LGBTq+ venues
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Leeds boasts one of the largest, most vibrant, and diverse LGBTQ+ communities in the united kingdom.
The Freedom Quarter is the heart of Leeds’ LGBTQ+ community, with the award-winning Viaduct Showbar, Queen’s Court, Blayds Bar, The Bridge and the city’s oldest gay bar The New Penny.
Get late-night cakes at Flamingos Coffee House, head to independent LGBTQ+ bookshop The Bookish Type, and get involved with one of the city’s inclusive sports clubs. The city also has lots of organisations supporting LGBTQ+ communities, including Yorkshire MESMAC, Skyline and Angels of Freedom.
viaduct showbar
The UK’s leading fully choreographed drag cabaret venue, Viaduct Showbar is a place where you are free to be yourself! After 15 years of incredible success, they’re showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. The fantastic venue boasts a state of the art sound and light system, dazzling cabaret performances and an army of fabulous entertainers. Every day of the week is a different party and there is something to cater to everyone’s desires. The Viaduct Showbar is the number one place to be in Leeds.
Open 7 days a week, with hosts every night from 8pm.
Flamingos Coffee House
Great Coffee, Fresh Food & Good Vibes!
At Flamingos, coffee is just the beginning. They take pride in serving locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee, brewed to perfection every time. Prefer tea? Explore their loose leaf teas, refreshing iced drinks, and indulgent frappes — there’s something for every mood.
At Flamingos, coffee is just the beginning. They take pride in serving locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee, brewed to perfection every time. Prefer tea? Explore their loose leaf teas, refreshing iced drinks, and indulgent frappes — there’s something for every mood.
But they’re more than just a coffee house. The menu is packed with fresh, thoughtfully sourced food, from freshly baked croissants, pastries, nata and cakes, to all-day breakfast favourites and light bites.
queens court
This fantastic bar sits in an historic courtyard of the same name. The building, originally a wealthy cloth merchant’s house, named after Queen Anne, dates from 1714. Now, Queens Court is a leading LGBTQ+ bar in the heart of Leeds’ Freedom quarter. They’ve been serving the gay community for over 25 years and are famous for their courtyard parties, along with Fibre (located next door), during the summer months, bringing the alfresco party feel to the centre of Leeds. Queens Court is open seven days a week and brings you the friendliest team of staff, along with some of the city’s best drinks deals. They pride themselves on putting customers first and bringing you a diverse range of nights, offering the greatest party atmosphere in Leeds.
blayds bar
Hidden away in a courtyard on Lower Briggate, sits Blayds, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ bars in Leeds. Blayds Bar is a true hidden gem of the Leeds gay scene.
Visit their Facebook page for the latest news and upcoming events.
the new penny
The New Penny is the oldest gay bar in Leeds. The pub first started as the Hope And Anchor in 1953 and although difficulty with the law meant it was a secretive place, it was still the first gay venue to open outside of London. It is thought that it is the longest continually running gay venue in the UK.
After a change of ownership the pub changed its name in 1982 and became The New Penny.
Currently with a Late night license the pub has seen some of the best known Drag Queens appear on its stage including Lily Savage, Anna Glypta, Fats and Small, Sisters Slim, Amber Dextrous, Miss Orry, Ricky Glass and many more. It is still one of the most popular venues in Leeds attracting both a mixed gay and straight crowd.
bridge bar
Situated on the corner of Bridge End opposite Lower Briggate, The Bridge Bar is a small venue with a big personality, warm welcome and cold draught. A place to feel like a home away from home! Every day you can relax in their stylish friendly bar, taking advantage of their brilliant promotional offers.
fibre
When Fibre first opened their doors, in the year 2000, no one could have anticipated the important impact it would have on the Leeds’ nightlife. Billed as a ‘gay-friendly’ place to have a night out in the city, partygoers immediately began flocking to Fibre, as it bridged the gap between the more traditional LGBTQ+ bars in the area and the straight venues – where not everyone was made to feel welcome. The venue goes through frequent refits, ensuring that the layout is constantly changing to suit the needs of the customers and keep at the forefront of the cities vibrant nightlife. However, while other venues in the city have come and gone, Fibre only continues to become more popular. The venue is a lot more than a bar for some people. It’s a safe place where they feel happy and comfortable with who they are, surrounded by like-minded people.
