Gay Liverpool
Nightlife
Liverpool is famous for a buzzing night scene with trendy bars and superclubs, hosting some of the most famous DJ's around. Below is a selection of bars and clubs that can be found in and around Liverpool’s Gay Quarter centred on Stanley Street.
The Masquerade
On Cumberland Street is one of the city's most popular gay bars. It's not the biggest of venues but it attracts gay men and women of all ages during the day and is full to bursting with the young and the beautiful later on. There's karaoke on Tuesday nights and DJs playing classics and cheesy pop throughout the week. The Masquerade bills itself as Liverpool's friendliest gay bar - they're not wrong. Tel: +44 (0)151 236 7786
The Lisbon
One of the oldest gay bars in the city and now boasts a late licence to boot. It's situated on the corner of Stanley Street and Victoria Street in the heart of the Queer Quarter. It looks and feels like a traditional pub and even does pub grub. There's a small dancefloor with a DJ most nights but one of its most popular attractions is the legendary pool table. The Lisbon is a great meeting place before going on somewhere else. It's a particular favourite with the women. Tel: +44 (0)151 231 6831.
The Curzon
Another stalwart of the gay scene, is a more, ahem, traditional gay bar. It's dark and cruisy with a predominantly male crowd. Upstairs is open at the weekends and attracts a younger less cruisy (but not much!) bunch. They often feature a stripper on Monday nights and are open late throughout the week. Tel: +44 (0)151 236 5160.
Foundation
On Victoria Street is the newest kid on the block and quite different from the other bars on the scene. It's not down a back alley, you don't have to go downstairs to get to it and it’s got lots of windows! They also do decent food and are open from 10am for coffee. Foundation is a bit of a chameleon as it moves from bistro to bar to club as the day progresses. Tel: +44 (0)151 255 0502.
Superstar Boudoir
Another relative newcomer and can be found on Stanley Street opposite The Lisbon. It's a smart bar that's open in the evenings and plays host to Poptastic on Fridays. They have big prize karaoke on Monday nights and various promotions throughout the week. Good atmosphere at weekends.
Garlands
Liverpool's internationally renowned superclub, now back in its original location on Eberle Street following the devastating fire a couple of years ago. Not as gay as it used to be but still very popular with the young gay crowd who mix happily enough with the straight majority. Expect to queue and pay a relatively hefty entrance fee. Tel: +44 (0)151 236 5160.
The Navy Bar
One of the latest additions to Liverpool's gay scene and can be found on Stanley Street between The Lisbon and Pacos. Lots of promos as you would expect with a new place.
Society
One of Liverpool's coolest clubs. It's not out and out gay, but put simply: sexuality isn't an issue and it's the new home to the Glam Mixed night KooKoo. It can be found at 64 Duke Street in a converted Georgian mansion and is well worth a visit. Tel: +44 (0)151 707 3575.
KooKoo
Monthly Gay Mixed Night at Society Duke Street, Liverpool. Mixmag No 1 Night In The North 2004 & 2005.
G-Bar
On Eberle Street is a very popular pre and post club hang-out, with their Breakfast Club at the weekends staying open until early Sunday morning. Free upstairs but an entrance fee for the clubbier downstairs. Tel: + 44 (0)151 236 4416.