10 of the Best LGBTQ+ Bars in NE1
Here's a round-up of ten of our favourite LGBTQ+ bars in NE1
The Newcastle LGBTQ+ scene is thriving at the moment and these days is spreading beyond the traditional Pink Triangle that has long provided its focus.
But the area between Central Station and the arena is still the heart of it all, having numerous LGBTQ+ spaces of various kinds from bars to clubs. We’ve gathered up some of the best bars in NE1 that provide a community, a network and a focus for fun for the LGBTQ+ scene in the city.
The Yard, Scotswood Road
Let's start at the oldest gay bar in Newcastle! One of the most iconic gay venues in the Toon, The Yard is situated on Scotswood Road and with regular drag acts and shows, you can expect great entertainment from the outset. Upstairs is Oscars, a more recent addition serving up your favourite cocktails in sophisticated surroundings. They’re both open till 2am every day of the week.
Scotswood Showbar, Scotswood Road
Formerly home to Bobby’s, Scotswood Showbar keeps the high-energy vibes going ‘til late with musical theatre, cabaret, comedy, drag, DJs, karaoke from Thursday to Sunday. And of course, the Scotswood Showgirls – including local legends Ophelia B and Miss Lucy – are on-hand to guarantee an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Rusty’s, Times Square
Rusty’s has built a reputation as one of the biggest and best LGBTQ+ bars in the city. Open every night 'til 3am, it boasts an inclusive, buzzing atmosphere and the most fabulous drag queens playing your favourite songs all night long so it’s the ideal spot to get in the party mood, and maybe even meet Rusty herself. Chill in a booth with pals and see who’s who, or hit the dancefloor and show off your best moves to a range of camp, cheese and chart tunes.
Rusty’s Showbar, Times Square
Before you head through to Rusty’s though, why not pay a visit to their Showbar? Based on the site of the much-loved Blonde Barrel, party-goers can expect fabulous entertainment from a whole host of drag performers – alongside everything else that you already know and love from the Rusty’s team!
Boulevard, Churchill Street
Another long-standing and always eventful venue is Boulevard, a fabulous cabaret bar that always promises something lavish. Compered by scene veterans Miss Rory and hosted by Miss Danni Dee, a night at Boulevard always revels in being extra fabulous, with amazing choreography and hilarious comedy acts every night. With the shows changing with the seasons – but never the same from one night to the next - there’s always something going on at Boulevard. So dress to impress and get the drinks flowing!
The Bank Bar, Westmorland Road
Inclusive and a whole lotta fun, with karaoke, cabaret and cheesy tunes by the dozen, The Bank Bar is all about good times. Right in the heart of the Pink Triangle and a brilliant place to get in the mood for a big night out, it’s a drag-queen-driven institution with regular appearances from local drag legends.
Powerhouse, Westmorland Road
No article about the LGBT+ nights out in Newcastle would be complete without featuring Powerhouse, a giant of the Geordie gay scene that started life in the ‘80s and is still going strong to this day. With regular club nights, and a bar that’s open till 4am on Friday night (5am on Saturday for the true all-nighters) - it is quite simply the place to be for an unforgettable night on the toon. With four floors and a full-on party crowd, Powerhouse is a blast.
The Eagle, Scotswood Road
Styled like many other ‘Eagles’ worldwide, the Scotswood Road incarnation sets out its stall as ‘the only Amsterdam style leather, denim and uniform bar in the North East’. Open till 1:30am every night (later on Fridays and Saturdays), this predominantly male gay bar has a sociable upstairs bar and a more specialist basement bar, with something for everyone.
The Tipsy Cow, Blandford Street
Specialising in a sports-meets-drag kind of vibe is The Tipsy Cow, on the edge of the city in Blandford Street. There’s plenty of live acts, the aforementioned televised sport and a fine selection of pub grub with a lovely al fresco dining area where you can soak up some rays. Look out for their bottomless brunch deal too.
The Singing Canary, Times Square
At the top end of Times Square, The Singing Canary packs a lot into the week, with cocktails, self-service karaoke and general good-times vibe. Spread across several floors and on the site of the old Central, the bar may only have been open a little while but it’s already a Pink Triangle institution.
Whether you’re looking for a wild cabaret night, a chance to shake it off to some cheesy classics, a welcoming leather bar or just an opportunity to meet up with friends, queer or not, the Newcastle gay scene has something for everyone!
Main image: Boulevard
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