Birmingham
Gay Bars
The complete guide to every LGBTQ+ bar in Birmingham's Gay Village.
Birmingham has around a dozen LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in its Gay Village, centred on Hurst Street in the Southside neighbourhood. The main venues are The Fox, Equator Bar, Missing Bar, Eden Bar, The Village Inn, The Fountain Inn, Glamorous and The Nightingale Club. The Village is a 10-15 minute walk from Birmingham New Street station and is busiest Thursday through Sunday, with Saturday being the biggest night.
At a Glance
| Venue | Vibe | Address | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fox | Cosy community pub | 17 Lower Essex St | Thu-Sun |
| Equator Bar | Relaxed cocktail bar | 133 Hurst St | Tue-Sun |
| Missing Bar | Party bar, late nights | 48 Bromsgrove St | Daily |
| Eden Bar | Cabaret & live shows | 138 Gooch St | Wed-Sun |
| The Village Inn | Cabaret & drag | 18 Kent St | Daily |
| The Fountain Inn | Traditional gay pub | 102 Wrentham St | Daily |
| Glamorous | Late-night club (till 6am) | 27-35 Hurst St | Nightly |
| The Nightingale Club | LGBTQ+ superclub | 18 Kent St | Thu-Sat |
What to Expect
Birmingham's Gay Village clusters around Hurst Street, Lower Essex Street, Kent Street and the surrounding roads in the Southside area of the city. It's anchored by the Nightingale Club — one of the UK's longest-running LGBTQ+ nightclubs — but the real character of the Village comes from the variety of venues around it. You'll find Victorian pubs that have been serving the LGBTQ+ community for thirty years sitting alongside newly-renovated cocktail bars, late-night clubs, and drag cabaret spaces.
The Village is busy from Thursday through to Sunday, with Saturday being the biggest night by far. The Gay Village is safe, well-policed and has a strong community feel — Visit Birmingham lists it as one of the city's key cultural areas. It's accessible by public transport — Birmingham New Street is a 10-15 minute walk — and there's taxi access on Hurst Street itself.
Every Gay Bar in Birmingham
The Fox
17 Lower Essex Street · Open Thu-Sun
The little gay bar with the big gay heart. One of Birmingham's oldest LGBTQ+ pubs, The Fox has been serving the community for nearly three decades. Set in a Victorian building with a cosy interior, a pool room, and a rear outdoor area, it's a particular favourite with the lesbian community — though genuinely welcoming to everyone. Regular nights include Foxeoke (karaoke) on Fridays, acoustic sessions on Saturdays, and drag on Sundays.
Equator Bar
133 Hurst Street · Open Tue-Sun
Hurst Street's little gem, quietly celebrating more than two decades in the Gay Village. Equator is the most relaxed bar on the strip — coffee by day, cocktails by night, and never trying to be anything other than what it is: a warm, community-minded LGBTQ+ bar with excellent staff and reasonable prices.
Missing Bar
48 Bromsgrove Street · Open daily, till 4am Fri-Sat
The first bar you'll hit walking down from the city centre, and for many people, the bar they never leave. Missing is Birmingham's party bar — loud, fun, and full of energy from the moment it opens. Studio 48 upstairs hosts karaoke and cabaret nights.
Eden Bar
138 Gooch Street · Open Wed-Sun
One of the newest and most-praised additions to the Gay Village, Eden has quickly become a favourite thanks to its live cabaret programme, two-floor layout, terrace, pool table and consistently high ratings. Slightly off the main Hurst Street strip on Gooch Street, but worth the short walk.
The Village Inn
18 Kent Street
The beating heart of the Gay Village. A cabaret bar with regular drag shows and a warm, always-buzzing atmosphere. Perfectly positioned next to the Nightingale Club, making it an ideal spot for pre-club drinks.
The Fountain Inn
102 Wrentham Street
A traditional gay pub sitting slightly off the main Village strip. Less flashy than its neighbours but beloved by locals for exactly that reason — a proper community pub where everyone is welcome.
Glamorous
27-35 Hurst Street · Open till 6am
Birmingham's late-night LGBTQ+ option, open until 6am. A nightclub rather than a bar, Glamorous suits post-club sessions and the genuinely committed. Renovated in late 2025 with improved management and quality DJs.
The Nightingale Club
The Gay Village is also home to The Nightingale Club — one of the UK's longest-running and most iconic LGBTQ+ nightclubs. Two floors, multiple bars and a huge capacity. If you're looking for a big club night rather than a bar, the Nightingale is the answer.
Regular nights: POUNDED (Thursdays) and Big Saturgay Night Out (Saturdays). See the full Nightingale Club page for more details.
How to Get to the Gay Village
- By train: Birmingham New Street station, then a 10-15 minute walk south.
- By car: Postcode B5 6SN (The Fox) or B5 4BD (Hurst Street). Very limited on-street parking — public transport recommended.
- By taxi: Ask for “Hurst Street, Southside”.