Our best-reviewed queer venues

Before Pride Month comes to a close, we wanted to highlight some of the best-reviewed queer venues on Euan's Guide. We've combed through everything, from bars to bookshops, to bring you four fantastic venues.

Planet Bar & Kitchen, Edinburgh

Located in our home city of Edinburgh, Planet Bar & Kitchen is a vibrant and accessible queer bar that receives high praise from our Review Coordinator, Pat.

Pat tells us:

“I didn’t expect it from the relatively subdued exterior, but stepping into Planet Bar & Kitchen is like stepping into a world of colours, sparkle and queer comfort. One might say that the chunky silver sparkle on the walls is the real decor highlight, but I think it is the combination with the cosy upholstered booths (and wall!) in more colours and patterns than you can count that really made me feel at home. It put me right in the mood to cheer on a drag performer or belt my heart out on the wee stage, bathed in the sparkle of several disco balls and the iconic walls.”

Happy Out Coffee, Belfast

Happy Out Coffee is an inclusive coffee shop that our Community Manager, Joe, visited for a quick pick-me-up while he was in Belfast. Located a short distance from Titanic Quarter Railway Station, it felt like a home from home. As well as being highly accessible, it was the owners who stood out to Joe. He said:

“Vic and Alex are absolutely lovely, dedicated to inclusion with a passion for people and a desire to make the shop as welcoming as possible. We spoke at length about the intersectionality of queer and disabled people and how our communities work best together. At a time when I was feeling a little homesick, it was nice to have a family for an hour. I'd recommend Happy Out to anyone who happens to be exploring the Titanic Quarter.”

The Bookish Type, Leeds

The Bookish Type is an independent queer bookshop with a distinct pink exterior that was a highlight of Pat's visit to Leeds.

Pat told us:

“The Bookish Type is much more than just a bookshop. It is also a community hub, providing a space for people of all ages to meet in a sober environment and connect in person, through books and zines or via the community noticeboard. There is an array of merchandise from local artists and even a whole shelf dedicated to disability!”

Queer Britain, London

Queer Britain is the UK's first dedicated LGBTQ+ museum and, with excellent ratings across the board, is not only highly accessible but also an engaging, inclusive and educational venue.

Reviewer Tinahodgkinson tells us:

“The museum is small but fits a lot in and is well worth visiting. It is informative and also celebratory. Ranging from the iconic, such as one of Divine's dresses is on display, to grass roots campaigning. It has a lovely and welcoming atmosphere. It is well worth visiting and we will certainly be returning. Thank you to the staff which made it such an inviting place.”

What are we missing?

We have shared some of the best reviewed venues on Euan’s Guide, and we would love you to join the conversation! If there's a queer place or LGBTQ+-friendly venue you would love to shout about, please add a review on Euan's Guide.