Tag: Bar

All the latest breaking news on the bar scene. Browse The THEGAYUK’s complete collection of features and commentary on bars and pubs.

Iconic LGBT Pub The Black Cap Could Reopen—Because Fabulous Never Truly Dies
The Black Cap, one of Camden’s most iconic LGBT venues, has been closed for years, but there are fresh whispers of a fabulous comeback.

Victory in Sight: The Black Cap’s Comeback is More Fabulous Than Ever!

It’s been a decade-long saga, but victory is finally within reach for campaigners who’ve fought tooth and nail to revive Camden’s legendary LGBTQ+ pub and cabaret venue, The Black Cap. Plans have been submitted for a revamped venue that promises all the glitz and glam we’ve been waiting for—and then some.

What’s the Plan?
The new proposal, lodged at Camden Town Hall, outlines a vision for a refreshed LGBTQ+ bar, cabaret performance space, and even a bed and breakfast. (Yes, now you can sleep where the magic happens!)

The pub, which closed in 2015, has been at the heart of a nine-year campaign—complete with weekly vigils on the pavement. Imagine dedicated locals standing guard, rain or shine, determined to bring back their beloved boozer. Now that’s commitment!

The Black Cap’s Legacy of Fabulousness
For over six decades, The Black Cap’s stage was the place to be for cabaret acts. Even the legendary Paul O’Grady honed his iconic Lily Savage act there and was a longtime supporter of the campaign to reopen. (Paul’s wig probably still haunts the place in spirit.)

Performer and activist Alex Green couldn’t be more thrilled. “Finally, we can say we’re optimistic, and the owners are really excited,” he said. “It’s been a massive win to have everyone sitting around the table with the same goal—to get The Black Cap back the way it should be.”

Green reminisced about the pub’s unique vibe. “It felt like a social club—a place for birthdays, weddings, funerals, New Year’s Eve. It was the least pretentious gay pub in the world. You could even invite non-LGBTQ friends, and they’d feel welcome.”

The Grand (and Fabulous) Comeback
According to the plans, regulars will feel right at home with a few improvements:
- Upper floors: Staff quarters and B&B-style rooms so cabaret stars can stay the night. (No more schlepping back in full drag at 2 a.m.!)
- Ground floor: A revamped performance space with new staging, décor, toilets, and dressing rooms.
- First floor: The bar named after legendary cabaret star Mrs. Shufflewick will stay, with access to a sun terrace for those glamorous post-show drinks. There’ll even be a kitchen for proper pub grub.
Jamie Johnston, who’s kept the weekly vigil going for nine years, is cautiously optimistic. “It’s a positive development, and I hope the plans get a good public response.”

A Decade in the Making
The pub originally closed after previous owners Kicking Horse failed to win permission to build flats above the venue. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Camden’s LGBTQ+ community and local supporters, The Black Cap is now poised for a dazzling revival.

So, dust off your sequins and shine those shoes—The Black Cap is ready to be fabulous once again!
16th February 2025
The best gay bars in Nottingham

Alright, listen up! Nottingham might not be hogging the spotlight like London or Manchester, but let me tell you, it’s got some serious sass when it comes to its gay scene. Picture this: vibrant gay bars, buzzing nightlife, and a whole lot of rainbow love. We’re talking about a city that knows how to party, especially with its LGBTQ+ crew from Uni Of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent strutting their stuff. And oh honey, mark your calendar because every July, Nottingham throws down the fiercest Pride march you’ve ever seen!

Now, if you’re on the hunt for a hot spot to meet your match or just wanna spice up your nightlife game, look no further, darlings. Here’s the lowdown on the best gay bars Nottingham has to offer.

Get ready to werk it!

The G.O.A.T

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=248426247949803&set=a.248426234616471

Get ready to feast your eyes—and your taste buds—because The G.O.A.T. isn’t just slinging drinks, they’re serving up wood-fired pizzas that’ll make your heart skip a beat. I mean, who doesn’t love a little romance with a side of cheesy goodness, am I right?

But hold onto your wig, because the deals here are as hot as their pizzas! We’re talking £6 cocktails all day, every day—now that’s what I call a happy hour that never quits! And if you’re craving a little pizza action, how does a pizza and a pint, wine, or soft drink for a tenner sound? Available Tuesday through Thursday, and before 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Talk about bang for your buck! Check out their Facebook page here.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the ultimate gay bar experience in Nottingham—one that’s not only serving up delicious eats but also creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere—look no further than The G.O.A.T. Trust me, it’s the place to be for food, fun, and fabulousness!

The New Foresters

The New Foresters? Oh, it’s not just any bar—it’s practically the heartbeat of Nottingham’s LGBTQ+ scene! Tucked behind the Victoria Centre right in the heart of the city, it’s like the North Star of fabulousness, guiding you to its rainbow-infused paradise no matter where you roam in Nottingham.

Let me paint you a picture: progress pride flags fluttering in the breeze, including those iconic trans and non-binary banners, giving you all the inclusive feels. And hold onto your wig, because they’ve just unveiled these dazzling rainbow angel wings against a lush grass wall—perfect for striking that fierce pose and flooding your socials with some serious glam!

Now, here’s the tea: The New Foresters has been slaying since 1958, serving as the ultimate gathering spot for Nottingham’s LGBTQ+ community. Trust me, darling, this isn’t just a bar—it’s a sanctuary of love, acceptance, and unapologetic fabulousness. So, what are you waiting for?

Add 18 St Anns Street, NG3 3LX to your GPS and let the fabulous journey begin!

The Lord Roberts

Let me spill the tea on The Lord Roberts—it’s like the hidden gem of Nottingham’s queer scene, even though it’s not officially flying the rainbow flag. Nestled snugly in Hockley, the heartbeat of Nottingham’s LGBTQ+ community, this spot is where all the cool kids flock.

Picture this: The Lord Roberts, managed by our fabulous gay fam, isn’t just a bar—it’s a vibe, it’s a lifestyle! And guess what? They’re not just about mixing drinks, honey; they’re about mixing communities. They’re the proud sponsors of none other than the Nottingham Lions, the local LGBTQ+ football champions, bringing folks together one match at a time.

But wait, there’s more! They’ve got quizzes that’ll tickle your brain, pop-up dog photography studios that’ll melt your heart (have you seen their Facebook page? Total cuteness overload!), and hey, let’s not forget the not-so-glamorous but oh-so-important sexual health clinic—they’re all about keeping you safe and sound, darling.

And let’s talk aesthetics, shall we? The Lord Roberts is serving up 1920s Art Deco realness, so you know you’re not just chilling at any old watering hole—you’re stepping into a time machine of style and sophistication.

So, if you’re ready to dive into a potentially fabulous experience, The Lord Roberts is calling your name. Trust me, it’s one of Nottingham’s best-kept secrets in the unofficially gay bar scene. Don’t miss out, darling!

The Hole In The Wall

Alright, let’s dive into the fabulousness that is The Hole in The Wall—because honey, this place is dripping with history and LGBTQ+ pride! Picture this: since 1984, it’s been waving the rainbow flag high and proud, serving as a beacon of acceptance and love right in the heart of Nottingham.

But wait, there’s more! In 2015, they cranked up the fun factor by hosting legendary lesbian pool nights—talk about making waves in the community! And guess who’s steering this ship of fabulousness now? None other than two fierce gay men who took over as managers in 2022, determined to make The Hole in The Wall officially LGBTQ+ friendly once again. Can I get a Yas, queen?

So, if you’re craving a taste of LGBTQ+ history and a whole lot of good vibes, look no further than The Hole in The Wall. Check out their Facebook page for all the latest tea, and mark your calendars for a night you won’t soon forget!

Oh, and don’t forget the address: 63 North Sherwood Street, NG1 4EZ. Trust me, darling, you won’t want to miss out on this iconic hotspot!

15th February 2024
London’s longest-running men’s leather and fetish club set to close

The Backstreet was London‘s longest-running leather and fetish bar/club. It had been running for over 37 years. In a statement released on social media, the management team announced that the club was to close in July 2022

The announcement said,

“After an incredible 37 years, The Backstreet will be closing its doors for the last time on 17th July. John and all the staff would like to say how grateful we are for all the support our customers have given us throughout the years. The club could never have carried as long as it has without your loyalty. From all of us to all you of thank you.

The club which is set in London’s Mile End was established in 1985 when London’s gay scene was booming. Since 2000 THEGAYUK has been tracking London’s gay scene closures of which there have been over 110 LGBT+ venues closed. The Backstreet becomes the latest venue to close. During its time it hosted fetish social nights, life drawing classes, smoking and naked events.

Fans of the Backstreet shared their sadness at the news, with one fan suggesting that The Backstreet was one of the only social clubs in London to be truly accessible, saying, “You’re the one social club and play space all on one level, which made it the most accessible venue I’ve been to in the UK. Such a shame you’ve decided to close, rather than sell the business on!”

Another remarked how the fetish scene had been effectively “cleansed” writing, “Consider the scene fetishised cleansed, remember the battle to save Xxl from closing, even the judge, in that case, said there was homophobic play going from the foreign investors, we’ve allowed ourselves to be marginalised, pushed aside.”

While another added, “It is very sad news indeed. it is 30 years ago (since) I started going to the Backstreet. I was a young man still in my late teens. The UK has become sterile regarding fetish. Most good events are outside of the UK now. Depressing news.”

Another added how marginalised the leather and fetish community had become within the LGBT+ community writing, “This is a tragedy! Leather men have been pushed out of the London scene over the past 20 years. The anvil. Gone. The Colehearne. Gone. The London Apprentice. Gone. And now the BACKSTREET! Very sad news that will affect my life.”

31st May 2022
Drag and cabaret artists “overlooked” by Government’s tier system

It goes without saying that the bar, pub and club industry has been completely brutalised by lockdowns and Tier systems in place in the UK caused by the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

As Boris Johnson’s administration announced which areas in England would be placed into which tiers, many cities which have large LGBT+ scenes found themselves in Tier 3, leaving them unable to open unless operating as a takeaway or drive through. Many gay bars are simply not set up to handle or offer food.

Earlier this week Boris Johnson’s handling of the crisis was described by the CEO of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern as “inflicting devastating pain to an industry on the verge of collapse”.

Live venues and performer in Tier system overlooked by government

One drag performer tweeted Boris Johnson demanding to know why certain settings like theatres, casinos, theme parks and escape rooms were permitted to open yet live venues which, do not offer food, but offer live entertainment such as cabaret and drag shows were not permitted to open.

Carrot, a non-binary drag performer wrote,

“Live performers & venues in music, cabaret & drag need clarity from @10DowningStreet NOW. Why can theatres open and sell drinks in the intervals, when live venues who have spent huge amounts of £s and time making safe allocated seating cannot without selling food?”

“Why can casinos & theme parks & escape rooms open in tier 2, places that are essentially impossible to clean entirely & keep safe, yet pubs & bars with allocated seating and table service cannot?

“Live artists & venues have lost so much already & are still being overlooked.

“It’s really heartbreaking. and yet somehow completely unsurprising.”

Live performers & venues in music, cabaret & drag need clarity from @10DowningStreet NOW.

Why can theatres open and sell drinks in the intervals, when live venues who have spent huge amounts of £s and time making safe allocated seating cannot without selling food?
— carrot 🥕 🍉 (@CarrotDrag) November 27, 2020

How does hospitality contribute to the rising numbers of Coronavirus cases?

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said, “Hospitality has accounted for as little as 2% of Covid cases”, and Kate Nicholls CEO, UK Hospitality said, “Pubs and restaurants pay the price of tougher tier restrictions – no other sector are facing restrictions like these.”

Government data has shown that house-to-house mixing has the highest rate of rates of transmission for the virus.

Bars and clubs have closed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

2020 has seen numerous gay bar closures. Earlier in the year, Birmingham’s Eden Bar was forced to close due to devastating restraints placed on the pub industry. Also in the West Midlands, Midland Zone magazine also fell victim to the economic downturn.

Nottingham’s only LGBT+ club, Propaganda closed in May and in Brighton, two venues have already shuttered. This month The Broadway closed and earlier in the year Legends fell into administration, before being reopened by new owners.

29th November 2020
Boris Johnson’s devastating XMAS plan “denies LGBTQ+ community time with chosen family”
The CEO of one of the UK’s oldest and best-loved LGBT+ bars, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, has hit out at Boris Johnson’s Christmas plan of allowing multiple houses to mix during the height of a pandemic, but not allowing them to mix in Covid-secure settings like pubs and bars is a “road to nowhere”

He said it was “inflicting devastating pain to an industry on the verge of collapse”.

James Lindsay, The RVT‘s CEO has written a blistering open letter to Boris Johnson and his cabinet saying that the current Christmas plan to allow up to three households to mix for five days during the festive season is a “mockery” of all the hardship that the hospitality industry has been through in the last 39 weeks.

He also told the Prime Minister that the plans to allow families to mix in their own homes, but not in restaurants or pubs, was putting “vulnerable people at risk” and denying the LGBT+ community a chance to mix and socialise with their chosen families.

He wrote, The Government’s olive branch for a ‘family Christmas’ is clearly aimed at appeasing the “party” faithful. As well as putting many vulnerable people at risk this also denies the LGBTQ+ community their much needed time with friends and our chosen families.

“Our venues offer a safe space for people who often don’t have the ‘normal’ family support”.

Gay Bars are at particular risk when the tier system returns.

One of the issues facing many bars, but in particular gay bars, is that many aren’t equipped to serve food – which is one of the requirements for pubs to be able to open in at least two Tiers of the Government’s system. Bars which solely sell drink are unable to open in Tier 2 and Tier 3. Only bars which sell “substantial” food can open in Tier 2 and can only operate as takeouts in Tier 3.
With most of the country expected to be entered into Tier 2 or 3 when Boris Johnson announces the Tier system today, the Equator bar in Birmingham announced that it might have to close forever, adding “Equator bar is not a restaurant so will not be allowed to open in Tier 2” and added, “Maybe time to call it a day”.

Speaking about the crisis facing the LGBT+ Scene, Lindsay continued, “The vast majority of LGBTQ+ venues don’t serve food but offer cabaret, DJs, screenings and a whole range of other events that people need to buy tickets in the same way theatres do.

“A venue such at The RVT not only supports its staff and customers but has a whole range of self-employed performers and promotors that rely on us and all the other venues, many of whom are from marginalised groups within our community.”

How does hospitality contribute to the rising numbers of Coronavirus cases?

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association said, “Hospitality has accounted for as little as 2% of Covid cases”, and Kate Nicholls CEO, UK Hospitality said, “Pubs and restaurants pay the price of tougher tier restrictions – no other sector are facing restrictions like these.”

Government data has shown that house-to-house mixing has the highest rate of rates of transmission for the virus.

Government must compensate the hospital sector

Lindsay continued, “We understand the need for safety and Public Health, since March we have followed every rule the Government has told us to, but now the Government needs to do the honourable thing and financially support the approach to destroy a much loved industry and fully compensate commercially viable businesses who have been operating Covid-19 compliance.

“That means grants that fully cover their fixed costs and loss of business and loss of profit.

Road to nowhere

“It feels like we are on a road to nowhere that will result in the decimation of the hospitality sector as well as more deaths from Covid.

“Maybe I should ask – What is the purpose of this Government? They have not consulted with the hospitality industry and the advice that has been provided by the industry experts has been ignored. Equally the advice of the Governments own experts with the strategy they have deployed has also been ignored.”

Read the full statement here
26th November 2020
Popular gay bar says it might have to “call it a day” due to England’s Tier system
With England’s latest lockdown ending in just over a week many bars, and in particular many LGBT+ venues are really feeling the pinch. One gay bar in Birmingham has said it might be time to”call it a day”.

One of the issues facing many bars, but in particular gay bars, is that many aren’t equipped to serve food – which is one of the requirements for pubs to be able to open in at least two Tiers of the Government’s system. Bars which solely sell drink are unable to open in Tier 2 and Tier 3. Only bars which sell “substantial” food can open in Tier 2 and can only operate as takeouts in Tier 3.

With most of the country expected to be entered into Tier 2 or 3 when Boris Johnson announces the Tier system in the next few days, the Equator bar in Birmingham announced that it might have to close forever, adding “Equator bar is not a restaurant so will not be allowed to open in Tier 2” and added, “Maybe time to call it a day”.

If the Equator Bar, which has been operating for over 15 years, does close it will be the second bar in Birmingham to have fallen victim to the economic woes faced by the hospitality industry due to the Government’s handling of the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Numerous fans took to the bar’s Facebook page to share their sorrow that the bar may be forced to close.

Speaking to THEGAYUK.com the owner said, “It’s devastating that customers cannot come to their local community bar. We haven’t had a single case that I know of…

“I’ve been here 18 years and not sure how much longer we can stay closed with no help from the gov”.

Give Equator Bar a follow on their Facebook page to keep up to date with them.

Not the first victim of the devastating Tier system
The Tier system used in England has brought economic hardship for many businesses, but in particular for social-based businesses like pubs and bars.

Nightclubs have not been able to open since March.

In Tier 2, which most of England is expected to enter come the 2nd of December does not allow for household mixing, meaning that friends and family from different households are unable to meet in public, including in pubs and restaurants. In Tier 3 all bars and restaurants must close and are only permitted to operate as a food takeaway.

Bars and pubs across England have spent huge sums of money on becoming “COVID-secure” and have restricted their capacities in order to aid with social distancing, adding extra pressure on their bottom lines.

Writing about the latest announcement from Boris Johnson, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London tweeted, “We are all stuck in the worst possible purgatory with the worst possible ruler”

We are all stuck in the worst possible purgatory with the worst possible ruler
— Royal Vauxhall Tavern (@thervt) November 23, 2020

2020 has seen numerous gay bar closures. Earlier in the year, Birmingham’s Eden Bar was forced to close due to devastating restraints placed on the pub industry. Also in the West Midlands, Midland Zone magazine also fell victim to the economic downturn.

Nottingham’s only LGBT+ club, Propaganda closed in May and in Brighton, two venues have already shuttered. This month The Broadway closed and earlier in the year Legends fell into administration, before being reopened by new owners.

Birmingham has one of the largest gay scenes outside of London and is home to a number of LGBT+ venues.
24th November 2020
This Welsh LGBT+ pub has the can-do spirit when it comes to “circuit breaker” lockdown

An LGBT+ bar in Wales has said that a two-week lockdown enforced by the Welsh government “isn’t that bad” and has said that it made it through the first one and it will make through the next.

From the 23rd of October Wales will place all its citizens in a strict lockdown for 17 days in order to reduce the rising cases of coronavirus in the nation.

The bar’s owners added that they would do their best to keep all its clientele updated and revealed that they have planned a whole two weeks of Facebook Live shows, including a Halloween Special on the 31st October.

With reported cases of COVID-19 rising across the country, the devolved governments of the UK are permitted to enact whatever policy they see fit to bring the number of Covid-19 cases down.

Back in March, the whole of the UK was placed in lockdown, about the only time that the UK, Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh government have had a coherent approach to dealing with the pandemic.

The economic fallout of lockdown has seen thousands of businesses close across the UK, with hundreds of thousands of job losses. There have also been some casualties when it comes to the LGBT+ scene. At least one bar in Wales has closed permanently due to the ongoing crisis, while another said that it would be closing indefinitely.

Is there support for a National Lockdown?

We surveyed readers of THEGAYUK on whether they’d support a second “circuit breaker” lockdown. 58 per cent of readers said that they would support another lockdown, 30 per cent said they didn’t why the remaining 12 per cent said they were unsure.

19th October 2020
G-A-Y has launched a legal challenge to the 10 PM Coronavirus curfew

Jeremy Joseph who owns the G-A-Y brand has launched a legal challenge to the government’s controversial 10 PM curfew, arguing that it not put forward any scienciftic evidence to show that the new restrictions would work.

Closures at 10 PM have meant that businesses in the hospitality industry, which are now forced to close, on the dot, at 10 PM have suffered a terrible financial loss. Already numerous LGBT+ bars have had to indefinitely suspend their business or close permanently due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

The curfew is supposed to help stop the spread of COVID-19 among patrons of venues across the UK, except since its introduction on the 24th September, scenes of overcrowding on streets and public transport have been witnessed across the country as bars and restaurants “kick out” at the exact same time.

“No sense”

Speaking to Sky News this morning, Jeremy Joseph said he was launching a judicial review of the new restrictions, saying that the new policy made “no sense” and did the opposite of protecting people.

He said, “The government has failed to show why the 10 pm curfew was put in place and has published no scientific evidence to substantiate its implementation.”

He added that he thought that the hospitality industry had been “thrown under a bus” and they hadn’t done anything to protect businesses.

Striking a balance

G-A-Y had introduced its “Covid-secure” screening and systems back in July. It included screens around the payment and ordering areas and perspex bubbles for people to sit and drink.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary has defended the measure saying that it was a “necessary measure”.

A government spokesperson said, “Our measures strike a balance between saving lives by protecting our NHS and the most vulnerable and minimising the wider impact on the economy and schools.

“The latest data suggests a considerable rise in the infection rate following people socialising in hospitality venues serving alcohol in recent weeks, so we have taken immediate action to cut the transmission rate and save lives and will keep all measures under constant review.

“The 10pm closure allows people to continue to socialise while reducing the risk of failing to socially distance.”

5th October 2020
In the midst of COVID misery, a new LGBT+ bar has opened

Everything is doom and gloom in the hospitality industry as you might expect. With restrictions and ever-changing guidance from the government, the industry has become, for many, almost unsustainable.

One bar in Cardiff has been forced to close for the duration of the newly introduced 10 PM curfew.

However, Zodiac Bar London is bucking the trend and has actually flung open its doors, which for some may seem a strange business move what with everything going on in 2020, but it turns it’s been very popular with the local community.

The bar actually opened its door back in July and has proved a success for LGBT+ folk in the North London area.

From a one-off to extended days and opening hours.

Zodiac Bar started off as an LGBT+ night in July at a “Northern Soul” bar on Junction Road, N19, but due to the success it’s actually taken over the venue from Wednesday to Saturday, 5 PM until 2 AM, (now 10 PM due to COVID-19 restrictions).

According to the venue’s website, the bar was “The brainchild of TransWoman Jade (aka Lady Phoenix) and her partner, they have now introduced theme nights for Bears, The Trans Community (including TS,TV & CD), Lesbians; and also plan to include fetish nights, Drag Acts & Cabarets (when rules allow), LGBTQ talent contests and Bingo/Quiz nights in the near future.”

26th September 2020
Music ban “nail in the coffin” for gay bars in Scotland

A well-known LGBT+ bar in Aberdeen has called the decision to ban background music in hospitality venues a “nail in the coffin” and urgently called for a review into allowing music back in venues in Scotland.

In a statement, Cheerz Bar in Aberdeen wrote, “We’ve gone from a party venue with Drag, DJ’s and Karaoke 7 Days a week, 365 Days a year to still be functional with table ordering and background music but recent changes in government legislation has stopped this in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.”

It also called for urgent help for the hospitality sector from both the Scottish and UK government. It said that the lack of support for bars and nightclub was “deeply disappointing”.

The ban on background music was introduced by the Scottish Government on the 14th of August.

The lack of music could lead to people avoiding bars altogether

In the statement Cheerz owners laid out how they believed the ban on music would affect its customers’ behaviour, saying,
” – Customers will now get closer to have private conversations.

– Customers will speak louder because music will no longer disperse the sound of other tables.

– Customers will be more inclined to party at other households with music.

Massive losses for hospitality sector

Cheerz noted how businesses in the hospitality sector have sustained massive losses, due to “stock wastage, rental costs, water rates, equipment charges”.

On top of this, Cheerz bar says it was sent a bill from Aberdeen City Council, looking for its annual licensing fees.

“We are trying our hardest to keep our doors open at this time but ultimately we need to save our team’s jobs and our venue”, the statement added.

“We’ve made it 10 years, and we hope to make it for another 10+ but this now depends on the actions of the Government.

29th August 2020
These are the best gay bars in Nottingham according to Google Reviewers
Nottingham is home to a small but friendly choice of LGBT+ venues, but which one has come out top in the Google reviews?

There are about 3 LGBT+ bars and clubs in Nottingham and further two “gay-friendly” places. They are dotted around the city as Nottingham doesn’t really have a “gay quarter” as other big cities have.

So here are the best and worse gay bars in Nottingham ranked worst to best by Google Map users.

The Lord Roberts 4.3 stars out of 447 reviews

The Lord Roberts is the highest rated LGBT+ friendly pub in Nottingham and it’s true. We can totally vouch for that. The bar staff go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. One reviewer adds, “A welcoming safe venue. Somewhere I always feel welcome, alone or with a group. The landlord welcomes you in as if it’s a friend welcoming you into his home”.

Another added, “Since Craig took over the Lord Roberts it’s become the place to be in Nottingham City Centre.. it’s friendly and welcoming and the place is kept immaculate”.

New Foresters 4.1 stars out of 181 reviews

New Foresters is located on St Ann’s Street and has been voted one of the best bars by Google reviewers. It is also award-winning, with a plethora of certificate adorning its walls.

It has 181 reviews. One reviewer called the New Foresters a “great little gem” while another added that it had “Friendly staff, average price, great crowd and atmosphere”

The Foresters Inn 3.7 stars out of 56 reviews
- Huntingdon Street
The Foresters Inn, located on Huntington Street, just behind the Victoria centre is not technically an LGBT+ bar, but it once was and therefore has a little hangover from that period. It raucous and you’ll be able to find cheap drinks and karaoke.

Users suggested that the pub was a “Good place to have a few drinks to start the night off” and had “Nice friendly atmosphere guest beers from local breweries reasonably priced”

Propaganda 3.4 stars out of 415 reviews
- Broadway
Located on the Broadway, in Nottingham’s Lace Market area, Propaganda, was until recently Nottinghams only specific LGBT+ bar. The owners announced it was closing down shortly after the lockdown began. However, there are hopes that they will find another location and reopen the club,

NG One 3.0 stars out of 77 reviews

Located on Lower Parliament Street, NG One was once Nottingham’s largest LGBT+ club. It has changed its door policy and is now open to anyone, however it does still attract some LGBT+ folk. It has 4 bars and 2 dance floors with a capacity of almost 1000. Open until the early hours every weekend.’

It dropped it’s gay tag back in 2015.
17th August 2020