Leicester Gay Scene Guide

I've finished my first term in Leicester, so it seems fitting that having already provided a guide to the gay scene in Belfast here, I figured that I would provide a guide to the gay scene in Leicester, where I now am for University. I must admit that as someone coming from backward Northern Ireland, I was expecting a much larger gay scene in Leicester, and was initially disappointed. However it’s my own fault for not going to a bigger city, and overall I am happy with bustling gay scene. The freedom afforded by my parents not breathing over my shoulder has allowed me to fully appreciate the bars, more so perhaps then I have ever done in Belfast.

Rainbow and Dove:
Have to say, I do rather like this place. Drinkies can be a tad on the expensive side, but Monday is ‘Pink Pound’ night, and that usually makes me wobble in a merry way. Recently refurbished (again), it’s quite classy. Voted one of the best pubs in the midlands, the bar staff are friendly to boot. Lots of camp classics to tap your toes too, and even the odd disco light. One of my fave bars in the city.

The Dover Castle:
Apparently the Uks oldest gay bar, and if too many lights are on, it looks it. Still, not half bad for a night out. Seems to have lots of resident drag queens who’ve gone OTT with the sequins. Has a reasonably sized dance floor, pool tables and drinks aren’t too very expensive.

Bossa:
Technically a cocktail bar. Very small, but on one of the main streets. Wednesday is half price cocktail night, so you can get a good deal. Yummy cocktails from a reasonably extensive menu. Bar staff have only been rude to me once (on my first night, the scum bag). Lots of little tables a la France. The Bloody Mary made my nose run.

Amber:
Rather classy little place, which hasn’t been open long. It can be expensive, but they often have offers, which aren’t bad. The toilet is a bit weird (in that you walk down a never-ending corridor to get there). Lots of comfy leather sofas and stainless steel, you know the type.. Us students tend to be slightly intimidated by the slightly older crowd. It seems to be a sip quietly place.

Streetlife:
Gay club – not bad if you’re sober, but maybe better if you’ve had a few. Big dancing area, but most people tend to just dance in the downstairs bar area. Drinks aren’t cheap, but then it is a club. Still amazed by the carpet in the dancing area, and the glitter on the walls, but overall not a bad place.

Anyone from Leicester may condemn me for not mentioning Quebec, Leicester’s other (smaller club), but I have to say thus far I haven’t been. When I have I’ll update this.