Best Gay Bars in Brighton

Brighton is one of the most popular cities in the UK for gay travellers, known as the gay capital of the South (rivalling London) so it’s no surprise that there are many amazing gay bars in Brighton to choose from!

Whether you prefer a gay pub, gay bar, gay club or gay cruising club, Brighton has something for everyone.

The majority of gay bars in Brighton are all within walking distance of each other (much like in Manchester, the gay capital of the North!) centred around the gay area of Brighton also known as the gay village of Brighton. We found that on a night out in Brighton, the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum was represented, more so than many other places we have been!

To learn more about what Brighton has to offer, check out our Complete Travel Guide to Gay Brighton.

In our Best Gay Bars in Brighton guide we will explore everything that the gay scene in Brighton has to offer.

Where is the Gay Village in Brighton?

The gay village in Brighton is in Kemptown.

Kemptown stretches along the coast with the main gay area being bordered by Old Steine Pavillon Parade, Edward Street, Bedford Street and the seafront.

It will become pretty obvious that you have found the gay village in Brighton by the sudden increase in pride flags, gay bars and gay shops!

Brighton has a gay bar for everyone, no matter your taste. Here are some of the best gay bars in Brighton.

R-Bar Brighton

This was the first gay bar in Brighton that we visited and can be found on the seafront around the corner from Club Revenge. Expect super cheap drinks deals with DJs & entertainment throughout the week; the perfect warm-up to your night.

Affinity Bar

Previously Infinity Bar, this is another friendly gay bar in Brighton open everyday and often has karaoke nights and great drag acts.

The Queens Arms

This is a long standing gay cabaret venue featuring live drag performances and fun karaoke nights. You can’t miss this bar, its painted pink, covered with pride flags and with imagery of some of Brightons most famous drag acts! Head here for some camp fun.

Proud Caberet

A gay bar in Brighton with drag and burlesque? Proud Caberet is just that and is in the very heart of the gay area of Brighton. These shows have full production value and are well worth the ticket!

This bar is a little unique in that you can book different packages, for example a show and prosecco or a show and three course meal!

Check our their Instagram, they have some awesome nights on!

Bar Broadway

Brighton’s Gay Musical Theatre and Cabaret Bar, if you want to show of your best vocals, scream the house down or just watch others perform, visit Bar Broadway and prepare to be entertained!

Le Village Brighton

One of the newer gay bars in Brighton offering drag nights pretty much every evening as well as cocktails and some amazing food at their on site Thai restaurant!

The Zone Bar

Right in the centre of the gay area of Brighton, head to the Zone Bar for a lively, fun and judgement free environment. Be entertained by their cabaret shows, live music and games nights!

Arcobaleno, LGBTQ+ Cafè Bar

Another newer gay bar in Brighton, Arcobaleno opened in 2022 and translates to ‘rainbow’ in Italian – almost like its in code to welcome LGBTQ people!

Head here to enjoy their alfresco garden, bar and some well crafted cocktails. Like a lot of other gay bars, you will also find themed nights including drag, quiz nights, wine tasting and more.

The Actors at The Marlborough Hotel

For somewhere a little more relaxed and with some great pizza, head to The Actors gay bar which is below the theatre in the Marlbourgh Hotel. The theatre itself has a long history of staging LGBTQ productions so what better place for a gay bar!

Centre Stage

Previously known as The Amsterdam, this seafront gay bar in Brighton has recently been refurbished. As the name suggests, expect music, drag cabaret and live music. They also have a nice outdoor terrace so an ideal spot for a warm summers day or evening.

Legends Resort

Like Centre Stage, Legends also is ideal for a warm summers day with their large terrace looking out to sea. In the evening it can get super lively and is very popular. Underneath Legends you will find Basement Gay Club (see below).

Nautilus Lounge

Previously the gay cruising club called Subline, Nautilus has changed things up from cruise bar to chilled gay bar with live singers and a strange underwater decor that has to be seen to be believed.

Maybe start your night here with a cocktail under the sea, by the sea!

The Curzon

We hope by now you are seeing a theme, gay bars in Brighton and cabaret/drag go hand in hand!

The Curzon is another great gay bar offering regular cabaret nights, drag, DJs, karaoke – you name it. The bars is over three floors and also serves food.

The Kemptown Klub

Something a little more hidden away, The Kemptown Klub is a members only bar (anyone can become a member for free) for over 25s.

The ground floor has a relaxed lounge style bar serving cocktails and local beers, downstairs is a small club that runs regular theme nights.

The owners of the bar have run many LGBTQ+ venues across Brighton over the years so you can rest assured you are in good hands.

Best Gay Clubs in Brighton

So you have warmed up in one of the many gay bars, it’s now time to head to one of the gay clubs in Brighton. There are a couple of gay clubs and then a few gay club nights hosted at various places.

Club Revenge

Considered the best gay club in Brighton, Club Revenge is spread over 3 floors plus an amazing roof terrace with spectacular views over the city below. The main room is on level 1 with state-of-the-art LED screens, sound & lighting systems, Void sound system, 5 themed VIP booths, and a magic mirror photobooth.

The Level 2 dance floor is like stepping inside a fully-immersive LED tunnel, with a Funktion One sound system, Berlin inspired decor, dancing cages, and 2 more beautiful VIP areas.

The club is considered to be the South Coast’s # 1 LGBTQ+ Venue and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10:30pm until late. Plan to finish your night here!

The Basement Club

The Basement Club can be found under Legends Bar (which itself gets pretty clubby!). It’s one of Brightons top gay clubs with DJs playing to the early hours of the morning – entry is free!

Best Gay Cruising Bars in Brighton

Unfortunately, both gay cruising bars in Brighton are now closed…maybe check out the gay beach in Brighton instead!

Sublime (CLOSED)

Sublime was a popular gay cruising bar in Brighton but has now closed and been replaced with Nautilus Lounge.

Don’t Tell Mama (CLOSED)

Anothe gay cruising bar in Brighton that is no longer in operation, clearly Brighton needs some new cruising venues! Best bet is to try a DILF Party night.

Best Gay Pubs in Brighton

Bulldog

This is one of the more iconic/landmark gay bars in Brighton attracting a more mature crowd with a chilled atmosphere mixed in with lively karaoke nights.

Bulldog is also one of the oldest gay pubs in Brighton and has been open since 1979. It is also normally host to a pre party before DILF (a gay party in Brighton and other places around the UK).

Charles Street Tap

Charles Street Tap is Brighton’s largest gay bar and pub offering gourmet pub food during the day and somewhere to dance on the evening!

The Camelford Arms, LGBTQ+ pub

For more pub food, check out The Camelford Arms gay pub on the seafront with its friendly atmosphere and typically over 30s gay male crowd.

The Marine Tavern

The Marine Tavern is a relatively small, traditional gay pub which is popular on a Saturday night if you can manage to get in! They have themed nights including curry nights, quiz nights and sunday roasts.