Sexy Leeds – tips on meeting up in this gay-friendly city

Leeds has a reputation in the North of England for being one of the best gay-friendly cities around – and quite deservedly so. Leeds prides itself on having a plethora of LGBT-orientated events, bars, pubs and clubs, just to name a few options. So if you’re looking for somewhere to meet-up and hang out with a cool, chilled LGBT vibe, then this should definitely be at the top of your list. The city has easy links for travelling in from the surrounding areas via bus, train and car on the M1 and M62.

Sexy Leeds info

Even before you head there for your meet-up, you can go online and visit the Freedom Quarter which replaces the old Gay Leeds platform. The Freedom Quarter has a wealth of information about the best gay pubs, restaurants, hotels, saunas and meet-up points. You can explore the history of gay Leeds here and browse through the photo galleries of events, like Leeds’ Pride. It’s not essential, but it might help to give you a bit of a flavour of the city before you get there so you and your date can more easily plan.

What can I do?

Lots of things! Lower Briggate is well-known as the gay village centre, and lots of the best venues are just a stone’s throw from here. There are many different things on offer in different places, from buzzing, vampy glamour bars to quiet vegan cafes that you can retreat to for some downtime.

If it’s high-octane entertainment that you’re both after, then the Viaduct Showbar is the place to go. Glam, gorgeous, feisty performers are there every night providing all the fun of the fair (with a bit of frolicking thrown in for good measure). For a more down to earth, chilled out vibe then you should visit Blayds bar. With a mainly gay crowd both during the week and at weekends, this bar is the hub of the LGBT local community so for a regular visitor you should see some familiar, friendly faces. If it’s your first time, kick back, relax and you’ll be chatting and making friends in no time at all.

Different Fun

If pubs, clubs and gay nightlife aren’t really your thing, then Leeds has other gay friendly places to go. The Plastic Ivy Sauna is just one example of what gay Leeds can offer. This gay-run sauna is based in Dewsbury and it’s the most established and busiest sauna for bisexual and gay men in the whole of Yorkshire. It’s easy to get to via public transport and by car, and there’s no need to take anything with you or book. Simply turn up, you’ll be given a towel and a locker and then left to your own devices to relax in the sauna and meet like-minded individuals.

So there you have it! The city of Leeds is laid out in all it’s glory and just waiting for you to pop along and spend a day or two enjoying the gay-friendly atmosphere that Leeds is proud to boast.