Pride Month: Where to celebrate around the UK

Dalston Superstore is East London’s premiere queer pleasure palace. Functioning in equal parts as a thriving queer club, cabaret spot, cafe, gallery and community space, the venue proudly caters to London’s diverse LGBTQ+ community. The venue first slid open its rainbow shutters in 2009 and continues to grow and morph into a more complex and exciting beast with every year. Supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ charities and organisations is also central to who Dalston Superstore is, proudly supporting Positive East, The Outside Project, Albert Kennedy Trust and more.

The Fleece at Ruleholme offers not only a modern, elegant take on the traditional Lakeland Inn, but it’s also a totally welcoming and inclusive space. Balancing modern luxury with rustic charm and incomparable hospitality, discover the acclaimed Fleece Burger, a plate of delicious Scottish Mussels or the finest Sunday roast the area has to offer. Book yourself in to celebrate in the stunning Oak Room, the awe-inspiring, sky-lit Atrium, or the fine dining restaurant, Bridge.

The Coachman is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink, intimate meal or catch-up with friends and family. The restaurant is famed for its simple, down-to-earth and delicious food at modest prices, while the buzzing bars are the perfect place to be entertained or celebrate a special occasion, such as Pride. There’s live music every weekend too and rooms available if you want to stay over and make a real night of it.

The Mistley Thorn is a friendly and open space, located in the centre of the historic coastal village of Mistley, just two minutes walk from Mistley station which has direct services to Colchester, Harwich and London Liverpool Street. Originally built as a coaching inn in 1723, The Mistley Thorn nowadays offers award-winning dining and accommodation in tastefully designed surroundings opposite the River Stour. American born executive chef Sherri Singleton has developed a menu using the best of the area’s seasonal produce, specialising in both seafood especially (try the oysters, they’re fantastic).

If you’re joining the celebrations in Manchester Pride, then you’ll want to line your stomach and give yourself plenty of fuel for the dancing and marching. We can’t think of a better place than Store Street Exchange Restaurant and Store Street Craft Bar. Offering a friendly and unique dining experience, where simple dishes are served with an exciting twist, these guys specialise in their signature Goosnargh rotisserie chicken and tender steaks. The craft bar, meanwhile, serves Manchester’s finest ales as well as a selection of mouthwatering cocktails, which are perfect to wash down that delicious food. You’ll find them located on the Ground floor of the Doubletree Hotel, Piccadilly.

The Aldwark Arms in North Yorkshire is under new ownership – the very lovely Sue and Warren who have immigrated from South Africa. Since May 2021, locals have fallen in love with the couple’s excellent food and kindly hospitality. Welcoming everyone and anyone, the pub and restaurant is a cosy and inviting setup for friends, families and kids. Here you’ll find a great range of real ales, a very tempting menu created by Jim Wilkinson that includes high quality lunch and dinner dishes prepared from locally sourced meat, fish and fresh produce on a daily basis, and a wide selection of excellent wines and soft drinks. If you’re escaping to the countryside during Pride month, make sure you swing by here for a hearty bar meal and a good old country ramble.

Serving up traditional Irish cuisine, light bites and a fine array of contemporary fare, Laverys & The Woodworkers is a perfect destination for foodies in Belfast that want to celebrate Pride month with great food and good craic. The dishes here are all made using fresh ingredients sourced in Northern Ireland. Group bookings are always welcome too, so round up all your pals for some traditional Irish and contemporary food and drink.

Billycan is a boutique bar and restaurant set in the heart of Tenby, Wales. Here you’ll find an extensive wine list to suit all tastes, along with a wide range of craft ales and beers to choose from. Expect a relaxed, casual atmosphere and a great variety of dishes from the barbecue and grill. We’d suggest a sharing platter. You’ll have a choice of seafood, vegetarian or the Billycan, which comes with two mini burgers, two mini steak pies and two cod goujons with mushy peas, chips and tartare sauce.

Chance & Counters have locations across the UK, each of which is a dedicated board gaming café. We love Birmingham’s location. Nestled in the vibrant Digbeth community, it’s a fun, welcoming environment. It’s a purpose-built space that board gamers of all ages and abilities can enjoy, from casual players to seasoned strategists.

The LGBTQ+ community of Brighton and Hove is one of the largest in the UK. Brighton, a seaside resort on the south coast of England, is generally agreed to be the unofficial “gay capital” of the UK. MEATliquor opened in Brighton in September 2013 and was the first MEAT site outside of London. Located on York Place, opposite St Peter’s Church, this must-try burger joint is a short walk from Brighton station and on the outskirts of the famous North Lanes. If you’re celebrating Pride Month in Brighton, then make sure you get your burger fix in this super friendly, welcoming diner pre- or post-celebrations.