Gay Brighton
Nightlife
When it comes to entertainment, Brighton knows how to put on a great show. While it may only have the second largest population of queers in the country – it’s definitely first when it comes to knowing how to have a good time.
A number of top international club DJs call Brighton home, drawn by its mix of freewheeling locals, young population and party-on atmosphere. One of the most famous is Fatboy Slim (AKA Norman Cook) who holds a semi-regular night on the seafront every summer.
Head to Marine Parade – considered gay central by those in the know – for a good time had by all. Home to The Amsterdam, Charles Street, Envy, Kruze and Schwartz Bar, it’s the perfect place to bar hop. Chances are if you don’t like one venue, there will be a few others that grab your attention.
Don’t worry if you find yourself separated from the gay ghetto as there are plenty of other watering holes scattered throughout the city that are sure to quench your thirst. And with Brighton acceptance levels of alternative lifestyles being what they are, you don’t have to worry about being welcomed. One mutter of the words ‘pint, please’ and you’ll become one of the family.
Lesbians are well looked after in the city-by-the-sea thanks to a branch of London’s Candy Bar. Ever-popular with the ladies, it’s a friendly drinking spot that always opens its doors to fresh… I mean new… blood.
Live theatre and performance is incredibly well attended in Brighton thanks to its diverse range of venues and programming. Komedia always has something worth catching – often with a queer twist, while The Theatre Royal hosts big-name plays and touring productions prior to their transfer to the West End.
Drinking and Dancing
Amsterdam Hotel (www.amsterdam.uk.com/)
Spacious, cruisy seafront bar and sauna. Mostly gay men. 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 688 825.
Angels
Sexy but sophisticated dance, cabaret and strip event for lesbians. Toad at the Picture House 75-79 East St, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 709 709.
Bulldog Tavern
Gay mens’s pub popular with a macho and leather crowd. 31 St James’s Street, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 684 097.
Candy Bar
Newly-expanded, popular bar and club for lesbians and friends. 129 St James’s Street, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 622 424.
Charles Street
Slick, spacious designer bar popular with a mixed crowd. 8 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 624 091.
Envy
Dance club that frequently pulls in big name London DJs and club promoters. 8 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 624 091.
Harlequin (www.harlequin-brighton.co.uk./)
Popular cabaret bar and disco. 43 Providence Place, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 620 630.
Kruze
The most relaxed of the seafront designer bars. Serves food. 7 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 608 133.
Legends
Revamped seafront bar with regular cabaret. New Europe Hotel, 31-32 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 624 462.
Queen’s Arms
A landmark in the local gay scene, tiny Kemp Town bar with a great regular drag cabaret. 7 George Street, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 696 873.
Queen’s Head
Recently refurbished traditional pub attracting a wide range of ages. 3 Steine Street, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 602 939.
Revenge
Long established disco. The lynchpin of gay nightlife in Brighton. 32 Old Steine, BN1. Tel: +44 (0)1273 606 064.
Schwartz Bar
Leather and cruise bar for gay men. New Europe Hotel, 31-32 Marine Parade, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 624 462.
Storm
Gay club hosting regular men-only theme nights, including daddy and underwear parties. 5 Steine Street, BN2. Tel: +44 (0)1273 609 672.