Here’s the best LGBTQ+ clubs and bars to visit during Birmingham Pride!
Joshua Williams
May 19, 2019
Hurst Street, in Birmingham’s Southside district, is home of the second city’s queer nightlife and events. Though queer nightlife in this area predominantly centres around the iconic Nightingale Club, the area has expanded substantially over the last few decades, bringing with it an array of clubs, events and queer stores and businesses.
With Birmingham Pride fast approaching, taking place on Saturday the 25th May and Sunday 26th May, queer nightlife is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Whether you want a premium cocktail at the Loft Lounge or whether you just want to enjoy a cabaret performance at the Village Inn, Birmingham’s gay quarter truly does have something for everyone.
Adam Yosef Though lacking when compared to the sheer scale of other LGBTQ+ destinations in the UK such as London or Manchester, what Birmingham lacks in size it makes up for in community, variety and history. It’s growth and expansion, accredited to the decriminalisation of the Sexual Offenses Act of 1967, has allowed Birmingham to build the community that was deprived for other queer individuals for so many years.
With this in mind, we have compiled a handy guide below for you to be able to party and celebrate until the early hours of the morning over Birmingham Pride:
Adam Yosef The Nightingale Club
From humble beginnings, the Nightingale Club has grown to become a national LGBTQ+ attraction and is the oldest gay venue within Birmingham. Celebrating 50 years in 2019, the Nightingale Club offers 3 floors of music, 4 different rooms and 5 bars. Over Birmingham Pride, the Nightingale is set to be the busiest venue within the festival site so booking entry passes in advance is recommended.
Adam Yosef The Village Inn
The Village Inn is known throughout the country for its ever-evolving cabaret performances and DJ’s playing until the early hours. As the home to some of the city’s biggest names in drag such as Yshee Black, who launched the increasingly popular lip-sync competition Church of Yshee,the iconic venue is set to be an entertainment hot spot over the weekend.
Adam Yosef The Fox
Birmingham’s premier lesbian bar will again be playing host to the Women’s Arena during Birmingham Pride. The Fox is the only venue within Birmingham’s gay quarter that markets itself solely to women and their friends providing a space to socialise and unwind. With décor featuring female icons past and present, the atmosphere of the Fox is truly energetic and a one of a kind destination within the city.
Adam Yosef Sidewalk
A converted 1930s car showroom, Sidewalk is an unmissable venue consistently serving the city with pride. Serving the very best in pop music with the eccentric hosts to match, Sidewalk caters to every demographic ensuring an unforgettable start to the night.
Adam Yosef Eden Bar
Beginning its life as The White Swan, Eden was born in 2008 after undergoing extensive refurbishment. Featuring a large garden area and a beautifully presented marquee, Eden is known as a favourite amongst gay men and their friends whilst supporting Birmingham’s transgender community in as big a capacity as it is able. The club also features the largest line-up of live acts over the Birmingham Pride weekend including Claire from Steps and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Charlie Hides.
Adam Yosef The Loft
With so much on offer, the Loft combines the nightlife element with a classic twist. Specialising in premium spirits, cocktails and craft beers, the Loft Lounge is the perfect location to quench your thirst in style. However, the popular venue will also feature 2 days of live DJ’s playing some of the biggest hits from headliners past and present.
Joshua Williams | I Am BirminghamGlamorous Nightclub
Situated just outside of the main gay quarter, Glamorous is a hidden gem known by most in Birmingham due to it staying open very very late. Over Pride weekend, the club will play host to the fabulous Pam Catz, Mike Emmery, Rockella and Trisha giving you all the entertainment you need.
Adam Yosef Missing Bar
Missing Bar is possibly one of the most versatile LGBTQ+ clubs within Birmingham. Hosting club nights, performers and cabaret, the venue is constantly growing and evolving over time. This recently refurbished venue is a must visit but they will also host their very own outside cabaret bar over Birmingham Pride too featuring stellar performances from acts such as Jenna DaVinci and the House of Allure Burlesque.
Adam Yosef Boltz
Boltz is a mens-only club that houses a spacious interior. Featuring a central island bar with adjacent rooms, an outdoor smoking area and a large upper floor, the fetish club regularly holds special nights such as Sports-Wear Night, Dare2Bare and Fetish Uncut. Over pride, they will play host to Rebellion Reborn.
Adam Yosef The Core
The Core is Birmingham’s newest gay club situated on Sherlock Street, just off of Hurst Street. The club features renowned DJ’s and a variety of R’n’B and pop music until the early hours. The club also plays host to the Midland’s version of London’s XXL men’s club night.
Adam Yosef Bar Jester
Traditionally located just outside of the main festival site, next door to Birmingham’s LGBT centre, Bar Jester is a reliable gay bar that is open to the very early hours of the morning. Hosting drag nights, karaoke and club nights, Bar Jester is a classic venue within Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Adam Yosef Equator
Equator is a lively bar, and café, located in the heart of Birmingham’s Gay Village. Whether you are gay or straight, the bar prides itself on a warm and friendly atmosphere with deals on drinks daily.
Birmingham Pride takes place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May over the Bank Holiday weekend. For more information and tickets, visit here.
