The Bulldog at number 31 is the first and longest running openly gay bar in St James Street, dating back to 1978. Although it had a fearsome reputation with its dark interior and brooding clientele, the landlord Sugar was an absolute sweetheart once you got talking to him. 

I personally remember being in there one evening around 1990 when about seven police officers entered to ‘inspect the premises’. What I hadn’t seen before was the rubber gloves they were wearing, for fear of catching AIDS! They were booed and jokes made about them coming to help with the washing up.

This isn’t on the tour, but the audio mentions the hotel owned by legendary drag artiste Maisie Trollette aka David Raven (RIP). For anyone interested this was Rowland House, further into Kemptown at 21 St George’s Terrace.

The voices you are hearing are of:
Alex Fincher
Richard Harris
Billie Gold
Sandra

Sound editing:
Olive Mondegreen
Alex Fincher

Recommended Age: 16+
Content Warning: Mention of sex, adult language, adult themes, mention of substance use and violence.