Planet Out

Looks and feels like a drag queen's knicker drawer

Venue Review by Holly Edwards | 15 Feb 2006
Situated dangerously close to the infamous CC Bloom's, Planet Out has evolved over the years into everything a gay bar should be. Its quirky, flamboyant décor of animal prints, leather and bright colours make it look and feel like a drag queen's knicker drawer. The music is refreshingly varied, although if you don't like Madonna... well, what the hell are you doing in a gay bar anyway? Planet's main strength is its diverse crowd, but a big pull has to be the nice, efficient, and intimidatingly beautiful staff. Of course, the big disadvantage (apart from the toilet in the ladies' which is always blocked and sometimes flooded, or the draughty table by the door, don't sit there) is that when one o'clock comes and you're feeling a little boozed, the temptation to go to The Bad Place up the road is sometimes too much. All in all, Planet is a wonderful space for a variety of people and occasions: go there if you want a few quiet drinks with your friends, a pre-club warm-up, or a lively bar in which to drink and boogie the night awaoogie the night away. [Holly Edwards]
6 Baxter's Place, Edinburgh, Mon-Sun 4pm-1am.