I'm in Manchester quite soon, so I'll give it a go! Thanks for the recommendation.
Canal Street is a great night out, never any trouble there and always a good atmosfear.
I arranged a meal/night out for 75 people there last year. The meal was at Villaggio which was a great venue for that number of people and the service was fantastic. Doing the same this year but there are only 45 of us so we're going to Taurus which is where I wanted to hold it last year but 75 is beyond their capacity.
Last year we then went on to Via Fosse (which I have previously hired the downstairs of for a private party) which is one of my favourite places on Canal Street and then onto Satan's Hollow which, although not on Canal Street/part of the village, is more my cup of tea particularly when it comes to music.
As someone else said, doesn't matter whether you're gay or straight, Canal Street is a fun night out.