To celebrate Pride Month, we have curated a special guide to our favourite LGBTQIA+ friendly places and activities across Native cities. From vibrant nightlife spots to cosy cafes and bookshops, explore the best of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and London’s inclusive scene the Native way.
Edinburgh
Paradise Palms
Paradise Palms is an LGBTQ-friendly bar, diner, record shop, and stage where everyone is welcome as long as they bring good vibes. They champion genuine diversity within their team, performers, and artists, promoting an inclusive culture where everyone is treated equally. Their commitment to the environment is evident, running entirely on renewable energy, banning single-use plastics, and offering a vegan/vegetarian menu. Paradise Palms also ensures strict recycling and waste reduction, sourcing materials locally or from ethical suppliers.
Blunt Knife Co
Blunt Knife Co. is a not-for-profit social enterprise supporting and promoting creative talent from marginalised groups. Their projects, including creative clubs, exhibitions, workshops, and artist markets, aim to build skills, inspire creativity, and provide safe spaces for connection. BKco. focuses on individuals at the intersection of marginalised experiences, such as LGBTQ+ people, migrants, and those with disabilities or low income. They have a shop on Thistle Street, where they sell unique, independent art and printed materials.
Kafe Kweer
Kafe Kweer is a queer, sober, safe space in Edinburgh open to all for any event, from book clubs to stitching groups to coffee and cake evenings. Born out of the need for sober spaces in a scene dominated by alcohol-centric venues, Kafe Kweer offers a welcoming environment for all ages without the pressure to drink.
London
Bishopsgate Institute LGBTQ+ Archives
Bishopsgate Institute’s Special Collections and Archives houses one of the UK’s most extensive collections on LGBTQIA+ history, politics, and culture, spanning from the late nineteenth century to today. It includes archives from Stonewall, Switchboard, and the Terrence Higgins Trust, as well as personal records from figures like Paris Lees. They proudly maintain the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive (LAGNA) with over 300,000 press cuttings. The library boasts around 10,000 LGBTQ+ titles and a rich pamphlet collection. Additionally, they host the UK Leather and Fetish Archives, documenting the history of kink and BDSM in the UK.
Gay’s the Word Bookshop
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.
Circa Soho
Opening in 2011, Circa Soho is a beloved spot in the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe space for partygoers, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great nights. Located on Frith Street in London’s gay village, this stylish venue features chesterfield sofas, exposed brick walls, and the iconic Circa disco ball DJ booth. With top DJ talent every night, it’s perfect for dates, group outings, or afternoon drinks with premium-branded drinks at competitive prices.
Glasgow
Category is Book
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. They also provide a pay-it-forward system for those unable to purchase books.
Glasgow FrontRunners
Glasgow FrontRunners (GFR) is Scotland’s largest LGBTQIA+ focussed sports club with over 300 members. We’re the second largest FrontRunner club in the UK, and one of the top ten largest FrontRunner clubs in the world! Founded in 2010, the club has gone from strength to strength and enjoys a diverse, mixed ability membership with something for everyone.
The Corset Club
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.
Manchester
Outdoor Lads City Trails
OutdoorLads hosts a variety of sociable outdoor activities for the gay, bi, and trans community across the UK and beyond. From hiking and climbing to canoeing and sailing, they offer both adventurous and social events. With three dedicated staff members, their amazing volunteers run everything else. Events are friendly, and leaders ensure newcomers feel especially welcome. At OutdoorLads, everyone gets stuck in to have a great time.
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 7pm, offering a vibrant space for literary enthusiasts at 20 Richmond St, M1 3ND.
Red Light Cocktail Bar
Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Red Light is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and all. Tucked behind Kampus’ red-brick facades, a distinctive red light signals its enchanting realm. Step inside to a timeless atmosphere, with plush booths and captivating portraits creating an intimate yet exhilarating ambience. At Red Light, each cocktail is a masterpiece, blending innovation and tradition from their original menu with care.
We take Pride that we are not just for Pride
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 and inclusive atmosphere that embraces individuals from all walks of life.
