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Friendly Venues In Brighton and Hove, West Sussex and beyond:
The Bedford Tavern
This pub which is on the borders of Brighton and Hove is a very friendly and welcoming place on any
night of the week. The venue has a mixed clientele and is very popular, especially at weekends. The
food is also marvellous. The restaurant is available by appointment only. The wine list is superb. Janice's
rating 5 stars
The George , Isleworth
This is a very friendly gay pub in Isleworth, which welcomes all. The regulars will quite happily chat to
you if you are on your own. It is used by The Beaumont Society for some of their meetings, and you will
always receive a warm welcome from them. Check the website for details of these meetings. It can be
very quiet during the week when there is no cabaret on. Best nights are Fri, Sat and Sunday. Janice's
rating 4 stars
The Queens Arms
This is a friendly and noisy pub. Always seems to be plenty happening here. It is just on the edge of the
gay scene in Brighton and an ideal meeting spot. Be warned though it can get rather crowded. Janice's
rating 3 stars
The Queens Head (no Website) - 10 Steine Street Brighton 01273 602939
This is a small horseshoe shaped bar and is always friendly. The loos here are particularly clean and the
patrons welcome the girls. There is sometimes live music or a DJ on a Sat, definitely worth a visit.
Janice's rating 3 stars
The Marine Tavern (same website as the Harlequin) - 13 Broad Street Brighton 01273 681284
This is probably the smallest pub in Brighton for size, but one of the friendliest for girls to visit. It is
owned by the same partnership which own The Harlequin Nightclub. The Loos here have names, for
the gals we have Barbara Cartland's Boudoir and the guys have George Michaels Cottage. This pub is
a must on any trip to Brighton for both friendliness and atmosphere. Janice's rating 5 stars
The Marlborough Hotel (no website) - 4 Princes Street Brighton 01273 570028
This is mainly known as a student/lesbian bar, but is always welcoming. There are two bars and there is
also a small theatre upstairs. The smaller more comfortable bar is The Theatre Bar and this is my
favourite bar. A nice selection of wines here, or fresh ground coffee. Usually my favourite place to start
the evening. Patrons here will often chat to you. Janice's rating 4 stars
The Harlequin
This is the friendliest place in Brighton, whether you are on your first night out or seasoned campaigner.
It is open Tues-Sat 9pm till 2am. Every Friday there is a special party and music till 2am. Every Sat
there is free Cabaret, normally drag, followed by dancing. This venue is popular with all genders and
sexes. Tues-Thurs nights are quieter nights but there is normally something happening and you will still
be welcomed. Early arrival is essential for free admission, there is a small door charge after 11pm
Tue-Thur and a larger one after 10pm Fri and Sat. Before those times, seats are available normally and
there is free admission. The loos here are marked Men and Ladies/TS/TV so no mistaking the
friendliness of the place. However as the loos are well used don't look for comfort. Janice's rating 5 stars
Kruze Café Bar and VIP Lizard Lounge (no website) 7 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 608133
This is advertised as Brighton's only Gay Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. Restaurant is open from 12noon
with last orders being at 9pm (8pm Saturdays). The venue is open till 11pm. Offers a full a la carte
menu plus daily specials. In the evenings it is a very popular place with both locals and tourists, some
straights do venture in but as they are outnumbered are usually quite polite. Fantastic views of the pier
and seafront. I've not tried the food, but the atmosphere and friendliness certainly makes it a good place
to visit. Janice's rating 3 stars
Storm (no website) 5 Steine Street, Brighton 01273 609672
This nightclub is set on two floors, with a climb up the stairs to the entrance. This brings you into the
main bar and lounge area. Membership is free and there is normally an admission charge, most
expensive is £5 on a Sat night after 11pm. Mon - Thurs nights free before 11pm. The dance floor is
downstairs and there is another bar down here as well. The dance floor has good lighting and there is a
mirror along one wall so you can watch yourself shake your bits! The loos here are clean, but watch out
for stray men in the ladies. Friendly small club and well worth a visit. Janice's rating 4 stars
Envy/Charles St Bar (no website) 8 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 624091
Charles St Bar is a cocktail bar underneath Envy the nightclub. There is excellent decor in Charles St
and it's a friendly clean meeting point. Nice friendly venue. The nightclub Envy is overhead, very
convenient if you want to get wasted in one place. Good view of the pier from upstairs as well, if you
don't want to dance. Nice mix of music if you do. Nice clean loos in Charles St, small ladies in the
nightclub, just 2 stalls so be prepared to queue (and chat). Janice's rating 3 stars
Legends (New Europe hotel) (no website)31/32 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 624462 A lovely
welcoming bar on the edge of the scene in Brighton. Friendly and unpretentious, it has cabaret on some
nights of the week as well. If you want to stay at the hotel you'll need to book in advance as it gets very
busy. Janice's rating 3 stars
Oscar's Restaurant (no website) 68 Portland Road, Hove Tel:01273 821335
This restaurant is set on one of the secondary routes in Hove with plenty of houses and shops around it.
Parking is a little difficult at times, but lots of side roads nearby. It has a delightful atmosphere and
welcomes 'girls' at any time whether you be by yourself, a couple, or in larger groups. The prices for
Brighton & Hove are very reasonable and the food tastes superb. The wine list is adequate, though a
little unadventurous, and the house wine was definitely off the night I tried it, however the bottle of Rioja
that I did have was absolutely divine. The staff are friendly and welcoming and pay attention to detail.
Overall I'd give this venue 4 stars, and if they do sort their wine list out and improve the house wine it
will be a 5 star venue. Janice's Rating 4 stars.
The Fountain, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH176BJ Tel : 01444 400218 Fax: 01444
401165
This pub is set in a village location and has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There are events
on through the week but we girls are welcome anytime. Check the website for full details of events.
Discretion is required when using the loos here. Janice's Rating 4 stars.
Freedom Café Bar 132 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2BR Tel & Fax: 02380638999
email freedomcafebar@hotmail.com
This is a very friendly bar/cafe and occasional nightclub style venue. The owner Lee Whitby-Bonnici
welcomes all girls to the venue and hopes that we will have a good time whilst there. There is also a
regular meeting that has been organised there on the fourth Thursday of each month, which will include a
disco I believe. This venue is well worth supporting because of the friendliness of all the staff there.
Janice's Rating 4 stars.
The Bird in Hand, Newmarket Road, Cambridge
Not all pubs are what they seem, and this pub is so friendly that I thought I'd been a local all my life
there. I visited and was hoping for a friendly smile or two, but everyone was very friendly and chatty.
The food was wonderful, freshly prepared and very tasty. The loos are clean and well kept, and 'girls'
use the ladies loo here. For anyone in this area this pub seems to have it all and I have no hesitation in
giving this pub 5 stars.
The Bird In Hand
291 Sydenham Rd Croydon CR0 2EL Tel: 0208 683 3104
This is another pub which is very highly recommended and which I've sampled on more than one
occasion. It's located in a residential area of Croydon, but is still easy to find. On the website for this
pub there is a map so it's easy to find. The company in this pub is friendly and local, and they serve
excellent ales. Girls are always welcome here and if you are by yourself you will never be ignored.
Janice's rating 4 stars.
The Goose and Carrot
128 Wellesley Road, Croydon Surrey CR0 2AH Tel: 0208 689 3473
This is a very friendly pub and girls are welcome here any time. The ladies loos are available for
changing in as well which is a big plus, however please be discrete when doing so. The pub even boasts
it's own cellar nightclub which I intend to visit soon and report here. The decor of this pub is functional
and workman like but don't let that put you off, as the welcome is very warm and genuine.
Janice's rating 3 stars currently.
The Duke of Lancaster, China Street Lancaster, 01524 847774 (no website)
The Duke of Lancaster has a wonderful atmosphere and is currently Lancaster's only LGBT venue. I'm
happy to say that T girls are very welcome. There is entertainment on Fri, Sat and Sunday nights and a
quiz on Thursday nights. The toilets are clean and well presented and T girls are invited to use the ladies
here. The drinks are well priced and there are usually some promotions ongoing. Janice's rating 4.5
stars.
The Bedford Tavern
This pub which is on the borders of Brighton and Hove is a very friendly and welcoming place on any
night of the week. The venue has a mixed clientele and is very popular, especially at weekends. The
food is also marvellous. The restaurant is available by appointment only. The wine list is superb. Janice's
rating 5 stars
The George , Isleworth
This is a very friendly gay pub in Isleworth, which welcomes all. The regulars will quite happily chat to
you if you are on your own. It is used by The Beaumont Society for some of their meetings, and you will
always receive a warm welcome from them. Check the website for details of these meetings. It can be
very quiet during the week when there is no cabaret on. Best nights are Fri, Sat and Sunday. Janice's
rating 4 stars
The Queens Arms
This is a friendly and noisy pub. Always seems to be plenty happening here. It is just on the edge of the
gay scene in Brighton and an ideal meeting spot. Be warned though it can get rather crowded. Janice's
rating 3 stars
The Queens Head (no Website) - 10 Steine Street Brighton 01273 602939
This is a small horseshoe shaped bar and is always friendly. The loos here are particularly clean and the
patrons welcome the girls. There is sometimes live music or a DJ on a Sat, definitely worth a visit.
Janice's rating 3 stars
The Marine Tavern (same website as the Harlequin) - 13 Broad Street Brighton 01273 681284
This is probably the smallest pub in Brighton for size, but one of the friendliest for girls to visit. It is
owned by the same partnership which own The Harlequin Nightclub. The Loos here have names, for
the gals we have Barbara Cartland's Boudoir and the guys have George Michaels Cottage. This pub is
a must on any trip to Brighton for both friendliness and atmosphere. Janice's rating 5 stars
The Marlborough Hotel (no website) - 4 Princes Street Brighton 01273 570028
This is mainly known as a student/lesbian bar, but is always welcoming. There are two bars and there is
also a small theatre upstairs. The smaller more comfortable bar is The Theatre Bar and this is my
favourite bar. A nice selection of wines here, or fresh ground coffee. Usually my favourite place to start
the evening. Patrons here will often chat to you. Janice's rating 4 stars
The Harlequin
This is the friendliest place in Brighton, whether you are on your first night out or seasoned campaigner.
It is open Tues-Sat 9pm till 2am. Every Friday there is a special party and music till 2am. Every Sat
there is free Cabaret, normally drag, followed by dancing. This venue is popular with all genders and
sexes. Tues-Thurs nights are quieter nights but there is normally something happening and you will still
be welcomed. Early arrival is essential for free admission, there is a small door charge after 11pm
Tue-Thur and a larger one after 10pm Fri and Sat. Before those times, seats are available normally and
there is free admission. The loos here are marked Men and Ladies/TS/TV so no mistaking the
friendliness of the place. However as the loos are well used don't look for comfort. Janice's rating 5 stars
Kruze Café Bar and VIP Lizard Lounge (no website) 7 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 608133
This is advertised as Brighton's only Gay Cocktail Bar and Restaurant. Restaurant is open from 12noon
with last orders being at 9pm (8pm Saturdays). The venue is open till 11pm. Offers a full a la carte
menu plus daily specials. In the evenings it is a very popular place with both locals and tourists, some
straights do venture in but as they are outnumbered are usually quite polite. Fantastic views of the pier
and seafront. I've not tried the food, but the atmosphere and friendliness certainly makes it a good place
to visit. Janice's rating 3 stars
Storm (no website) 5 Steine Street, Brighton 01273 609672
This nightclub is set on two floors, with a climb up the stairs to the entrance. This brings you into the
main bar and lounge area. Membership is free and there is normally an admission charge, most
expensive is £5 on a Sat night after 11pm. Mon - Thurs nights free before 11pm. The dance floor is
downstairs and there is another bar down here as well. The dance floor has good lighting and there is a
mirror along one wall so you can watch yourself shake your bits! The loos here are clean, but watch out
for stray men in the ladies. Friendly small club and well worth a visit. Janice's rating 4 stars
Envy/Charles St Bar (no website) 8 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 624091
Charles St Bar is a cocktail bar underneath Envy the nightclub. There is excellent decor in Charles St
and it's a friendly clean meeting point. Nice friendly venue. The nightclub Envy is overhead, very
convenient if you want to get wasted in one place. Good view of the pier from upstairs as well, if you
don't want to dance. Nice mix of music if you do. Nice clean loos in Charles St, small ladies in the
nightclub, just 2 stalls so be prepared to queue (and chat). Janice's rating 3 stars
Legends (New Europe hotel) (no website)31/32 Marine Parade, Brighton 01273 624462 A lovely
welcoming bar on the edge of the scene in Brighton. Friendly and unpretentious, it has cabaret on some
nights of the week as well. If you want to stay at the hotel you'll need to book in advance as it gets very
busy. Janice's rating 3 stars
Oscar's Restaurant (no website) 68 Portland Road, Hove Tel:01273 821335
This restaurant is set on one of the secondary routes in Hove with plenty of houses and shops around it.
Parking is a little difficult at times, but lots of side roads nearby. It has a delightful atmosphere and
welcomes 'girls' at any time whether you be by yourself, a couple, or in larger groups. The prices for
Brighton & Hove are very reasonable and the food tastes superb. The wine list is adequate, though a
little unadventurous, and the house wine was definitely off the night I tried it, however the bottle of Rioja
that I did have was absolutely divine. The staff are friendly and welcoming and pay attention to detail.
Overall I'd give this venue 4 stars, and if they do sort their wine list out and improve the house wine it
will be a 5 star venue. Janice's Rating 4 stars.
The Fountain, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH176BJ Tel : 01444 400218 Fax: 01444
401165
This pub is set in a village location and has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There are events
on through the week but we girls are welcome anytime. Check the website for full details of events.
Discretion is required when using the loos here. Janice's Rating 4 stars.
Freedom Café Bar 132 High Street, Southampton, SO14 2BR Tel & Fax: 02380638999
email freedomcafebar@hotmail.com
This is a very friendly bar/cafe and occasional nightclub style venue. The owner Lee Whitby-Bonnici
welcomes all girls to the venue and hopes that we will have a good time whilst there. There is also a
regular meeting that has been organised there on the fourth Thursday of each month, which will include a
disco I believe. This venue is well worth supporting because of the friendliness of all the staff there.
Janice's Rating 4 stars.
The Bird in Hand, Newmarket Road, Cambridge
Not all pubs are what they seem, and this pub is so friendly that I thought I'd been a local all my life
there. I visited and was hoping for a friendly smile or two, but everyone was very friendly and chatty.
The food was wonderful, freshly prepared and very tasty. The loos are clean and well kept, and 'girls'
use the ladies loo here. For anyone in this area this pub seems to have it all and I have no hesitation in
giving this pub 5 stars.
The Bird In Hand
291 Sydenham Rd Croydon CR0 2EL Tel: 0208 683 3104
This is another pub which is very highly recommended and which I've sampled on more than one
occasion. It's located in a residential area of Croydon, but is still easy to find. On the website for this
pub there is a map so it's easy to find. The company in this pub is friendly and local, and they serve
excellent ales. Girls are always welcome here and if you are by yourself you will never be ignored.
Janice's rating 4 stars.
The Goose and Carrot
128 Wellesley Road, Croydon Surrey CR0 2AH Tel: 0208 689 3473
This is a very friendly pub and girls are welcome here any time. The ladies loos are available for
changing in as well which is a big plus, however please be discrete when doing so. The pub even boasts
it's own cellar nightclub which I intend to visit soon and report here. The decor of this pub is functional
and workman like but don't let that put you off, as the welcome is very warm and genuine.
Janice's rating 3 stars currently.
The Duke of Lancaster, China Street Lancaster, 01524 847774 (no website)
The Duke of Lancaster has a wonderful atmosphere and is currently Lancaster's only LGBT venue. I'm
happy to say that T girls are very welcome. There is entertainment on Fri, Sat and Sunday nights and a
quiz on Thursday nights. The toilets are clean and well presented and T girls are invited to use the ladies
here. The drinks are well priced and there are usually some promotions ongoing. Janice's rating 4.5
stars.
