The Dame Lane

What it is

The Dame Lane is a bed and breakfast on Pleasant Street with a bar that is open to visitors, at the northern edge of the Rainbow Quarter. Guests describe it as being in the heart of the gay quarter, and its bar has become a regular stop on the Lord Street circuit, with a programme of bingo, singers and DJ nights. It welcomes families and dogs to the guesthouse, so it is gay-friendly rather than exclusively gay, but its bar events are aimed squarely at the scene.

History in brief

The Dame Lane is one of the quarter's newer venues. It took out a temporary licence for Pride week in June 2025 and was granted its full premises licence in July 2025. Guests praise the newly refreshed décor, the hosts and the breakfast.

What's on

• Sunday: the bar opens around 4pm. Bingo with comedy and prizes, hosted by The Empress Bear Donna, typically runs from about 6pm to 9pm, and entry is free.
• Weekends: live singers and DJ nights. A guest vocalist played an 8pm set in September 2026, for example.

Programmes vary, so check before you go.

Who it suits

The Dame Lane suits people staying at the Lord Street end of the quarter, bingo and singalong fans, and anyone who likes a small, friendly bar with a host who chats to the room.

Accessibility

There is no lift in the guesthouse. There is no on-site parking, and street parking nearby is limited.

Location and nearby

Pleasant Street runs off the top of Lord Street. McGraths, DeLovely and Neon Bar are a couple of minutes' walk away, and the Queen Street bars are about seven minutes.

Staying or visiting: The Dame Lane

What it is and who it welcomes

The Dame Lane, at 4 Pleasant Street, is a B&B with its own licensed bar, a short walk north of the Dickson Road end of the Rainbow Quarter. It used to be the Grampian House, and some booking sites still use the old name. It took on its current name and a bar licence in 2025, along with fresh décor.

It is not an exclusively gay guesthouse. It welcomes dogs and families. But its bar has quickly become part of the scene's circuit, and guests regularly mention how close it is to the gay quarter and how friendly it is to LGBTQ+ visitors. It suits mixed groups, families that include LGBTQ+ members, and anyone travelling with a dog.

Rooms and breakfast

The rooms have been freshly decorated, and a full cooked breakfast is served. Guests regularly praise the hosts. Ask about room types and family options when you book.

The bar

The bar is open to guests and visitors, with DJ nights, singers and a regular Sunday bingo. The quarter's what's-on listings include its events, so it is easy to fit into a night out.

Location

Pleasant Street runs between Dickson Road and the promenade at the north end of the quarter. Pleasant Street tram stop is at the end of the road. Lu-Lu's, Peek-a-Booze and the Duke are a few minutes' walk south, and Funny Girls and the Queen Street bars are around ten minutes away.

Parking

There is no on-site parking, and street parking nearby is limited. The Dickson Road car park and the other quarter car parks are within walking distance. See our parking and arrival guide.

Accessibility

There is no lift. Ask about ground-floor or lower rooms if stairs are difficult for you.

Booking tips

• Mention your dog when you book.
• Ask whether a bar event is on during your stay if you want a quiet night.