17/04/2022
The Stokes Croft area of Bristol has been a creative and countercultural centre of the city for some decades, boasting over the years all manner of radical co-operative businesses such as Full Marks Bookshop, Black River Books, the Smiling Chair squat and café, Café Kino and many others. Today, despite some gentrification, the district is full of independent businesses and community projects. Several that deserve an especial LGBTQIA mention are Take Five Café and the Vintage Market. Take Five, which has been trading for over twenty five years, has always been fiercely gay friendly. Now a rainbow display on its main windows proclaim it to be an inclusive and LGBT+ friendly zone. Meanwhile, the Vintage Market flies the peace variation of the rainbow flag above its entrance. This initiative is full of small stalls selling records, books, décor and clothing. If you’re in the district any time, check out these venues and the others that are queer run or have statements of LGBTQIA friendliness such as the vegan café, Kino, and art shop Things from Here.
