This week we’re venturing out of London with a roundup of our favourite queer watering holes around the world!
The way we go on about them, you’d think that gay bars only exist in London, but far from it! Whatever corner of the world you find yourself in, you’re bound to find a small corner blasting out pop gems and sticky cocktails. Even the places that vehemently claim that sort of thing doesn’t happen there will have a hidden recluse for gayers to lose a few hours in. Such is the irrepressible power of the gay bar!
Here are some of QX’s favourite international fag pubs! Yeah, they’re a little Euro-centric, but you try getting to Chile on a Megabus.
Raidd Bar, Paris
The French language doesn’t have a word for ‘naff’; the closest it’s got is Raidd. Raidd Bar is a trashy bar in Paris where hot Gallic gogo boys sponge themselves down in showers built into the walls all night long. It’s inescapably voyeuristic and a little bit Blade Runner. It also makes you wonder if the gogos still jump in the shower after getting home from a long hard slog at work like everyone else, or if they just decide to give it a miss.
West 5, Ealing
Well worth a visit, don’t be put off by the arduous journey into the unfamiliar surroundings!
Redgold 1, Berlin
Knock on the door and the landlady might let you into this old-school and very German hole-in-the-wall. Drinks are practically free, the punters select all songs, as long as they’re schlager-related of course, and decor is very grandma. Perfect if you want a break from the dungeons down the road.
Roses Bar, Berlin
Fabulous small bar, cosy with kitsch decor, fluffy pink walls and disco balls. Have a great memory of the group of us off our tits singing ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ by Baccara. This was inbetween going to Berghain, Kit Kat Club, and some river bar I can’t remember the name of!
Cox, Paris
Cox is, put simply, a bit mad. Which of course is why I like it. Its frosted windows and clandestine vibe make it look a bit like a sex club, but it’s actually not. It is however, very VERY cruisey. You’ll feel eyes burning a hole in your back pocket. Inside, it’s designed like an American supermarket, complete with shelves full of cans of soup, red plastic shopping baskets and adverts for gravy. No-one knows why. Oh, and the crowd is mostly big hairy meditteranaen bears, and the music is mostly 90s europop hits, like Moi Lolita and Voyage Voyage. Seriously amazing.
The Lone Bar Saloon, San Francisco
Our kind of place! Everything about Lone Star Saloon is cool – from the laid back bartenders to the bartenders getting laid in the back – there’s so much fun to be had! The simple set up is welcoming and fun. The back patio has lots of space, privacy, and the drinks are strong, just like the big hot bears that go! It’s not trendy, and it shouldn’t be. If there’s fun to be had, I’m sure it can be found at Lone Star!
Pride Bar, Surat Thani
A great little gay hangout in the heart of Koh Samui, just 5 mins from the beach. It’s got giant Jenga, a great library, a pool table and gorgey drinks! You have to give it a go if you’re in that neck of the woods. The owners are two great guys from the UK too!
