Visit Gay Torbay
If you are planning on visiting the English Riviera, either for Pride Torbay or at any other time of the year, then we have plenty to tempt the palate of the discerning homo holidaymaker. Aptly known as the “Queen of the Riviera” Torquay has been one of the UK’s favourite spots for a few coastal capers since Victorian times, when the gentry promenaded, bathing huts were wheeled down to the beaches and anyone who was anyone had a stunning villa overlooking the sea. Heck, they even had “gentlemen only” and “women only” bathing beaches…
Torquay’s waterfront remains the focus of life in the town and you can’t help but be charmed by the palm-lined promenade, seafront gardens, the lively harbour and international marina. Within minutes of the town centre, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, but only if you can drag yourself away from the pavement cafes, pubs and restaurant and nightlife, as well as attractions to suit every hue of the pink palate.
See our links page for plenty attactions and distractions to keep you entertained while down on the English Riviera, as well as a suggestions for where to stayand play.
VENUES
CANDYFLOSS
Candyfloss (formally Rockys) is Torquay’s gay club, remixed and refurbished for 2009. The building has been run as a gay venue for more than 36 years, making it one of the oldest gay clubs in the UK. Today you’ll find three floors of boozing, cruising and schmoozing pleasures, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting making it particularly hard to drag yourself off the dancefloor. Enjoy 2-4-1 drinks before midnight on Thursdays, two dancefloors open till 2am on Fridays and all three floors open on Saturdays, when the party continues to a highly disrespectable 3am. Visit www.candyfloss-club-torquay.co.ukMEADFOOT INN
A warm welcome always awaits from Richard, Robin and Tex at Torquay’s longest running gay bar. Sure to be one of the most popular venues over Pride Torbay weekend, the pub is now bigger and brighter than ever before, mixing up good old fashioned comfort and service (and a liberal dose of camp) with cosmopolitan 21st century features. With almost nightly entertainment including quiz nights, bingo, karaoke, game shows and regular charity nights, this is a true community boozer and a great place to sup a drink or three. www.meadfoot-inn.co.ukSTEAMER QUAY
Steamer Quay makes the perfect stop for some pre-club lubrication before heading over to Candyfloss, conveniently located just next door. The nautical-themed bar opens every Saturday, playing great tunes in a seriously stunning setting. With Steam ers Spa open six days a week on the lower floors, and luxurious holiday apartments available to rent upstairs, this is the ultimate gay getaway all under the one roof. www.steamerquay.comKEY WEST BAR
With the UK’s first and only gay resort opening in April of this year, Torquay has also gained the stunning new Key West Bar. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a tipple in modern contemporary surroundings perfectly complimenting the Victorian splendour of the building. Enjoy affordable lunchtime bar snacks and sandwiches either inside or out on one of the two sun terraces overlooking the 42 foot pool. Both terraces lead onto extensive gardens where you can lay back and enjoy a nap in the shade of a banana tree or read a book on a lounger by the pool. Plans for the summer include pool parties, Sunday tea dances, BBQ’s and Sunday roasts. Visit www.keywesttorquay.co.ukENVY
A hot new 'gay-friendly' bar in the centre of town, in the old town hall no less – although the only even vaguely political decision you’ll have to make here is which of the pre-club drink promotions you are going to take advantage of between 7pm and 11pm. The funky bar has more of a nightclub feel, with DJ’s spinning the hottest tracks on Friday and Saturday nights, making it particularly popular with the younger metrosexual crowd.
NIGHTS
Pride Not Prejudice
Regular gay parties held at Play Nightclub usually on a Thursday night. Expect great tunes, guest DJ's, top PA's, drag artists and a whole host of other cheeky fun. The team will also be running two fundraising parties in the lead up to Pride Torbay - a "P" Party on Thursday 30th April and a Big Gay Barn Dance on Saturday 16th May (see What's On page for more details). The team will also be hosting the opening party for Pride Torbay on Thursday 16th July with some fantastic special guests. Watch this space!
Join the Facebook page for more info.
REMIX @ Bohemia
A new monthly clubnight at Torquay's lavish Bohemia venue. Currently running mid-month on a Thursday and moving to Friday's from July.
Stunning venue with awesome sound and lighting, complete with GoGos, Live PAs and nights with top DJs.
The ultimate dance music in a relaxed and stylish environment.
DJs for the summer include Gaydar Radio's GARY H (Club Nation, Trade, Federation, Recreation, Heaven), the legendary MAX SANNA (Prototype Brighton, Recreation, Soulcast), LEE YEOMANS (Trade, Matinee, Organic) and Top International DJ/Producer WAYNE G (Sydney Mardi Gras, San Francisco & LA Pride, China Pride (HK), Atlantis Cruises)!
Visit www.club-remix.co.uk
