3 November 2026
A Day Out in Kemptown: Brighton’s LGBTQ+ Village
Brighton is often called the UK's queer capital, and Kemptown is its heart. It's a small, colourful corner of the city between the Palace Pier and the Marina, packed with bars, cafes, independent shops and some of the best people-watching in the country.
Our drag brunch lives here, at Legends on Marine Parade, so we're a bit in love with it. Here's how to spend a day in Kemptown.
Where is Kemptown?
Kemptown runs east from Brighton Palace Pier and the Old Steine, along the seafront and up the hill. The main streets to know:
- St James's Street, the busy main strip, with LGBTQ+ bars, cafes, takeaways and shops
- Marine Parade, the seafront road, with its tall white Regency terraces looking out to sea
- Kemp Town village, around St George's Road further east, which is quieter, with cafes and independent shops
From Brighton station it's about 25 minutes' walk, downhill all the way to the sea. The 12, 14 and 27 buses run along Marine Parade.
Morning: the seafront
Start with a walk along the seafront from the Palace Pier towards the Marina. Down on Madeira Drive you'll find Volk's Electric Railway, a little seafront train that first ran in 1883. It's one of the oldest electric railways in the world and runs in the warmer months, so check before you go.
Grab a coffee on St James's Street on your way back.
Afternoon: drag brunch at Legends
Every Saturday at 2pm and 5pm, Legends on Marine Parade hosts the Qwerky drag brunch: 2.5 hours of live drag, food at your table and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks. It's from £42.50 per person, plus a 4% booking fee, and it's 18+.
Our brunches are queer-led and LGBTQ+ inclusive, and everyone's welcome, from hen parties and birthday groups to work dos and friends on a day out. We've hosted more than 900 of them.
Evening: bars, cabaret and drag
When the brunch finishes, you're already in the right place. St James's Street and the streets around it have plenty of LGBTQ+ bars, and many put on drag hosts, cabaret and karaoke. The Queens Arms on George Street is one of Brighton's best-known cabaret pubs.
Want more ideas? Our guide to drag shows in Brighton covers where to see drag, day and night.
Pride in Kemptown
Brighton & Hove Pride usually takes place on the first weekend of August. Kemptown is at the centre of the celebrations, with street parties and cabaret stages, and the whole area turns into one big party. If you're planning to visit for Pride, book accommodation early.
A bit of history
Brighton has been a haven for LGBTQ+ people for a very long time, and Kemptown has been at the heart of it for decades. If you want to know more, look out for the LGBTQ+ history walking tours that run in the city. They're a great way to see the streets with fresh eyes.
Tips for your Kemptown day out
- Wear comfy shoes. It's a hilly walk up from the seafront.
- Book ahead on Saturdays, especially for big groups. The brunch, bars and restaurants all get busy.
- Stay nearby if you can. There are plenty of hotels and apartments along the seafront and in Kemptown, and you can walk home.
- Bring photo ID. Most bars and our brunch are 18+.
- Be kind. Kemptown is a community as well as a night out. Respect the locals, the venues and the performers.
Make a day of it
Our Brighton day out page has a ready-made plan built around the brunch, from getting ready to the morning after.
