Our Guide to Pride 2025
Heading out to a local Pride event? If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ inclusive pubs or gay pubs near you, here’s a guide to how you can make the most of Pride Month with good food, great drinks and even better company.
A brief history of Pride
Pride Month is celebrated in June every year to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a series of protests and confrontations that marked a significant turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The very first Pride parades took place in New York and other major US cities shortly after the Stonewall events; however, it is now recognised and celebrated all over the world.
From vibrant parades and festivals to intimate educational talks and fundraising events, Pride is a celebration of love in all its forms as we embrace our differences and stand together in solidarity.
Pride events for 2025
These days, you’re likely to find a Pride event in almost every town and city in the UK, but here are some you won’t want to miss!Pride in London, Saturday 5th July
As you can probably imagine, London takes Pride seriously – after all, there are no half measures in the capital! Pride in London is free to attend and comprises numerous events and activities across the city. For instance, you’ll be entertained by a sensational lineup of headliners, and the Pride in London official After Party is set to make waves! Plus, you'll find plenty of lively LGBTQ+ friendly pubs and gay pubs near you and along the parade route.Bristol Pride, Saturday 28th June – Sunday 13th July
Bristol Pride is another notable, multi-award-winning festival to add to your Pride calendar this year, having won the Best Event Award in 2020, 2022, and 2023 at the Bristol Life Awards. This immense, two-week-long event involves everything from live music to roller derby, so get involved!Leeds Pride, Sunday 20th July
Claiming to be the biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ life in Yorkshire, Leeds Pride is a big event with a lot to offer. With a jam-packed lineup of diverse performances, including music, dance, drag and spoken word, you can get your fill of the action before heading to an LGBTQ+ inclusive pub to let your hair down.
Brighton & Hove Pride, Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd August
Brighton & Hove Pride is widely renowned as the UK’s largest and most prominent Pride event. Held during the first weekend of August, this event celebrates Brighton’s long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights activism with a cavalcade of colour, entertainment and fundraising activities.Pubs Near Pride Parade Routes
If you fancy heading to any of the events we’ve mentioned so far, we’ve picked out our favourite warm and welcoming pubs near Pride, where you can fuel up with something tasty, grab a refreshing round after the festivities or rest your feet en route.London: The Coach & Horses, Soho
The Pride in London parade begins at Hyde Park Corner, eventually culminating at Whitehall Place. However, if you want to stop for a quick pint along the way, make your way up to the Coach & Horses in Soho, where you can re-fuel with a delicious bite to eat or a round of refreshing tipples. Plus, Soho Square is where you’ll find the Pride in London’s Trans and Nonbinary Community Stage!
Bristol: The Bay Horse
Bristol Pride is a two-week-long event, so you won’t find yourself short of things to do! That said, once the festivities are underway, a welcome break at the Bay Horse may be just the ticket. With its convenient, central location and welcoming atmosphere, this lively pub is the perfect spot for a round of post-Pride parade pints or even a cheeky cocktail or two.
Brighton: The Sussex
Brighton Pride parade starts at Hove Lawns before proceeding along the seafront towards Brighton Beach. However, if you want a delicious meal to fuel up for all that walking, a trip to the Sussex is a good call. Plus, with a lively lineup of events from karaoke to quiz nights, you can keep the celebrations going for as long as you like!
A welcoming atmosphere
We strive to maintain an inclusive atmosphere in all of our pubs, where everybody feels welcome and accepted. If you’ve been looking for LGBTQ+ inclusive pubs, you can always guarantee a warm welcome with Greene King. Along with our ongoing dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ rights, we’re passionate about creating inclusive spaces built on safety, respect and equality.How to plan for Pride
If you’re heading to a scheduled Pride event, be it in an extravagant shindig in the city centre or a small-scale, local event, preparation is key. While most events are free to enter, some are ticketed affairs, so check beforehand to avoid disappointment! It’s also worth checking maps, schedules and accessibility information.Keep in mind, Pride events can be crowded and overwhelming, so take plenty of breaks in quieter areas if you need to. Our venues are safe spaces for everyone, so find a LGBTQ+ inclusive pub if you want to make the most of your chosen Pride event and continue the festivities with an after-party. And above all, remember to have fun!