highlighting their in-house made spirits.

    The dinner is £35pp and places can be booked via Eventbrite

    www.smokeandsalt.com

    The dinner will take place at:

    East London Liquor Company

    Unit GF1, Bow Wharf

    221 Grove Road

    London, E3 5SN

    www.eastlondonliquorcompany.com

    And, if all the above were not enough, Smoke & Salt just recently won the ‘Newcomer Award’ at The Cateys – an annual award presented by The Caterer, and are the most prestigious awards in UK hospitality. Accepting the award were Aaron Webster and Remi Williams, co-founders and chefs of Smoke & Salt.

    Smoke & Salt can always be found at Pop Brixton, minutes away from the Brixton tube station, and it’s open year round. It’s ideal to have brunch there on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, and especially festive with England winning their second game of the World Cup that day, but I would think any time, any day, you will find the food, both the lunch and dinner, cooked with care, sourced from local farms. The food is healthy, good-looking, amazingly tasteful, highly affordable, and just plain damn good.

    Tables should be booked in advance via the website http://www.smokeandsalt.com/

    Smoke & Salt,
    49 Brixton Station Road,
    London SW9 8PQ

    HOURS

    Dinner | Monday – Saturday 6pm-10pm
    Brunch | Saturday – Sunday 11am

     

  • Representation matters even in car parks

    Love love love this.

    Up until now if you were looking for a car-parking space and you happened to be an LGBT+ parent your representation was ZERO. Now thanks to Volvo, Westfield has got a wide range of icon representations for all different family types. From Grandparents to single mums to gay dads.

    The trial, conducted in partnership with Westfield London in Shepherds Bush where the new icons can be seen, aligns with the theme of Volvo’s TV advertising programme for the V60 – “The New Family Model”, which launches on 9 July. Over the years, the definition of family has evolved, hence the icons profile different examples of family within society, including same-sex couples, single parents and nuclear families.

    Mike Johnstone, Marketing Strategy Director, Volvo Car UK, said: “The introduction of the new V60 gives us the ideal opportunity to celebrate the modern family in all its guises. As the contemporary iteration of our mid-size family estate, the V60 perfectly reflects our human-centric approach to car design which aims to make its owners’ lives easier and safer.”

     

  • What is that Focus sign by the Thames and Tower Bridge?

    If you’ve walked past the massive FOCUS sign on the Thames and wondered what it was, we’ve got the answer.

    What is that Focus sign by the Thames and Tower Bridge?

    It’s an Artifical Intelligence, interactive art piece. The installation’s interactive letters, spelling F-O-C-U-S, use artificial intelligence to interact with visitors and passers-by to discover and highlight their interests or passions.

    Once determined, these passions are displayed across 540 LED video tiles embedded in the six meters high, 30m long structure, alongside a video edit of the experience uploaded to Facebook to share.

    It took approximately 200 hours to train the AI programme to ‘understand’ and respond to users, and it is able to converse in four languages, with London the second stop on a five-leg European City tour. Standing at six-metres high, the 20-tonne structure took over 6,000 hours to fabricate.

    “The Ford Focus has an extensive fan base, coming from nearly two million customers over 20 years,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.  “Those in London over one of its busiest weekends can celebrate the arrival of the 2018 Ford Focus by sharing their passions via our giant F-O-C-U-S letters.”

    Ford will be supporting Pride Festival during the switch-on moment and throughout the weekend, displaying the Pride flag across the installation, as well as unfurling the St George’s flag on Saturday ahead of England’s quarterfinal World Cup fixture.

    Edmund Rogers from Ford’s GLOBE group, an employee resource group for sexual orientation and gender identity commented, “Ford has a strong history of supporting LGBT rights, and Pride, so we’re very proud to be flying the flag in support of Pride 2018.”

    The installation is open to the public until 8th July, supported by a range of new Focus vehicles, allowing people to explore the technology on offer in the new Ford Focus.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Circa’s Peepshow – Underbelly’s Spiegeltent

    ★★★★☆ | Circa’s Peepshow – Underbelly’s Spiegeltent

    Toned bodies, remarkable feats of athleticism, raw performances and a winning sense of humour make for an exhilarating evening of the unexpected in Circa’s Peepshow at the Underbelly’s Spiegeltent. Blending breathtaking gymnastics with an air of the unexpected, “Peep Show” is an evening out unlike any other.

    Circa Contemporary Circus is one of the world’s leading performance companies – founded in Brisbane, Australia in 2004. Running a training centre alongside their touring performances, they’re a company committed to training and developing the next generation of performers – allowing them to encourage artists of exceptional talent, and explaining why Circa have had sell-out shows at the Underbelly over the last few years.

    The title “Peep Show” may bring to mind something rather sordid, but that certainly isn’t the case here – the immediacy of the staging in the beautiful Spiegeltent ensuring that both the audience and the performers can see each other at all times – allowing a closeness and immediacy perhaps best highlighted by the regular gasps heard when a performer landed close to an audience member.

    That’s not to say the show isn’t sexy – anything with ridiculously muscled performers in various states of undress is going to give the majority of the audience a thrill, but the sexiness is balanced with a ridiculous sense humour and strong elements of the unexpected that are as surprising as they are entertaining. The unpredictability of some moments adds a tension to the performance that isn’t often found in such circus/burlesque shows, and frequently left the audience a little unsure of what to do – nervous murmurings replacing applause on more than a few occasions. Certainly not a bad thing as far as I’m concerned, adding a real air of originality and surprise to a genre that can be a little bit samey at times.

    With no plot and very few props, the focus never lets up on the performers – but this multi-talented lot don’t let the pressure get to them for a moment, and all show remarkable flexibility, not just as athletes but performers, switching between comedy, dance, physical theatre and pure circus at the drop of a hat. David Trappes is a particular standout in this his debut show with Circa – a wonderfully expressive face allowing him to make the most of the comedic elements in the piece, and both Jessica Connell and Jarred Dewey prove magnetic during periods spent alone on the stage. With not a weak link amongst them, it’s a shame that there aren’t more moments when the entire cast are on stage – as their movements as a group are slick, mesmerising and clearly the product of a bond built over a long period of development.

    Some aspects of the show do feel a little unfinished, but the rapid pace of the show ensures that nothing drags for long – and the standing ovation at the end showed that the audience clearly enjoyed this spectacular combination of performance and physicality.
    Clever, contemporary and completely original, Circa’s Peepshow is a great performance powered solely by a fantastically talented bunch of performers. It’s a great addition to Underbelly’s line-up this year and I heartily recommend giving it a watch.

  • Financial Institution welcomes government’s LGBT Action Plan

    Financial Institution welcomes government’s LGBT Action Plan

    The UK’s government today announced an action plan to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the UK, a top financial institute has praised the news.

    WikiImages / PixabayJess McNicholas, Managing Director, Head of Global Inclusion Diversity and Corporate Citizenship, EMEA at State Street comments on the new Government action plan to improve the lives of LGBT people,

    “As we celebrate Pride Month in the UK, it is hard to believe in 2018 that 40% of LGBTQ + people who participated in the recent UK government survey still face abuse and discrimination because of their sexual orientation. The government’s plan, announced today, is a clear statement of its commitment to tackle the inequalities faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. No one should ever have to hide who they are in their community, school or workplace.”

    “We all have a responsibility to create an inclusive culture, which allows LGBTQ+ people to feel respected at every level of society and to reach their full potential without the fear of abuse or discrimination. As the slogan for this year’s Pride campaign aptly says “we have come a long but there is a way still to go”. Today’s statement is big step forward on that journey and State Street are proud to celebrate all our LGBTQ+ staff and ensure that our inclusive culture is one where all are treated equally and with respect.”

  • This is what the UK’s Government has said it will do to improve the lives of LGBT people

    This is what the UK’s Government has said it will do to improve the lives of LGBT people

    Today the Government launched its LGBT+ action plan, a list of 75 things it wants to do to improve the lives of LGBT+ people in the UK and internationally.

    naeimasgary / Pixabay

    Minister for Women and Equality, Penny Mordaunt has launched the Government’s LGBT Action Plan, after carrying out one of the most extensive surveys of LGBT people in history. The survey asked questions about people’s experiences of living in the UK and in accessing public services. LGBT people were asked questions about education, healthcare, personal safety and employment.

    Over 108,000 people answered the survey, which was launched last summer and some of the results are shocking.

    One statistic alone speaks volumes. Two-thirds of respondents said they had avoided holding their same-sex partner’s hand in public for fear of a negative reaction. Holding hands with someone you love should be one of the simplest things in the world; not a source of fear or hesitation. There were difficult findings in other areas, such as safety, health, education and employment.

    Speaking about the plans, Ms Mordaunt said,

    “We have more work to do.

    “I am pleased that one of my first acts as the new Minister for Women and Equalities is to publish this comprehensive LGBT Action Plan. With over 75 commitments, the cross-Government plan sets out how we will improve the lives of LGBT people over the course of this Parliament. Some of the key actions include:

    • appointing a national LGBT health adviser to provide leadership on reducing the health inequalities that LGBT people face
    • extending the anti-homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying programme in schools
    • bringing forward proposals to end the practice of conversion therapy in the UK
    • taking further action on LGBT hate crime”

    You can read what the plans are for each of the areas defined by the LGBT action plan. We have seperated the plan into the six key areas.

    Education | Healthcare | Representation | Workplace | International | Safety

    £4.5m made available for the action plan

    In order to pay for the LGBT action plan, the Government have made £4.5m available to deliever on its commitments. It has created an ‘LGBT Implementation Fund’.

    The funding will initially run until March 2020. Some of this funding will be used to deliver projects within the government. The remainder will be made available to public, private and voluntary sector organisations to deliver projects to support LGBT people. The Government Equalities Office will manage the funding, and decide how money is allocated to projects.

    “Flawed”

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen

    However, some critics have called the plan flawed, Peter Tatchell, the UK’s most prominent LGBT+ rights advocate said,

    “The LGBT Action Plan is a welcome start but it falls short on key issues,”
    “The biggest fail is the lack of any pledge to end the detention and deportation of LGBT+ refugees fleeing persecution in violently homophobic countries like Uganda, Iran, Russia, Egypt and Jamaica.
    “Another big omission is the absence of any commitment to compensate gay and bisexual men who were convicted under past anti-gay laws. They suffered greatly; frequently being hit with huge fines. Some were jailed and beaten in prison. They often lost their job, income and home. Many suffered mental breakdowns. Their lives were wrecked for decades. The government’s unwillingness to include compensation in its Action Plan is a huge let down.
    “The £4.5 million budget is derisory and insulting. It coincides with cuts in funding for sexual health clinics, which make it hard to get testing and treatment appointments. This is contributing to a rise in infections among gay – and straight – people.
    “Banning gay conversion therapy is the right thing to do. It doesn’t work and it is deeply offensive to try to change a fundamental, natural and widespread human characteristic.”

    LGBT Action Plan fails to acknowledge inequality across the UK

    In response to the plan, Co-Chairs of Pride in London, Alison Camps and Michael Salter-Church said,

    “What is missing from the report is an acknowledgement that we do not have equality across the whole of the UK. The Prime Minister and the Minister both mention the UK’s global leadership on LGBT+ rights. The truth of the matter is that other countries have overtaken us and there has been a failure to address fundamental issues in our country; the lack of equal marriage in Northern Ireland and cohesive relationship, gender and sex education being the most obvious. We call on the government to specifically address these points.

    “Above all, what we see is that Pride matters as much as it ever has. This Saturday, the UK’s biggest Pride parade will take to the streets 46 years after it started. We will be there not just to celebrate how far we’ve come, but to march and protest for how much further we need to go in London and beyond”.

    You can read the full release here.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | An Officer and a Gentleman – Edinburgh Playhouse

    ★★★☆☆ | An Officer and a Gentleman

    Officer and a Gentleman review Edinburgh Playhouse

    Based on the classic film of the same name, An Officer and A Gentleman tells the story of Zack Mayo, a trainee fighter pilot who is from the wrong side of the tracks and is trying to make his way through the Naval Academy. Paula is a local girl working in a factory where she and her colleagues see the only way of escaping their humdrum lives is by being swept off their feet by a pilot and whisked away. But what starts off as a little bit of fun between the two of them becomes something more, but will either of them admit their true feelings?

    The show, and the first act in particular, thunders across the stage with dizzying speed and a relentless energy, in a production which is noisy, loud, bold and incredibly unsubtle; where a collision of lighting, sound, projected images, live music and a barrage of costume changes combine to be the absolute antithesis of the “less is more” school of thought.

    Jonny Fines makes for an appealing enough lead as Zack Mayo, with his ridiculously ripped form and a wry smile, nestling in nicely alongside his fellow recruits who appeared to have been hand-picked primarily for their pecs and ‘ceps appeal.  But despite the testosterone-fuelled world depicted in the story, the stage belonged firmly to the female ensemble, bringing some decent vocal performances to lift the broadly functional performances of the cast.

    Nikolai Foster’s direction takes the scattergun approach of throwing sufficient tricks, bells and whistles at the audience in the hope that some of them will stick, with a roughly even split of hits and misses. The show is set to an eclectic mix of 80’s classics, the musical numbers varied in terms of quality and performance, with a belting rendition of Alone by Emma Williams only serving to highlight the pub circuit stylings of some of the other musical numbers. There is a mix of soft rock classics (“I Want to Know what Love is”, “The Final Countdown”), some bubble-gum pop (“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, “Material Girl”) and some of the lesser celebrated 80’s staples (“Hearts on Fire”, “Working for the Weekend”) compounding the scattergun feel of the show, but not necessarily in a bad way.

    But that is where the show really hits its stride. It never pretends to be anything other than what it is intended to be, namely a fun, cheesy and fairly corny slice of entertaining escapism. By the time the show draws to a conclusion with its iconic ending set to a sweeping rendition of ‘Up Where We Belong’, you can’t help but be suckered in by the feel-good factor of this slice of 80’s cheese.

    *This review was taken from the Sheffield production of the same tour*

    BOOK TICKETS TO SEE AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN HERE

  • Theresa May ends Downing Street ban for Peter Tatchell

    Theresa May ends Downing Street ban for Peter Tatchell

    Theresa May has become the first Prime Minister to end the exclusion of one of the UK’s most prominent LGBT+ rights campaigners from attending functions at 10 Downing Street.

    10 Downing Street
    CREDIT: TheGayUK/Jake Hook

    Peter Tatchell will now be able to enter 10 Downing Street after Theresa May ended a ban on the human rights advocate from attending any functions at the exclusive address. It’s not known whether his ban was deliberate or just careless.

    For a decade, Peter has found himself uninvited to an annual Pride party held at 10 Downing Street. The exclusion started during Tony Blair’s premiership to David Cameron’s. This is despite Peter’s unwavering fight for rights since 1972.

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen

    Peter Tatchell said, “Since the inception of Downing Street LGBT Pride receptions a decade ago, I have been banned from attending by successive Prime Ministers – Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

    “Despite my 51 years of campaigning, and my role in the UK’s first Pride parade in 1972, they apparently deemed me to be the unacceptable face of LGBT activism.

    “I was therefore surprised and delighted that Theresa May has invited me to this year’s reception on 3 July – just days after I wrote to her urging compensation for gay men convicted under past anti-gay laws.

    “I am not much fussed about attending such receptions but I am honoured to be asked and have accepted the invitation.

    “I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister and reiterating my call for gay victims of homophobic laws, who suffered so badly, to receive government compensation.

    “She has already acknowledged the grave injustice done to these men, so I hope she will go one step further and recognise that these men deserve recompense for the terrible trauma of criminalisation that they went through.”

    This year’s annual LGBT Pride party takes place on the 3rd July.

  • What’s the best way to get from Heathrow into central London?

    What’s the best way to get from Heathrow into central London?

    If you’re flying into Heathrow and travelling into central London there are several options for you ranging in price and convenience.

    The cheapest option

    The cheapest option to travel from Heathrow to central London is by what the locals affectionately call The Tube. Heathrow is right at the end (or start depending on how you look at it) of the Piccadilly Line (the dark blue line). It serves all the terminals at London’s Heathrow airport.

    What’s brilliant about the Piccadilly Line is that it also serves most of London’s touristic areas, such as Leicester Square (one of the closest stations to London’s gay scene), Covent Garden and Knightsbridge.

    The trains run frequently and within the operating hours of Heathrow. The travel time from Heathrow Terminal 5 to say Leicester Square is around 54 minutes. You don’t need to make any changes and because Heathrow is at the beginning of the line you are almost certainly guaranteed a seat.

    Make sure you get an end seat so you can store your luggage in the little space provided at the end of the row. Don’t bring your luggage further into the carriage. The aisles are not big and your baggage will cause an obstruction.

    Getting on and off London’s Tube is super easy, especially if you have a contactless debit or credit card or you can buy an Oyster Card and top it up and pay as you go. Travelling with an Oyster or Contactless payment card means you’ll always pay the right fee and it has a daily cap, so you’ll never spend more than a traditional travel card.

    This journey will cost you £5.10 (PEAK) and £3.10 (OFF PEAK) with an Oyster or Contactless card. With cash it will cost you £6.00.

    The quickest option

    TfL Image - New Tube for London Interior

    The quickest way to get from Heathrow into central London is by the Heathrow Express which terminates at Paddington. Paddington offers great connections to all areas of London via the Tube.

    Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and the journey time takes just 15 minutes.

    A one-way ticket costs £25 ($33, €28) during peak hours ( 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM) or £22 ($29, €25) off-peak. Returns are charged at £37 ($49, €42). You can buy tickets as cheap as £5.50 if you book online, for the weekend, and in advance.

    Tickets can be bought online, at the station, at a ticket machine or via the Heathrow Express app. If you buy your ticket on board the train you will be charged more £30 (Peak) or £27 (off-peak) a return is charged at £42.

    The most comfortable

    Uber, Minicab, London’s Black Cabs

    The most comfortable way to travel from Heathrow with no stops or changes will be by private hire car, but watch out for the prices. You could end up with an expensive bill. The most expensive option is the iconic London black taxi which could cost up to £90 ($118, €101) and take 60 minutes. The taxis stop at the taxi ranks located outside each of Heathrow’s arrivals’ halls. All of London’s Black Cabs have wheelchair access.

    The cheaper of the options is to order an Uber direct from your smartphone.

    All taxis pick up passengers from the Taxi ranks.

    The Coach

    There is a coach service that runs all day with up to 51 departures per dat. It’s run by National Express. They depart from every terminal and arrive at London’s Victoria Station, 300 metres from the Tube. Prices are from £6 per ticket.

    The most freedom

    As you’d expect all the major car hire companies have a desk at Heathrow and are all located in the Arrivals’ hall in each of Heathrow’s terminals.

    Remember in the UK we drive on the left.

    Looking for great deals on Car rental in London? Check out Rentals.com for the latest prices.

    There aren’t many toll rolls, but be warned we do have the daily congestion charge in central London (operates from 7:00 AM until 6:00PM). Any car (non-electric) that enters the zone will be charged a daily £11.50 fee, which you have to pay by midnight or the fee increases to £14 up until the midnight on the following day. After that you’ll be slapped with a hefty fine. You can pay over the phone or online.

     

    Looking for great deals on Hotels while staying in London? Check out Hotels.com for the best deals.

    Created July 2018

  • Man charged in connection to Manchester assault

    A man has been charged in connection to an assault which left the victim in a “critical condition” in the heart of Manchester’s gay village.

    A 21-year-old man has been charged with section 18 assault.

    Adil Mohammed Ali (04/04/1997) of no fixed abode was remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 2 July 2018.

    This charge follows an assault on Bloom Street at around 4.45am on Saturday 30 June 2018.

    A 60-year-old man – who was cross-dressed at the time – had been outside AXM bar when he was assaulted.

    He remains in hospital in a critical condition.

    We have reached out to Manchester Police to ascertain whether the victim identifies as a man or woman, who have been unable to speak to the victim due to the victim’s injuries, however, the victim’s family says he identifies as a man.

  • Victim left in critical condition after assault in Manchester’s gay scene

    Victim left in critical condition after assault in Manchester’s gay scene

    Police are calling for witnesses to a vicious assault in the heart of Manchester’s gay village, which left the victim in a “critical condition”

    A person who was “cross-dressed” has been attacked outside one of Manchester’s most famous gay venues AXM. The attack happened at around 4.45am on Saturday 30 June 2018, police were called to reports of an assault on Bloom Street.

    Manchester Police report, “A 60-year-old man – who was cross-dressed at the time of the assault – had been outside AXM bar when he was approached by a man who punched him to the floor.

    “The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition”.

    We have reached out to Manchester Police to ascertain whether the victim identifies as a man or woman, who have been unable to speak to the victim due to the victim’s injuries, however, the victim’s family says he identifies as a man.

    21-year-old arrested

    A 21-year-old man was arrested at nearby on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody for questioning.

    Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact police.

    Detective Inspector Patrick Goodrich, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said, “This was a shocking attack on an innocent man who was enjoying his evening but has now been left in a critical condition in hospital. Our thoughts remain with him and his family as he receives treatment.

    “While we have arrested a man, our investigation is still in its very early stages and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances that led to this incident although it is not believed to be a hate crime at this stage.

    “We can see from CCTV footage that there was a white woman with blonde hair who was wearing a red top and black trousers in close proximity to the attack and we believe she may hold vital information. I want to stress that she is not in any trouble but I would urge her to get in touch as she may have key details that would assist our enquiries.”

    “I would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with information to get in touch.

    Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 471 of 30/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.