Gay Bars Wales: Must-Know LGBT+ Venues in South Wales

South Wales has long played a key role in the cultural and social life of the LGBT+ community in Wales. From vibrant city bars to grassroots pop-up events, queer venues in the region have provided safe, affirming spaces for people to connect, celebrate, and organise. But in a time of rising costs and social shifts, these spaces are increasingly under threat.

Whether you’re after a bustling night out, a quiet drink with chosen family, or an affirming space for self-expression, this guide to LGBT+ venues in South Wales spotlights the importance of queer spaces — and the people who keep them going.

Why LGBT+ Spaces Still Matter

LGBT+ venues are more than entertainment spaces. They’re safe havens for those coming out, gathering spots for community building, and launching points for activism. In rural and semi-urban areas, the importance of physical, in-person queer spaces is often even more pronounced.

At the heart of this ethos is Club F.O.D Cymru, the charity behind Torfaen Pride, which was set up to reduce loneliness and isolation within the LGBT+ community. From its unique LGBT+ Talking Circles to pop-up discos and online support networks, the charity is committed to ensuring community spaces — physical and emotional — remain open to all.

This mission mirrors the energy seen in venues across South Wales that continue to fight for visibility and survival.

Must-Know Gay Bars and LGBT+ Venues in South Wales

The Golden Cross – Cardiff

Arguably Wales’ most iconic gay pub, The Golden Cross boasts Victorian decor, regular drag nights, and a strong community vibe. It’s been a beacon for LGBT+ folks for decades, welcoming everyone from queer students to older community members. If you're new to Cardiff, this is the place to start.

Mary’s – Cardiff

A piano bar with a drag cabaret twist, Mary’s is fun, camp, and glamorous. Known for its themed cocktails, packed entertainment schedule, and open-door welcome, it’s a central fixture in Cardiff’s LGBT+ nightlife.

The Queer Emporium – Cardiff

A newer, daytime-focused venue with a different take on queer space. The Queer Emporium brings together LGBT+ businesses, creatives, and community organisers. It's more zine fair than nightclub, but that’s what makes it special — and a much-needed alternative to nightlife-dominated culture.

Eclipse Bar (formerly The Eagle) – Cardiff

Eclipse has revitalised the queer nightlife scene in Cardiff. Formerly known as The Eagle, this bar remains a focal point for the local LGBT+ community, hosting cabaret, karaoke, and special themed nights that draw people from across the Valleys and beyond.

The Lotus Lounge at Madam JoJo’s – Newport

While not exclusively an LGBT+ venue, The Lotus Lounge is a key space for parts of the community, especially those involved in fetish or alternative queer culture. It’s home to Leathermen Cymru events and provides an affirming, respectful space for those often marginalised even within mainstream queer nightlife.

Eagles – Swansea

Eagles is currently the only dedicated gay bar in Swansea, and a vital part of the city’s nightlife. With DJs, drag acts, and a fiercely loyal crowd, it offers a welcoming, all-inclusive space for both locals and visitors. It’s not just a venue — it’s a cornerstone of the Swansea LGBT+ scene.

Pop-Up Events in Torfaen – Pontypool & Beyond

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Club F.O.D Cymru, Torfaen has seen a wave of community-driven LGBT+ events, from Torfaen Pride itself to seasonal Drag Bingo, Talking Circles, trans-inclusive meetups, and community picnics. These events create space in areas where commercial LGBT+ venues simply don’t exist — and demonstrate what grassroots pride really means.

The Importance of Supporting Queer Spaces

Many people associate Pride with big parades, glitter, and crowds — but the real work often happens quietly, year-round, in our pubs, pop-ups, and community halls.

Spaces like Eagles and Eclipse, and events like those led by Torfaen Pride, provide lifelines for people who might otherwise feel invisible. Especially in a post-pandemic world where loneliness is surging and safe venues are closing, keeping queer spaces alive has become a matter of wellbeing, not just entertainment.

Club F.O.D Cymru is a leading example of how to tackle these issues with heart. Their community-led model supports not just LGBT+ people broadly, but those who are isolated, vulnerable, or living in areas without obvious queer infrastructure.

Jamie Says:

"There’s no one way to build a queer space — whether it’s a Cardiff nightclub or a picnic in Pontypool Park. What matters is visibility, safety, and joy. That’s what we stand for at Torfaen Pride, and that’s what we’ll keep showing up for, all year round."