The Essential Guide to the Gay Scene and Gay Bars and Clubs in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Queens Court
This is Leeds' only 100% gay bar/club. With a young, cool and trendy crowd, it's open 'till 4am and for those who can handle it, one Saturday a month it's open 'till 6am - so crack open that ProPlus. The music's mainly chart and dance but like a stuffed crust, it spills out at the sides at the weekends. It's got a courtyard for those who want to chill out, which is handy as it can get as packed as Dirk Diggler's underpants on Saturdays when both floors are open. With an upstairs club as well, you don't have to venture more than 30ft for an all round good night.
Lower Briggate, Mon-Sat 12pm-4am, Sun 12pm-1am, On Mondays everything's £1
Fibre
House DJ's (TinTin/Stuart Robinson/Matt Cosway) pack 'em in at the weekend, and Sunday's "classic anthems" allows the crowd to practice those well-rehearsed Steps routines. Gaining popularity with each passing week, mainly a younger audience, but that may have something to do with the late opening hours. Wheelchair access.
168 Lower Briggate, Mon-Wed 11-12am, Thu 11-1am, Fri/Sat 11-2am, Sun 12-12.30am.
The Bridge Inn
The recent overhaul may have improved the look of the place, but it thankfully hasn't stopped all the fun. Robbie and Geri wannabees get their chance to warble away on Thursdays on the karaoke, and there's a disco with a hip-hop vibe on Fridays, giving way to a nightclub on Saturdays with their resident DJ. Sundays are a particular treat with the theme changing each week - so far we've had a Toga party, an African night and a bit of bondage (ouch!). Happy hour runs for a generous four hours everyday (3-7pm) with drinks £1.50, but Monday is one big happy hour, so get that excuse ready for Tuesday morning.
1-5 Bridge End, Mon-Sat 12-2am, Sun 12pm-12.30am, Mondays everything £1.50
Blayds Bar
If you're sensible you'll take advantage of the daily happy hour between 4 and 6, which guarantees discounts on the regular draught beers and spirits. All that cheap booze should loosen you up a bit, so you can make friends with any of the very mixed crowd who stop off at Blayds. Don't be surprised to find a crowd ranging from fresh 18 year old students to slightly mouldy 75 year old grandads. The disco arrives at the weekend or if all that camping it up isn't your scene you can try the quiz night on Wednesdays. Wheelchair access.
Off Lower Briggate, 2pm-11.30pm daily with happy hour between 4 and 6
The New Penny
Bang next door to The Bridge Inn, this pub is Leeds' longest running gay drinking venue. It's neon and dark- ages decor may be a little off putting but it simply says it's not trying to be something it's not and as a result it's a good all round venue. Entertainment comes courtesy of cabaret and drag - hoorah! Cheap drinks too -there is a God.
57 Call Lane, Mon-Fri 13:00-23:00, Sat 12:00-16:00 & 19:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-15:00 & 19:00-22:30