A guide to Bournemouth’s LGBTQIA+ bars and clubs for university students

A list of the inclusive gay bars, clubs and venues in Bournemouth!

1 month ago | UPDATED 1 month ago

So, you’re either starting Bournemouth Uni as a baby gay fresher, you finally broke out of the closet or you are a self proclaimed ally – either way you want to know the top spots for the rainbow community to come together and dance to Chappell Roan?

Well, I like to think I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of all the gay bars and clubs Bournemouth has to offer!

DYMK club

The LGBTQIA+ hub in Bournemouth and typically student’s top pick – DYMK club. Located in the Triangle, “Does Your Mother Know” is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

With DJs, karaoke, Drag shows and competitions this venue is not one to miss.

DYMK bar / Mother’s bar

Under the same management as DYMK club, is the DYMK Bar (now referred to as Mother’s bar). This is situated a few doors down from the club, and offers a more sip and sit environment.

Personally, I’m a bit obsessed with DYMK bar. I went here on a date with my girlfriend, and I loved, loved, loved the atmosphere. The music was great and the cocktails even better. Certainly a must try for any of my fellow gays who aren’t too fond of club settings.

Flirt cafe and bar

The perfect place to take your mum and dad for brunch, and then come back at 9pm to watch a drag show with jäger dripping down your shirt.

During the day the cafe comes to life, with coffee flowing throughout. Come the evening, Flirt hosts drag shows, live music nights, craft sessions and more. It’s the perfect venue to hang out with your first year housemates, queer friends or anyone in between.

Pride bar

A new addition to Bournemouth’s queer night scene is Pride bar! Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm, Pride bar is based in The Triangle. With weekly drag cabarets, Dragulicious Wednesdays and drink deals, this is certainly one to check out.

Sound Circus

Located in Lansdowne, by many of the Bournemouth Uni first year accommodations, is Sound Circus (also referred to as “Alt”). This venue is known as the alternative club in Bournemouth, and a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Their biggest night of the week is their Indie Thursdays! Though this event typical plays the likes of Rex Orange County, The Wombats and Arctic Monkeys – clubbers can also requests songs through paper slips found by the DJ booth, which I always found really fun. An insider tip – follow their Facebook page to find free entry codes every Thursday.

Oh, sorry… did I forget to mention there’s stripper pole and two dance cages?! If that doesn’t sell you on this place, I don’t know what will, girl.

Diva

Another new addition is Diva, open Fridays and Saturdays. This inclusive venue is similarly situated in The Triangle, which by now you can gather is the gay zone. With free entry before midnight, doubles being a mere fiver and the lights coming up at 4:30am, you can quite literally dance until the sun comes up!

I am yet to try out this venue for myself, but once I convince my stubborn girlfriend to let her hair down for the night – feel free to call me out for a dance off. Be there or be square.

A few extra shoutouts for LGBTQIA+ inclusive events at local bars

Slug and Lettuce, the hub of all things cocktails! The S&L in the centre of town (Richmond hill), likes to throw a drag bingo every few weeks and it cannot be missed. You get the chance to win a bunch of different booze, while being entertained. What is not to love?
Sixty Million Postcards! This bar is located by the BH2 and hosts a fantastic musical bingo on Thursdays, hosted by a drag queen. I have to add, this is my personal drag event in Bournemouth and it is completely underrated.

And so many more!

Okay, that’s all I have to offer. I hope I have to do a second part on this soon, as Bournemouth could certainly use a splash more rainbow.