The Zone

Right in the middle of St james Street this small bar has a good atmosphere with friendly staff and welcoming regulars always willing to chat!
Theres always something going on, normally some kareoke or some cabaret.
The prices are reasonable and offers a slightly less crowded alternative to the Bulldog just down the road!

‘The Zone’, one of a number of gay bars located on St James Street. Beyond having a name that fails to achieve the mystique it seeks, The Zone is just a bit sleasy looking.
That is no reflection on the clientele, more on the faux leather sofas and chairs, red flowing curtains and gold features.
This bar sells everything you’d expect, specifically offering a good selection of cockatils. Price wise, you’ll have to pay slightly more per drink for the joy of sleasy décor.

The Zone staff are superbly lovely and the décor has a nice boudoir feel. I am more of an alternative drag loving guy but if Brighton regulars are what you are after then this place has em all. Karaōke is always judge free and everyone hits the notes everytime (ha!). The place has an everyday drinking feel and what i’d really like to see here is a loungy diva of any sort on the piano as a regular, and maybe some lounge-​esque open mic antics, or even something a bit more pretentious! Early evening before the fun starts, its relaxed, hosted by regulars and slowly gearing up for the sing song ahead.

I haven’t been into The Zone yet, but seeing as I walk past it every day (and there are wall to ceiling windows looking onto the high street), I figured I have something to say! Several evenings a week they run cabaret nights, hosted by a drag queen — as Samantha C. says, this often looks/​sounds a bit naff and low budget, but there must be something in it judging by the crowds every weekend! There seem to be a loyal, core local crowd in the week too, so imagine it’d be a great place to experience a taster of Brighton’s gay scene if you’re in Kemp Town for a visit. If you don’t expect too much I’m sure the place’d make a great rowdy, tacky night out at the weekend too — will try it out sometime.

I have to confess I wouldn’t have ventured in the Zone had I not been taken along by my camp cabaret loving pals, as its looks live a bit of a dive from the outside. However if your comfortable with bad karaōke and getting heckled by low budget drag queens then you should enjoy the Zone. Its quite a small venue so drag acts command the attention of the entire venue when performing but all insults are made in jest so take a sense of humour. Drinks are not so good, I would not advise a cocktail as my mojito came out of a sachet.

Friendly bar which has just had a makeover.
Good entertainment and the piano is back!
Good prices and right in the heart of the village.