Leeds’ best LGBTQ+ and gay-friendly pubs, bar and clubs – Leeds Live

Leeds is the undisputed gay capital of Yorkshire.

It’d probably be the LGBTQ+ capital of the North if it wasn’t for that pesky Manchester. Leeds may not have the variety of Manchester’s Gay Village but it still has a pretty awesome offering for gay people and their straight friends.

It’s all nicely compact too, situated within a handful of streets around The Calls and Lower Briggate area of the city centre. This means the next jumping bar or club is only a few footsteps away.

Read more: The best bottomless brunches in Leeds including two hour endless drinks and unlimited pizza

It’s a great place for socialising, drinking – some of the bars have ridiculously cheap happy hours – and dating. And it’s rightfully one of Britain’s best places for an energetic but safe night out with like-minded people.

Indeed Leeds has what is believed to be Britain’s oldest gay pub still in existence, The New Penny. Eat that Manchester!

Here’s an introduction to some of Leeds’ best LGBTQ+ hangouts in alphabetical order.

Bar Fibre

Neon lights, comfy sofas, a courtyard and cocktails are some of the pleasures on offer at this multi-level gay-friendly bar. Vocal house DJs, a banging dancefloor, an outdoor balcony and a VIP penthouse are some of the others. Bar Fibre is also known for its bottomless drag brunches.

168 Lower Briggate

Blayds Bar

This gay-friendly bar, tucked away in an alley off Swinegate, is known for its weekly quizzes, monthly cabaret nights, yard parties and more. Drinkers with shallow pockets should check out the daily happy hour (5pm to 9pm).

3-7 Bladys Yard

The Bridge LS1

The Bridge Inn, one of Leeds’ long-established gay pubs, closed in September 2020 but has reopened with a refit and rebrand.

1-5 Bridge End

The New Penny

Leeds’ OG gay pub is reputed to be Britain’s oldest extant gay venue. Formerly the Hope and Anchor, it has provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people since 1953, 14 years before the decriminalisation of sex between men.

Today The New Penny hosts drag shows and entertainment every week, including Saturday afternoon’s popular Pints and Prizes with crazy on-stage games and prizes.

57-59 Call Lane

Queens Court

Queens Court is another institution among Yorkshire’s LGBTQ+ community. As well as a great place for socialising, it’s known for its friendly staff and thrifty drink deals between 5pm and 9pm. On Friday night it hosts Flip It pop and dance music night while on Saturday Mr Orry provides the laughs until late.

167 Lower Briggate

Viaduct Showbar

Opposite Queens Court is this rambunctious venue rated by The Bottle Club as the best in Leeds – and the second best in the UK. There’s cabaret and entertainment every night plus banging tunes.

11 Lower Briggate

Wharf Chambers

This cooperative social club, which puts on cutting-edge live music, films and art exhibitions, isn’t specifically ‘gay’. It does, however, have regular LGBTQ+ events including drag shows, a Black lesbian disco and trans clothes swaps. Entry for licensed events is for members only but it’s only £2 for annual membership.

23-25 Wharf Street

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