Let’s be honest, Bristol’s gay scene is hardly going to put Brighton out of business any time soon. With just two clubs and a handful of bars it is comparatively sparse for a city of its size; however, rather than seeing this as Bristol being less gay friendly than other cities, it is more a testament to the city’s easy, cosmopolitan charm ensuring that the gay population, particularly in the younger generations, feels just as at ease in traditional clubs and pubs as in specifically gay-orientated venues.

Idiosyncratic but recognisable touches like local eccentric transvestite ‘Sapphire’ on Gloucester Road and ‘Sandra The Vicious Tongued Lesbian’ of Old Market add to the city’s polymorphous culture in ways one wouldn’t find in cities with more commercial gay district such as Manchester or Bournemouth. But if you are seeking to meet other gay people, or you’re looking for a night out a bit different from the average, then the appropriate outlets, whilst not numerous, are still very much in presence.

Clubs:
Flamingos, Old Market: Bristol’s newest gay orientated venue is also the biggest currently in the South West, and has provided, despite the name, an injection of edgy credibility amongst the overblown camp and pomp of other venues. Push/Burn nights attract a younger, trendier set for a house tinted mix from actual DJs.
Queen Shilling, Frogmore St.: This is one of the oldest gay venues in Bristol and unashamedly camp with it, so good for cheese pop and ‘classics’. Worth a visit on Thursday Student Nights, if only to see the permanently bored drag queen, Ruby, conducting her lackadaisical game of Shag Tag.

Bars:
The Pineapple, Frogmore St: Well known venue with karaoke and quiz nights that can be entertaining.
The Griffin, Colston St: Lead by a biker-ish clientele, risk this place if you dare.
Bar Prague, Old Market: Small but modern and attracts a fun-seeking, young crowd.
The Old Market Tavern, Old Market: Catering for the more mature gentleman, but can get busy on nights ominously coined as ‘Come to Daddy’.
The Stag & Hounds, Old Market: Not strictly an out-and-out gay pub, but ran by a male couple, and gay-friendly.