This Pride Month, we’re putting a spotlight on the Queer spaces that make our cities feel alive. From bookshops and cafés to galleries and dance floors, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots in Glasgow, Manchester, and London. Because Pride isn’t just a day, it’s a movement, lived every day in community, culture, and connection.
Whether you’re here to celebrate, reflect, or just explore, this is how to do it the Native way.
LONDON.
Just a short stroll from Dalston Junction, this isn’t your typical queer bar; it’s a secretive queer clubhouse. Inside, sumptuous low?lit rooms are decked with rich fabrics, artful décor and cosy corners where you can sip expertly crafted cocktails, catch cabaret, or just linger with friends over late?night drinks. There’s proper club energy tucked away down the stairs, occasional life?drawing nights and performances that give the feeling of someone took vintage speakeasy glamour, tuned up the queer flair, and made it somewhere you’ll want to keep coming back to.
578 Kingsland Rd, London, E8 4AH
Gay’s The Word is the UK’s oldest LGBT bookshop and a touchstone for the broader LGBT community. The bookshop was set up in January 1979 by a group of gay socialists as a community space where all profits were funnelled back into the business. This ethos continues today with shelves bursting with books and the space used for book and community events, all stewarded by four members of staff: Jim, Uli, Erica, and Pao.
66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB
Part gallery, part café, all heart—BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! is London’s first fine art gallery dedicated to queer and gay photography. Based in Fitzrovia, it’s a place to grab a coffee, sip on their own-label wine, and browse powerful, thought-provoking work from LGBTQ+ artists around the globe. Pop in for an exhibition, stay for the atmosphere.
30C Warren St, London W1T 5NF
GLASGOW.
Category Is Books is an independent queer bookshop in Glasgow’s southside, founded by Bug and Fionn Duffy-Scott. They aim to create a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community to explore and celebrate queer literature, art, history, and activism. Growing up under Section 28, they found life-changing inspiration in queer books and art. The shop opened in September 2018 in Govanhill, offering new and second-hand queer books, magazines, comics, zines, and badges.
34 Allison St, Glasgow G42 8NN
Gay City Bowlers.
Gay City Bowlers brings all the glitter to the lanes — an LGBTQ+ ten?pin bowling club that mixes strikes with social fun. Whether you’re coming for the sport, the banter, or the themed nights, this is where bumpers aren’t needed, and the playlists are as fab as the crew rolling them.
Tucked within Glasgow’s historic Jacobean Corsetry building, The Corset Club is a beacon of joy for the LGBTQI+ community and allies. From signature cocktails to dazzling nightly performances, every experience here celebrates inclusivity. Their stage showcases diverse talent, reflecting the vibrant community tapestry. At The Corset Club, you’re not just a guest; you’re family.
The Jacobean Bldg, 49-53 Virginia Street, Glasgow G1 1TS
MANCHESTER.
Manchester’s only LGBTQ+ running club and a brilliant crew to lace up with, whether you’re chasing PBs or just want a welcoming place to jog and chat. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or a seasoned runner — folks here are all about good vibes, supportive miles, and making running feel like a community, not a competition.
Queer Lit Book Club @ The Cockatoo Club.
Queer Lit has joined forces with The Cockatoo Club to launch Manchester’s premier gay male-focused book club. Get ready to dive into the hottest gay male titles of the moment with engaging author readings, discussions, and group exploration sessions. The Cockatoo Book Club convenes on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, offering a vibrant space for literary enthusiasts at 20 Richmond St, M1 3ND.
27 Great Ancoats St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ
Brought to you by the team behind Feel Good Club—Manchester’s proudly Queer-owned café, bar and social space. Born from a desire to create something different, Make Me Feel is for those looking beyond Canal Street—an alternative space in the city where Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community gathers to move, connect and celebrate unapologetically. Expect curated playlists, joyful energy, and a crowd that welcomes everyone just as they are.
27 Great Ancoats St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ
We take pride in shining a light on Queer spaces.
At Native, inclusivity is a key part of who we are, from our core values to our guests and our team members. Come and discover our spaces, where everyone is always welcome. Whether you’re staying with us, visiting for an event, or simply passing through, you’ll find a warm, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes individuals from all walks of life.
