Brighton is known for being the gay capital of the UK, known for having a great LGBTQ+ community and lots of inclusive venues. It’s also a top city for an amazing night out. But as there’s so many gay bars in Brighton, it can be overwhelming if you’re not sure on which to choose. That’s where I come in! Whether you’re wanting a relatively lowkey night with cheap drinks, a fancy night with impressive cocktails, or a wild night out where you end up sitting on the beach with a kebab at 4AM in the morning – I’m here to help you out. I have compiled a list of the best gay bars in Brighton, from casual pubs to outrageous drag bars. There is something for everyone, no matter your age, sexuality, gender!
1. Arcobaleno
As a café, restaurant and bar, Arcobaleno is the perfect place to start off your night. Unlike other gay bars in Brighton, they host a bit of everything. From book launches to drag performances to fashion shows – Arcobaleno has something for everyone. They also occasionally host Lesbian and Gay Men Speed Dating events, which is great if you’re looking to meet someone in the city. Foodwise, Acrobaleno offer affordable brunches, Sunday roasts, and a Maltese all-day menu, as well as countless cocktails, which are 2-for-£12 during Happy Hour. This place is a bit more lowkey than the others on the list, but is definitely still deserving of a spot as one of the best gay bars in Brighton!
Address: 120 St George’s Road, Kemptown, BN2 1EA
2. R-Bar
This late-night bar in Kemptown is just steps away from its sister, Club Revenge, and hosts a variety of events throughout the week. Some of these include Tuesday’s ‘Lip Sync For Your Life’ competition (although sadly, it’s yet to be judged by RuPaul himself), Thursdays karaoke nights, and various DJ sets and cabarets that happen all over the weekend. It’s incredibly gay, incredibly fun, and incredibly cheap – with 50% off drinks until 8pm, and 2 for £14 cocktails. With colourful, funky décor and enough space for dancing, this is definitely one of the best gay bars in Brighton.
Address: 5-7 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA
3. The Actors
This gay pub is also in the heart of Kemptown, and offers a wide variety of drinks and pizza, from vegetarian options like ‘You Spinach Me Round (Like A Record)’ to meaty pizzas like ‘N’Duja Really Want To Hurt Me’. Apart from its iconic pizza names, it is also known for being an inclusive, LGBTQ+ hotspot, and is a popular choice for relaxed, laidback drinks. However, there are DJ nights and quiz nights, which are options for a livelier night. They also host an open mic night twice a week (Tuesday – For poets, Sunday – For musicians).
Address: 4 Parochial Mews, Prince’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1WF
4. Proud Cabaret
And if these options still aren’t camp enough for you, may I present to you, Proud Cabaret. The converted mausoleum now hosts drag karaoke, drag bottomless brunches, drag cabarets – you name it, they do it. And my oh my, it is fabulous. Its charming, vintage décor makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1920s, and it just oozes elegance. So get your glad rags on and head down to Proud Cabaret, for an entertaining, boozy night that you won’t forget. It is the epitome of Brighton, and it is definitely unmissable.
Address: 83 St George’s Road, Kemptown, BN2 1EF
5. Chalk
Chalk is fast becoming one of the best gay bars in Brighton, although it is popular with everyone. Tucked away right near the seafront, this nightclub is perfect if you’re after a night of dancing and drinking. They have an 80s ‘Let’s Kill Disco’ night every Saturday, plenty of live music performances, and are open every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – 11PM to 4AM.
Address: 13 Pool Valley, Brighton, BN1 1NJ
6. The Queen’s Arms
Looking for a night of drag performances, karaoke, cabaret? Well, The Queen’s Arms will probably be right up your street. Their drag nights are known for being hilarious, entertaining and very camp. Entry varies from £0-£10, but it is well worth the fee. It’s very fun, and the perfect setting for if you’re with someone that you don’t necessarily want to talk to. Words are not needed, just sit back and enjoy.
Address: 7-8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH
7. Bulldog Bar
Again in Kemptown, Bulldog Bar is located on St James’s Street, and is certainly one of the best gay bars in Brighton. And oldest, too! After a temporary closure and renovation, the new owners have restored the bar so it looks similar to how it did when it first opened. They do hold a drag queen cabaret on Fridays but are not as heavily focused on cabaret as other gay bars in Brighton. Instead, they hold sliiiightly kinkier nights, like their Leather Rubber Fetish night (which my parents can both vouch for being a 10/10 night…). Certain events, however, can be men-only – so do be sure to check when planning your night.
Address: 31 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF
8. Club Revenge
If you ask anyone for a recommendation for the best gay bar in Brighton, chances are, they will tell you Club Revenge. And in my humble opinion, they would be correct. And I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so, as Club Revenge has been named the #1 LGBTQ+ nightclub on the South Coast. The doors open at 10:30PM on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and don’t close until early into the morning. There are three floors, with LED tunnels, dancing cages, and VIP areas (for the unsociable ones amongst us). There is also a roof terrace, which can be extremely popular in the warmer months, as it boasts an amazing view over the sea and pier. So if you want a guaranteed good night out, head to Club Revenge, one of the best gay bars in Brighton.
Address: 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1EL
And if you’re too awkward to fully enjoy the Brighton gay bar experience and are terrified at the prospect of being called out by a sassy drag queen, there are plenty of regular bars and cocktail bars for you to visit!
