Gay life centres round the Broughton Street area and most places
around here, if not gay, are certainly gay friendly (see our
Edinburgh guide page!)
The following map shows our location in relation to the main
gay venues and the following information gives a brief idea
of what's on offer in the city!
The Blue Moon Café (1) (0131-557-0911)– half way down Broughton Street- the main entrance is round the side of the building on Barony Street. This is the oldest gay café in the city with a relaxed atmosphere, good range of wholesome food and a great shop next door (Q Store).
Sala (2) (0131-556-5758 www.salacafe.co.uk )- on Broughton Street, near the bottom on the left. Refurbished cafe/bar with a spanish flavour. Great varied menu of tapas to regular favourites and veggie options, Sala is light and airy.
Bars/Clubs...
The Street (5) - right at the top of Broughton Street on the corner. A stylish coffee/drinking hang out by day and a pre-club bar by night frequented by a young groovy mixed/gay crowd.
Planet Out (3) - Gay bar with a young clubby crowd. Very busy on the weekends. Situated a few doors down from the Playhouse Theatre at the top of Leith Walk.
CC Blooms (4) - Just up the hill from Planet Out this is the late night version! Beware the dance floor in the basement- you may never leave!!
Habana (4) - gay friendly bar/café situated right next to the Playhouse Theatre and the outdoor seating is perfect for an afternoon pit-stop when the weather’s good (yes it has been known to happen in Scotland!).
The Claremont (6) - only a short stagger from Ardmor House on East Claremont Street, this is a 'local' pub with a hint of Sci - fi ... due to the owners' taste!! That, in combination with the high camp music makes for a fun evening - if you're lucky you might get to meet the owners' doggies!! They also do food all day.
The Regent (7) - on Montrose Terrace- at the end of London Road- this is a relaxed and informal ‘chat with your pals’ kind of a place. I love it because they let me take my dog, Lola!
The New Town Bar (10) - on Dublin Street- newly refurbished - much more contemporary in ambience, although a similar crowd- relaxed, mainly guys (although some girls these days!) basement DJ on the weekends!
Victoria Bar (12) /Boda Bar (11) /Sofi’s Bar/ Joseph Pearce - these four lovely bars are such a huge hit with the funky mixed/gay local crowd that they deserve a mention in our bar listing and our gay listing! Swedish owned (the hint is in the décor with bar snack options to match!). The Victoria and Boda are located a little further down Leith Walk on the other side from Pilrig Street, Sofi’s is on Henderson Street just next to the shore in Leith, Joseph Pearce - the latest offering- on the corner of Elm Row at the top of Leith Walk. All are very gay friendly and have a lovely quirky ‘shabby-chic’ atmosphere.
Club nights - Edinburgh has several gay/queer/mixed club nights throughout the year, including Vibe at Ego (Tuesdays), Joy, Taste, Club Velvet (women with their male pals!), and Tackno. Not to mention the always sold-out Valentine and Hallowe'en balls at the Assembly Rooms organised by the Gay Switchboard. Check out the gay listing section of ‘The List’ Magazine for current events.
Saunas ...
Both of these cater for gay men.
Number 18 (8) - located on Leith Walk, this is a busy and long standing sauna. It's 100% gay, clean and has a sauna area, jacuzzi and rest rooms.
Steamworks (9) - the most recently opened and just along the road from the Blue Moon Café. At the end of Barony Street (just off Broughton Street) on the left hand side in Broughton Market.
