How to Find the Best Gay Bars in Britain

Britain has a thriving gay scene in many of its cities, with a multitude of pubs, clubs and bars often centred in one area of town, which makes bar-hopping easier than ever. Whether you prefer a small and growing gay area, or an older and more established gay village, you can easily find a place for a great night out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Do some research. Britain's big cities are usually the best place to start. Many city guides have a gay section listing older, more established bars, though these won't always be the hippest venues.
2. Check specialist sites online like Gay Scotland, Gay to Z and Pink UK, as well as tourist information sites for each city, which may have sections on the gay scene.
3. Start in Brighton, the number one gay seaside destination in the UK. The City of Brighton & Hove is a magnet for lesbians and gay men from all over the world. Gay bars can be found in most areas of town, though the highest concentration are located in Kemptown around St James's Street and the Old Steine.
4. Head for London. The gay scene in London is as large and diverse as you would expect from Britain's capital city. Soho in the West End is almost entirely given over to gay bars and clubs, so you will undoubtedly find something to suit your taste. Soho's main road, Old Compton Street, is a good starting point.
5. Go west. Cardiff in Wales has become one of the most popular cities to visit in Britain. Cardiff's gay scene is focused around Charles Street in the city centre and Bute Terrace near the train station.
6. Travel up to Manchester, which has its own gay village centred around Canal Street. The area was made famous by the television series "Queer as Folk", and it lives up to the reputation with its many bars and clubs.
7. Head further north to Newcastle, whose Pink Triangle is a new and emerging gay area in the west end near Central Station.
8. Visit the eastern end of Glasgow. It is the largest city in Scotland and has an area of trendy gay bars near Queen Street Station. Glasgow is also close to Edinburgh, another Scottish city with a thriving gay scene.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your eyes open for leaflets and advertising. Finding one good venue can lead to several others if you collect information as you go.
• Mix and mingle. As you visit bars, talk to people and chat to the bartenders. They may be able to give you details of bars in other cities, as well as those in the local area.
• Bars and clubs can be a hotspot for pickpocketing, so be sure to keep your valuables safe.
• Some websites in the Resources section may contain adult content.