Gay clubs brighton
Brighton stands out as a favored city within the UK for LGBTQ+ tourists, often celebrated as the gay capital of the South (competing with London), therefore it's hardly surprising that numerous amazing gay bars in Brighton are available!
Whether your preferences lean towards a gay pub, a gay bar, a gay club, or even a gay cruising venue, Brighton truly presents something to entice everyone.
The majority of the gay bars that Brighton boasts are conveniently located within a comfortable walking distance from one another (in a similar fashion to Manchester, widely considered to be the gay capital of the North!), focused in Brighton's gay district, additionally recognized as Brighton's gay village. On a night exploring Brighton, we observed that the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum was represented, more so than in many other spots we've had the pleasure of visiting!
To discover additional insights into Brighton's offerings, take a look at our detailed Travel Guide to Gay Brighton.
Within our guide, The Best Gay Bars in Brighton, we shall examine everything that the vibrant gay scene in Brighton has to present.
Where is the Gay Village in Brighton?
The gay village in Brighton is located in Kemptown.
Kemptown spans along the coast, featuring a primary gay area bordered by Old Steine Pavillon Parade, Edward Street, Bedford Street, plus the seafront.
You will soon come to realize that you've stumbled upon Brighton's gay village simply by the immediate surge of pride flags, gay bars, not to mention gay shops!
Best Gay Bars in Brighton
Brighton features a gay bar suited to everyone, irrespective of their tastes. Highlighted here are a selection of the finest gay bars in Brighton.
R-Bar Brighton
This establishment was the initial gay bar we explored within Brighton, and it can be located along the seafront, just around the corner from Club Revenge. Anticipate super affordable drink deals accompanied by DJs alongside entertainment throughout the week; presenting the ideal prelude to your evening.
Affinity Bar
Formerly known as Infinity Bar, this represents another welcoming gay bar within Brighton, remaining open daily and typically showcasing karaoke evenings including amazing drag acts.
The Queens Arms
This stands as a well established gay cabaret location, providing live drag performances plus fun karaoke nights. You can't possibly miss this particular bar; it's painted pink, adorned with pride flags, and includes depictions highlighting some of Brighton's most well known drag acts! Make your way over here for some camp amusement.
Proud Caberet
A gay bar featuring both drag and burlesque performances located in Brighton? Proud Caberet delivers precisely that and is situated right in the core of Brighton's gay quarter. The performances offer complete production value and prove well worth securing a ticket!
This specific bar stands out somewhat since you have the option to reserve diverse packages, such as a show accompanied by prosecco or a show alongside a three-course meal!
Have a peek at their Instagram page; they feature some incredible nights on offer!
Bar Broadway
Brighton's Premier Gay Musical Theatre alongside Cabaret Bar; in the event that you wish to display your finest vocal skills, scream your heart out, or simply enjoy viewing others taking the stage, swing by Bar Broadway and get ready for a memorable evening!
Le Village Brighton
One of the newer gay bars within Brighton delivering drag evenings pretty much every single night including cocktails coupled with amazing food offered at their on-site Thai dining establishment!
The Zone Bar
Situated right at the center of Brighton's gay area, make your way to Zone Bar in pursuit of an exciting, fun, and non-judgmental setting. Allow yourself to be amused by their cabaret acts, live music options, not to mention games evenings!
Arcobaleno, LGBTQ+ Cafè Bar
Another more recent gay bar located in Brighton, Arcobaleno launched during 2022 and its name translates to ‘rainbow' from Italian - seeming nearly code-like in its purpose to welcome LGBTQ+ people!
Come and indulge in their outdoor garden, complete with a bar, as well as some carefully designed cocktail choices. Matching various other gay bars, you'll discover themed evenings such as drag, quiz evenings, wine tasting opportunities, plus even more.
The Actors at The Marlborough Hotel
If you are looking for somewhere slightly more laid back alongside some amazing pizza, visit The Actors gay bar, which is situated underneath the theatre situated in the Marlborough Hotel. The theatre itself boasts a rich history of staging LGBTQ+ productions, and so there isn't truly a more appropriate location for a gay bar!
Centre Stage
Previously known as The Amsterdam, this specific seafront gay bar found in Brighton has undergone renovations recently. Aligning with its name, anticipate music, drag cabaret, plus live music acts. They also feature a pleasant outdoor patio, rendering it the ideal setting for a warm summer's day, or evening for that matter.
Legends Resort
Similar to Centre Stage, Legends also shines as an option on a balmy summer's day due to its expansive terrace with open sea views. When evening falls, the vibe becomes extremely lively in addition to being highly favored. Beneath Legends, you'll come across Basement Gay Club (explained below).
Nautilus Lounge
Previously the gay cruising bar called Subline, Nautilus has brought about some changes away from solely a cruise bar to instead become a laid-back gay bar presenting live singer performances including unique underwater decoration which is really something you have to witness to completely appreciate.
You could perhaps launch your evening here sampling a cocktail located under the water, right close to the sea!
The Curzon
Hopefully you're starting to get a feel of the underlying theme; gay bars within Brighton and cabaret/drag performances tend to coexist!
The Curzon is another spectacular gay bar delivering regular cabaret evenings, drag performances, DJs, karaoke events - you name it. The establishment stretches across three stories including serving food.
The Kemptown Klub
Providing something a bit more tucked away, The Kemptown Klub is a members-only bar (while anyone can become a member for free) intended for those aged over twenty-five.
The ground floor features a relaxed lounge-styled bar, providing cocktails plus local beer options, and downstairs you will find a compact club hosting recurring theme evenings.
The owners of the establishment have operated quite a few LGBTQ+ venues across Brighton throughout the years, allowing you to feel reassured that you are in capable hands.
Best Gay Clubs in Brighton
Considering that you've gotten warmed up in one of the numerous gay bars, it's now time for a visit to one of Brighton's gay clubs. There exist a couple of independent gay clubs including a handful of gay club evenings hosted across different places.
Club Revenge
Widely recognized as the leading gay club within Brighton, Club Revenge spans across three levels additionally presenting an amazing roof terrace boasting amazing views of the city stretching out below. The main room is situated on Level 1, presenting state-of-the-art LED screens, sound plus lighting equipment, a Void sound system, five themed VIP booths, plus a magic mirror photobooth.
The Level 2 dance floor provides a sensation as though you are stepping within an all-encompassing LED tunnel, presenting a Funktion One sound system, Berlin-inspired design features, dancing cages, not to mention a pair of additional attractive VIP zones.
This club is frequently considered the South Coast's number one LGBTQ+ venue and remains open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, plus Saturdays beginning from 10:30 in the evening running until the early hours. Make plans to wind down your night here!
The Basement Club
The Basement Club is situated below Legends Bar (which can often become clubby in its own right!). It's considered among Brighton's leading gay clubs, presenting DJs playing until the early hours - and entry is provided for free!
Best Gay Cruising Bars in Brighton
Sadly, the gay cruising bars throughout Brighton have now closed…perhaps consider trying out the gay beach found in Brighton instead!
Sublime (CLOSED)
Sublime was previously a well-known gay cruising bar situated in Brighton; however, it's now closed, having been replaced by Nautilus Lounge.
Don’t Tell Mama (CLOSED)
Another gay cruising bar located in Brighton that is no longer in business, it's pretty clear Brighton requires several additional cruising establishments! The best strategy might just be to check out a DILF Party evening.
Best Gay Pubs in Brighton
Bulldog
This pub stands out among the more iconic and celebrated gay bars throughout Brighton, drawing in a mature crowd with a laid-back environment incorporating thrilling karaoke nights.
Bulldog is also considered one of the most established gay pubs operating within Brighton, having opened its doors back in 1979. It furthermore usually plays host to a pre-party ahead of DILF (a gay gathering held in Brighton and various other spots across the UK).
Charles Street Tap
Charles Street Tap stands as Brighton's largest gay bar as well as pub, providing exquisite pub fare throughout the day plus a space intended for dancing in the evening!
The Camelford Arms, LGBTQ+ pub
Should you be looking for further pub-style food options, check out The Camelford Arms gay pub situated by the seafront, boasting a warm and friendly ambiance frequently frequented by gay males predominantly in their 30s plus beyond.
The Marine Tavern
The Marine Tavern represents a relatively compact, classic gay pub that's quite favored on a Saturday evening, that is, assuming you can get in! They present themed evenings such as curry evenings, quiz nights, plus Sunday roasts.
What is Brightons Oldest Gay bar?
For some trivia, Brighton's oldest gay bar happens to be the Bulldog Bar, and it has remained open since 1979!
Has something undergone changes? Found a new venue, or has one shut down? Let us hear from you through email at updates@theglobetrotterguys.com