Gay-Friendly bars, clubs and cafes in Edinburgh
As you’d expect, our cosmopolitan Capital has a thriving gay scene. Most of the action takes place around the bohemian ‘Pink Triangle’ between Leith Walk and Broughton Street. The majority of venues in this area, if not gay-oriented as such, are decidedly gay friendly.
Blue Moon Café
Established for over 20 years, Blue Moon is bright and airy, the ambience friendly and informal. Bring a few friends, kick back, drink in the atmosphere, read the papers....it's a home from home. Food's familiar and friendly too - chilli, burgers, falafel, potato wedges and good old bangers and mash! When the sun goes down head into the basement to Deep Blue - a stylishly intimate, blue-lit venue where you can drink till the wee hours.
Blue Moon Café, 36 Broughton St., EH1 3SB 0131 556 2788
Planet Out
One of the most popular gay bars in Edinburgh, Planet Out is young, chilled, friendly and informal by day and full-on party vibe by night. Great place for a pre-club drink or two. Popular DJ’s up the atmosphere at weekends.
Planet Out, 6 Baxter Place, Leith Walk EH1 3AF 0131 556 5551
The Street
With its glass ‘walls’ and tall stools The Street is your window on what’s happening in the Pink Triangle. The mood is upbeat, welcoming and laid back. The food is simple but good, perfect for lining the stomach before tackling the cocktail list or the all-too-generous drink deals on offer during Mon-Fri Happy Hour. By night the candles are lit, the mood is sultrier and the DJ’s rack up the entertainment till 1am.
The Street – 2 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT 0131 556 2788
Priscilla’s Cabaret Bar
Although it’s a little outside the main scene this camp bar run by Debra and Suzie hosts a variety of tongue-in-cheek activities from karaoke to live cabaret. Check out the outrageous Diva Bliss! Revellers can join in the fun or kick back and take advantage of the various drinks promotions.
Priscilla’s Cabaret Bar – 17 Albert Place, Leith Walk 07986 591695
Habana
Voted Best Gay Pub by Gay Edinburgh, Habana caters to a never-ending stream of fun-loving, young gay clubbers. The décor’s bright and colourful, the staff friendly, approachable and almost invariably attractive! Catch a few rays outside on that rare sunny day and dance your socks off of an evening when the DJ’s spin up a storm.
Café Habana – 22 Greenside Place, Edin. 0131 558 1270
CC Blooms
Open 7 nights a week till 3pm the lively CC Blooms (allegedly named after Bette Midler’s character in ‘Beaches’) is the only dedicated gay club in the Capital. The lack of a cover charge ensures it’s always packed with revellers of all ages (though there’s a younger bias at weekends). The basement bar and disco - Level Two - gets pumping at 11pm. It has a fully integrated sound, lighting system and dance floor and as well as providing professional DJ’s to up the ante, there’s karaoke and the occasional striptease.
CC Blooms – Greenside Place, Edin. 0131 556 9331
The Regent
Bring a few friends, settle into one of the Chesterfields and put the world to rights. The Regent has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and – as there’s no loud music or DJ – it’s the perfect place for an intimate chat. While gay-oriented it’s basically your traditional local pub where you can choose from a well-priced range of bar meals and drink real ale.
The Regent Bar – 2 Montrose Terr., EH7 5DL 0131 661 8198
Boda
Not particularly gay-exclusive, Boda nonetheless has such a fun and funky ambience that it’s popular with the local gay crowd. You might guess it’s owned by a couple of Swedes - it has moose antlers on the wall, lots of whitewashed wood and a terracotta floor. Drinks include lots of Swedish specialities and you can even munch on moose sausage as you fling back a Leffe….
Boda – 229 Leith Walk, Edin. 0131 553 5900
GHQ
Right in the heart of the pink quarter, this contemporary, chic bar and club hosts some of the country’s top DJ’s playing electro, funk, indie and soul every night till 3 am. With cutting edge light effects, a fabulous sound system and some funky leather beds and sofas for clubbers to sprawl on GHQ is the place to check out Edinburgh’s fashionable gay crowd.
GHQ – 4 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT 0845 1666024
Vibe at eGo
Previously a casino and then a dancehall, eGo has a ballroom-style main space and a lower room housing a nightclub and live music venue which has hosted acts such as Mr. Scruff, Judge Jules, Felix Da Housecat and Green Velvet. Vibe is one of Edinburgh’s most popular gay nights (Tuesdays).
Club eGo – 14 Piccardy Place, Edin 0131 467 2551
Joy at eGo
Same venue – different club night! Joy is held on the fourth Saturday of the month. DJ’s Maggie and Alan Joy spin the tunes and take Joy’s revellers from funky house music through to trance.
Club eGo – 14 Piccardy Place, Edin 0131 467 2551
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