For many people, coming to university marks a time when you can finally be yourself and this is especially true for LGBTQIA+ folks. University also marks a time that you start going out drinking and clubbing with new friends. So, where are the best spots in Sheffield to express your best self whilst having a few drinks? These are our favourite LGBTQ nights out in Sheffield.
The Gay Quarter Sheffield
This is Sheffield’s LGBTQIA+ hotspot, found at the bottom of the Moor it houses four of Sheffield’s best queer-friendly venues. Most venues require membership at busy times but it is free from their website.
Dempsey’s
1 Hereford St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4PR
Open Tuesday to Wednesday, 10 am-4 am, Friday, Saturday and Monday, 10 am-6 am and Sunday 12 pm-4 am.
Dempsey is an LGBT institution and has been open for 21 years. In that time, they have become Sheffield’s most popular and longest-running venue. They seem to do everything from club nights to karaoke and even Sunday Roasts so you can go straight back after your night out and recover from your hangover. They’re known for being open as late as 6 am so the fun doesn’t have to get cut short.
Queer Junction
139 The Moor, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4PH
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 pm-6:30 am
QJ opened in 2018 with a graffiti-inspired interior, outdoor seating and even its very own TARDIS. Enjoy your £2.50 drinks whilst watching weekly ‘Diva Nights’ with local drag queens like Perfection and Polly Peptide performing to old favourites and modern classics.
For club nights, if you like camp bangers and pop, get down to Popsicle every Tuesday or Pop Universe every Friday. If R&B is more your thing, check out Bump and Grindr, the only dedicated queer R&B night in Yorkshire.
The Box
This intimate bar offers a quieter alternative to other LGBTQ nights out in Sheffield. Despite the cosy, candlelit feel, there are still many great drinks offers such as two for £10 cocktails from 10 pm and £1 Tequila shots.
Other venues such as a new bar called Social Rehab and a takeaway, TAFO, were due to open before the pandemic halted opening. Hopefully, 2022 will see the Gay Quarter fully up and running.
LGBTQ+ Ladies Only Disco
This disco is one of few ladies only LGBTQ+ events in the Steel City and was revived in October 2021. UniFresher was unable to find out how regular this event will be but for information and updates follow LGBTSheffield on Instagram. It has previously been held in Walkley Community Centre and Spirit of Sheffield amongst other venues.
Uni of Sheffield Student’s Union
Uni of’s main club night for LGBT students is called Pride and is held in the Foundry with pop bangers, cheap drinks and more. Drag acts, from local queens to Drag Race stars also frequently perform in Bar One and the Foundry. Find tickets and events here.
To find out more about different LGBTQIA+ events in Sheffield follow LGBTSheffield on Instagram, the Gay Quarter on Facebook: don’t forget to support your local venues. Plus, if you’re planning on taking a trip to the capital this year then don’t forget to check out 10 of the best London LGBTQ student bars.
