Brighton is considered the ‘unofficial’ gay capital of the UK, with places like Manchester and London ranking close by. This is based on the fact that LGBTQ+ history within Brighton dates back to the 19th century, and because Brighton Pride is still one of the largest attended Pride events around the UK, often attracting six figure numbers.
I’ve lived in and around Brighton since the age of 10 and I’m proud to call it home. It’s vibrant city life makes it the perfect place to raise a child, and I feel safe walking hand-in-hand with my wife.
If you’re thinking about visiting Brighton, here are a few of our favourite queer hotspots, ranging from bars, pubs and clubs to bookshops and cafés.
The Gay Village
Kemptown is the heart of LGBTQ+ Brighton. Located just up the road from Brighton Pier and down from The Royal Pavilion, here you will find an array of gay pubs, hotels and cafés, some of which are decades old!
Amsterdam Hotel and Bar
Located in the heart of Kemptown, the Amsterdam Hotel and Bar is an award-winning LGBTQ+ hotel that dates back to the 19th century. As well as a variety of luxury rooms, their food menu ranges from traditional English Sunday roasts to Indonesian tapas.
Semola Italian Restaurant
Located just up the road from the i360, Semola is a gay-owned Italian restaurant.
Producing their own pasta on the premises, their Italian team members are passionate about Italian gastronomy. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sundays, and on Thursdays you can enjoy an ‘All You Can Eat’ for £15 per person.
The Feminist Bookshop
Opening in November 2019, following a successful crowdfunding campaign, The Feminist Bookshop is an LGBTQ+ inclusive, independent bookshop and plant-based café located just up the road from Kemptown. The shop and their stock celebrates books written by and about women. They also host events celebrating female artists and provide a space to talk about the issues that affect us. Coffees and cakes within the café are also sourced from female-owned businesses!
Legends Hotel, Bar and Restaurant
Minutes from Brighton Pier, Legends is an LGBTQ+ hotel, bar and restaurant offering everything that Brighton has to offer from good food to drag and cabaret!
Revenge Nightclub
Celebrated as Brighton’s ‘Number 1’ LGBTQ+ venue, Revenge Bar & Club is spread over five different floors (bar on the ground, club up above and rooftop terrace at the top!) and features a variety of mezzanine break out areas, booths and VIP rooms.
Enjoy cheap drinks and good music, as well as themed events such as karaoke and ‘Gaymers’ nights.
Events
Brighton Pride
Described by The Guardian as “the country’s most popular LGBTQ+ event”, the Brighton Pride Festival is a vibrant celebration of all that is wonderful about Brighton & Hove’s diverse community, with visitors from across the globe enjoying its spectacular celebrations.
Brighton Pride is one of the oldest Pride events, dating back from its first demonstration in 1972. As well as the main community parade through the city, which has grown in numbers since its birth, the weekend of Brighton Pride also features an array of events, from dog shows to the (Kemptown) village party. There’s also cabaret, comedy and live music celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and diversity over at Pride at the Ironworks. Brighton Pride even boasts its very own campsite!
Brighton Pride takes place the first weekend of August every year.
Trans Pride Brighton
Starting in 2013, Trans Pride Brighton is the first and the largest Trans Pride event outside of America. Trans Pride Brighton is a grass-roots, community-led organisation run by a team of volunteers. Their aim is to inspire all trans, intersex, gender variant and queer people to help make a real difference by celebrating trans lives and gender diversity.
As well as the main protest that happens in Hove each year, past events at Trans Pride Brighton range from Fun Runs to Live Music!
Trans Pride Brighton takes place mid to late July every year.
If you’re an LGBTQ+ owned/run business based in Brighton, and would like to be featured on our blog, get in touch!
Feature image credit: Alex Ovs / Unsplash
Please note: All prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing.
