Lesbian Brighton - the perfect queer gal's guide to the city!

The UK’s answer to San Francisco, the city of Brighton in Sussex is that rare thing – a gay mecca in the midst of the quaint villages of England’s South Coast. It’s one of Europe’s queerest cities – and isn’t it just loving it. Queer travellers should make this their number one stop in the UK and lesbian Brighton is guaranteed to please with an enormous Pride fest, great nightlife and a retro pier. And as a local I’d say, if you’re considering moving here – do it!

I’ve covered things to do in Hove before, Brighton’s western suburb – which you’ll find suits if you’re travelling with family or generally fancy being in bed by 10pm most nights. For those who are single and ready to mingle, you want to stay in Brighton itself – with Kemp Town or the Lanes being prime locations.

HOW LGBT FRIENDLY IS BRIGHTON?

If anywhere in Britain will accept you – this is it. Brighton is the left voting, environment saving, vegan eating gay capital of the UK and has been for centuries. A lot of pink tourism companies bill this as the perfect gay holiday destination.

Fancy wearing a pink leopard print crop top? No one cares. Want to hold hands in the street with your partner? You won’t be alone. This is your gay microbubble, so please enjoy.

Where is the most gay area of Brighton?

I’d be hard pushed to name any part of Brighton and Hove ‘the straight area’ really. Unlike Paris with its Le Marais gay district, it’s not a case of just a small subsection of town flying the rainbow flag. Actually, buses across the city are routinely painted with rainbows – so y’know, it’s not a secret.

For the highest concentration of gay venues, St James’s St in Kemptown is great (and has vegan takeaways for the midnight munchies) and there’s also lots along the seafront (Marine Parade) close to the Volks Electric Railways – such as Charles St Tap, Revenge Bar and Club etc.

THE BEST LGBT (AND LESBIAN) BARS IN BRIGHTON

As you’ll find across the world, most lesbian venues in Brighton welcome men and women. A mixed crowd brings in more revenue and even though you might pout at the thought of sharing the space, the bonus is that friends and allies are very welcome. No one gets left outside, and it remains a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community. The average gay bar in Brighton is warm and friendly place with a great buzz on a Friday or Saturday night.

There aren’t too many dress codes either, so come as you are to Brighton’s gay scene. You won’t see much of Shane’s outfits in the L Word – skinny jeans, tartan shirts and spiked hairdos. Dressing down is pretty much the new dressing up.

Generally, it’s a case of smart casual, with a mix of feminine and masculine guests. Entry even to a club will usually only be 5 – 10 pounds, so this is a budget friendly queer night out.

There are going to be a good few subjective opinions ahead, but don’t @ me! I’ll try to play fair and offer something for everyone.

Velvet Jacks – basically one of two truly lesbian (rather than gay) oriented options, the other being The Marlborough. Run by the unbeatable Jackie and her team, Jacks has a warm atmosphere, no cliques and good music. In the summer there are BBQs and year round you’ll find Brighton’s women downing pints and cocktails. They can whip up a mean pizza too. It’s not over large though, so I wouldn’t come with a group of more than 8.

Best for – a relaxed round of drinks before a big night out.

The Marlborough Pub and Theatre – or The Marly, as it’s known to the locals is on one of the area’s best gay pubs. Think of this as the LGBT answer to a cosy, traditional English inn. Except, it tends to be full of women and plastered with radical feminism posters. The pool table is very popular, as are the seats outside. Drinks are a good price and there’s food too.

And the theatre part? They have some great shows – usually radical independent and far from mainstream. In particular, it’s a kick arse venue for Brighton Fringe.

Best for – vegan Sunday roasts.

Revenge – a club which divides opinion. On the one hand, it’s got a well stocked bar, spacious dance floor and a DJ, on the other hand it also has a reputation for being 99% straight people. Go for the atmosphere, not the scene, and take it all in your stride.

Best for – a good dance at the weekend.

Legends – officially a mixed venue, this one leans towards men, but less so than every other clubbing venue in the city – so that’s a win. It has a LOT going for it.

For starters, entry is free even on weekends and even until the small hours, so this is where skin flints should always head once the pubs close. Upstairs is a suave bar that’s perfect for having audible conversations, while downstairs it’s all dance music and smouldering stares. Neck a few cocktails before you hit the dance floor.

Best for – saving those pennies and those in a mixed crowd.

Velvet Jacks drinks in Brighton — The ‘drinks menu’ and a cocktail at Velvet Jacks

LGBT FRIENDLY DATE NIGHTS IN BRIGHTON

Bringing someone special? If you’re not bringing them to a bar, you can soak up the romance here.

Burlesque – this part of Sussex packed with events that re-imagine a time when vaudeville was on the stage and stockings were scintillating. You’ll get a delicious dinner and entertainment with everything from ostrich feathers to giant champagne glasses. Dive right in at Proud Cabaret and The Hundred Watt Club and Fringe often also feature shows.

A walk on the beach at sunset – for all the true romantics. Start from the peace statue in Hove (Google Maps will shows this location) and amble past the famous beach huts. I’d recommend finishing beside the old abandoned pier (the West Pier, not the one with the bright lights) as it’s incredibly photogenic.

World’s End – if you’re a geek, and proud of it. This gem in the Lanes is a part pub and part interactive gaming experience. The giant Scalextric track on the second floor is a must and downstairs on week nights you can strap on an oculus and enter 4D gaming. Forget about awkward silences, this is a great first date venue.

Bent Double – a truly gay comedy night at Komedia where comics take to the stage of a Sunday. Get there early as its a packed venue and the bar is very popular. You’re guaranteed a good Chortle and Zoe Lyons is a treat as the host.

The Gin Tub – not a specifically LGBT bar, but a place with a dimly lit, romantic interior that screams date. And whether you’re opposite The Hulk or Carmen Electra, no one will disturb you here. It’s a vintage gin palace where you order from an old school telephone on your table. Have a ball with their 100+ gins and cocktails.

The beach – we haven’t designated a ‘lesbian beach’ yet (is that a thing?) but the seafront is very queer friendly. There are also dog friendly and BBQ permitted sections of Hove Lawns. Grab an ice cream at the Hove Lawns Cafe and watch the waves with someone special – no one will bat an eyelid. In the winter, a sauna truck is available if you’re brave enough to bring your towel.

LESBIAN GUIDE TO BRIGHTON PRIDE

Most towns in the UK now have a pride festival, but Brighton still wears the crown of most popular (OK, maybe after Manchester and London – but still the most iconic). It’s BIG and I mean big. Held in August every year, it’s a huge celebration of queer culture and still has a message of activism at its heart.

Chill pride:

If you’re not in for too much madness, this would be the recommended plan.

Brunch beside the Pride Parade where you’ll watch more than 300,000 people in a riot of colours and enormous floats on their march. The parade starts on Saturday morning from Hove and makes its way past the Royal Pavilion (Brighton’s most famous monument).

Cafes on the route are just as packed as you’d imagine, so get there early for a table with a view. Suggestions are The King’s Hotel with its front garden and The Regency restaurant.

Next, watch the pups show off their stuff at the Pride Dog Show, where a swarm of cute pooches compete for your attention.

From there your next event is on Sunday, when the LoveBN1 Fest kicks into action. It’s a more chill version of the main fest and has families in mind.

Wild pride:

There’s only one pride of the year in Brighton and its over a weekend, so why not live a little? If you’re set to be the life of the party, take this as you starting point.

Get lined up early and be on the front row for the parade as it runs along the seafront – which makes you prime target for all the sweets and condoms being thrown by the revellers.

Next up, you’ll need tickets for Pride in the Park, which is essentially a huge concert of major names with festival stalls alongside.

As the evening draws in, you’ll leave humming the chorus and can either rock up in the Pride Pleasure Gardens for various arts events (don’t miss the drag king shows) or get in on a proper night out at the Pride Village Party, where all the bars and clubs will be waiting. You’ll need tickets for entry to venues on that night, even if it’s normally free – so bear that in mind.

THE BEST GAY HOTELS IN BRIGHTON – WHERE TO STAY

Gay friendly hotels in Brighton cater to every budget.

Legends the night club has its own high rise hotel with a gym and great facilities. This has to be your top choice if you’re there for the action as it couldn’t be more central to the beach and scene. Stay on the higher floors to get a better night’s sleep, as the club opens late.

The New Steine Hotel in Kemp Town says it loud and proud, they welcome LGBT guests. No getting stared at for wearing that ‘girls who like girls’ t-shirt here! Best for those with a few quid to spend, this is a 4 star option with an elegant building and a location which is close to the centre.

Don’t forget the less traditional gay accommodation in Brighton! AirBnB is the best choice for anyone looking to pinch pennies. You’ll find plenty of gay friendly hosts, prices to beat any hotel and maybe even a friendly host who’ll clue you in on all that’s going on over the weekend of your stay.

[bctt tweet=”The queer gal’s guide to #Brighton in #England – now with added rainbows! #LGBT #queer #pride #sussex #UKtravel” username=”live10countries”]

GROUPS, MEETING OTHER LGBT PEOPLE AND SUPPORT

Most of the LGBT guides I’ve read seem to be written with the clear idea that you’re bringing someone with you to a destination – and while that’s often the case, it isn’t always. If you’re looking for some other queer gals to socialise with, or even just someone to listen, here’s what you need.

To meet other queer women in Brighton, it starts with apps. Download Her and Bumble (which has both a BFF and dating section) and get swiping. Yes, it never used to be this way, but friendship in this decade looks set to go this way.

Or, if you’re brave enough to put yourself out there, Meetup is where it’s at. These are groups that get together and hang out around a shared interest and there are so many great LGBTQ meetups in Brighton. Hot tip – this is the perfect friend making stomping ground.

When you need someone to be there for you, call the LGBT switchboard and they’ll help or if you’re of youth age, make straight for the Allsorts Youth Project.

Going to the South Coast any time soon? Let me know what local spots you’ve checked out in Brighton and whether you found anything worthy of this guide?

If you’re a queer travelling gal – what would you like to see in local tourism? And what would speak to you as an audience? It’d be nice to think that the travel industry might start offering as much for gay women as they do for gay men!

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Danni Lawson

A small town girl on a mission to live in 10 different countries before she pops her clogs, Danni began travelling with a job in Peru at the age of 18. Now an expert in living and working abroad, she shares all the tips and tricks you need to get started.

Lesbian Brighton – a local’s ultimate guide