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Bristol has
been compared to San Francisco. Admittedly, both cities are hilly and have a suspension
bridge, but unless you’re tripping away with the fairies the somewhat tenuous
similarities end there. While San Francisco is home to arguably the most famous, vibrant,
politically charged gay scene in the world … Bristol isn’t. However, the city
has come on some in recent years.
There was a time when musically all Bristol spawned were the Wurzels and one of the blokes from Brotherhood of Man. Today, Bristol can boast Massive Attack, Roni Size and Tricky. The city even has its own sound, trip-hop, and there exists a club scene to rival Leeds. But despite the fact that Bristol has shown itself to be banging, the gay scene still has a parochial vibe about it. SMALLTOWN BOYSThis small town attitude is most evident in Bristol’s more established gay venues, such as The Elephant in St Nicholas Street. The Elephant is Bristol’s oldest gay pub, which at one time use to be frequented by Bristol’s oldest gays. Once dark and dingy, the space has since been spruced up and given a lick of paint. (It drying would’ve been the most thrilling thing to have happen in there for years). While less seedy than it once was, the Elephant is sadly no more exciting. Expect a mixed, close-knit crowd.Housed next door to the Colston Hall, The Griffin in Colston Street use to attract thirsty theatrical types such as the young Daniel Day Lewis. Today, the nearest you’ll find to a thespian is a drama queen. Split over three levels, The Griffin is a tightly packed, traditional gay hangout that pumps out predictable disco dirge. Around the back in nearby Frogmore Street you’ll find The Queen Shilling. The Queen Shilling is a smart looking bar that attracts a young up for it crowd out for a good time. Should you feel inclined to bounce your bod about to the usual commercial crud, there’s a raised dance space at the back. Expect to pay a small admission charge after hours. Open until 2am at weekends. The Pineapple in St Georges Rd attracts a mixed age group of men. With a pool table and a karaoke machine the fun never ends. Unfortunately, neither does the hi-energy music. Open seven days a week from 1pm. | |
CLUBBING ITBetween The Pineapple and The Queen Shilling you'll find Vibes. Formerly Vaultz it's now the city's largest gay venue and it's made a big difference to this part of town. The venue's manager is Andrew who moved to Bristol from Bournemouth where he ran a very successful gay pub for the same brewery.One of Bristol’s oldest modern day dance clubs is Lakota in Upper York Street, St. Paul’s. With a capacity of around 1,000, this converted warehouse was one of the first venues in Bristol to hold raves. After closing for a year the club reopened with a more mainstream music policy. | 
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Castro’s,
on the other hand (waving in the air), is one of Bristol’s newer generation of clubs.
Hidden down an alley in Old Market, it’s where you’ll encounter the city’s
serious gay clubbers. Consisting of three levels, including the main floor and a chill-out
café, the music is hard and housey. Although open till late, the bar closes at 2am. The
five-pound admission charge includes a thorough body search.
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