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The Swallow

Plymouth’s long-running LGBTQ+ pub, freshly refurbished for drinks, karaoke and shows

Plymouth, UK

Neighbourhood

Plymouth

About The Swallow

The Swallow has been part of LGBTQ+ Plymouth for more than two decades and remains one of the city’s essential queer venues. After changing hands, it reopened in March 2026 with a refurbishment, a new team and a renewed focus on making both locals and visitors feel at home. Come early for a relaxed pub atmosphere or later for karaoke, drag and live entertainment. It is friendly, unpretentious and central enough to combine with Plymouth’s other LGBTQ+ nightlife around Bretonside and the Barbican.

What to expect

A proper community pub with a queer crowd, friendly regulars and entertainment that becomes livelier towards the weekend.

Vibes

LGBTQ+ Bar Karaoke Drag Live Entertainment Community Pub

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

The venue reopened after a refurbishment and change of ownership in March 2026.

It is close to the Barbican and the rest of Plymouth’s compact LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Gallery

Photos coming soon

Location

The Swallow

59–61 Bretonside, Plymouth PL4 0BD, United Kingdom

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Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.1

188 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

Google Maps
4.1

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Matt Hodges

2 months ago

Newly renovated, nicely presented pub, with friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. 👌

Review from Google Maps

Terrence Manning

a year ago

First time at this venue and honestly had a great time. Max was absolutely lovely and entertaining, the drag queens were funny and a joy to watch and even though wasn't many people for a Thursday night, had such a great time. Would definitely recommend and return!

Review from Google Maps

stefan selenius

a year ago

Nice staff and great beer, people seems to come in groups so if you are there visiting it can feel lonely, but had a few beers there and it was nice with performance on stage

Review from Google Maps

James Easton

a year ago

Been here for years and don't trust myself to walk in here alone, as long as I'm with someone I can walk in safely, I won't sey why I don't trust myself as that's personal. Other then that they do good live performance and drinks ain't expensive

Review from Google Maps

Nick Jepson

3 years ago

Went in for a drink, stood at the bar for 5/6 minutes, no one serving, not a single person acknowledged us so we gave up and left. Felt pretty unfriendly to be honest. Won't be bothering again!

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Listed in: Plymouth › United Kingdom
Data from: WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google

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