Guide to Edinburgh’s best LGBTQ+ venues

It’s Pride month, and that means one whole month of celebrating the immense strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. With Scotland’s biggest LGBTQ+ community, according to the national census, there is no shortage of amazing bars, events, and safe spaces in our city to party and celebrate all month long. Below is our round-up of the best the city has to offer:

CC Blooms

Edinburgh’s most well-known LGBTQ+ establishment, CC Bloom’s, is located on Calton Square just outside St James’ Quarter, and offers two floors of dance and fun. Founded in 1994, the bar is open until 3 am daily with a DJ from 11 pm each night. This venue is more suited to those more relaxed evenings out, being frequented by an older clientele. It is also the perfect venue for pre-theatre drinks, right next to the Playhouse Theatre.

A classic.

Planet Bar and Kitchen

Part of Edinburgh’s Pink Triangle, Planet Bar and Kitchen is a down-to-earth bar hosting various themed nights, including drag on Friday, and karaoke on Monday. They are Edinburgh’s oldest LGBTQ venue and are sponsors of Scotland’s first LGBTQ football team, the Hot Scots. Open until 3 am on Friday and Saturday, and 1 am on all other nights.

Live laugh the Pink Triangle

Subway

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You all knew this was coming. While not exactly a gay club, Subway is arguably the most welcoming and LGBTQ+ friendly club in the city. Hosting their Tracks and Icons night every Monday, in what other club could you watch a drag queen perform a death drop before dancing to an ultimate Gaga medley all on the same night? With free entry Monday to Thursday, Subway is particularly attractive to students, where most other LGBTQ+ venues in the city are not. Pornstar venom, anyone?

I feel at home

The Regent Bar

The most chilled-out pick on this list, Regent’s Bar is located on Montrose Terrace and open until 1 am daily. A relaxed pub and bar, The Regent Bar offers a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy one of the large selection of international ales and ciders. They also regularly host events, including for Edinburgh Pride on the 21st June.

For all of those just outside the city centre

Edinburgh Pride

Would this list be complete without the classic celebration? On the 21st June, Edinburgh will hold its annual Pride march starting at the Scottish Parliament and finishing in Bristo Square with a Pride concert headlined by the X Factor’s Diana Vickers. Other Pride events happening in the city this month include:

• Queer Folks’ Tales- 12th June
• Edinburgh Pride Walking Tour (All month)

From Range Siebert on Unsplash

Cover Image from Margaux Bellot on Unsplash