This Pride Month, we’re shining a light on spaces that celebrate the Freedom To Be. We’ve curated a guide to some of our favourite Queer-owned spaces and communities—experiences across Glasgow, Manchester, and London—because Pride isn’t just a moment; it’s a movement—one that’s lived out every day in bookshops, cafés, galleries, and dance floors.
Whether you’re here to celebrate, reflect, or just explore—here’s how to do it the Native way.
London
1 Phoenix St, WC2H 8BU
Tucked beneath the West End, The Phoenix Arts Club is where London’s theatre crowd goes off-script. Expect cabaret, queer comedy, musical theatre, and more—with an open-door attitude that celebrates new voices and big talent. Many shows operate a NOTAFLOF (No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds) policy, making sure the spotlight stays accessible for everyone.
66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB
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.
30C Warren St, London W1T 5NF
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.
Glasgow
34 Allison St, Glasgow G42 8NN
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.
Glasgow Front Runners (GFR) is Scotland’s largest LGBTQIA+ focused sports club with over 300 members. We’re the second largest Front Runner club in the UK, and one of the top ten largest Front Runner 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 Jacobean Bldg, 49-53 Virginia Street, Glasgow G1 1TS
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 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 Outdoor Lads, everyone gets stuck in to have a great time.
Queer Lit Book Club @ The Cockatoo Club.
27 Great Ancoats St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ
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.
26-28 Hilton St, Manchester M1 2EH
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.
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.
