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WHO’S THE BOSS BEHIND THE BAR?
BRIGHTON PROWLER RESTOCK BEARS MERCHANDISE
) Growing up in a small town in the Cotswolds was difficult for a gay teenage boy in the 1990s, so at the age of 20 Adam moved to London to spread his wings and see what life outside of suburbia was like. After a few years in the big smoke he met his future husband Tony and decided to move to Brighton. Keeping his travel and tourism job in London, he commuted every day to work, sometimes arriving back to Brighton as late as 10pm after an 8am start. At the time his partner Tony was managing the Bedford Arms and Adam had gotten a taste of what it was like to run a pub as he often helped out behind the bar. Wanting to leave the daily commute behind, he decided to buy the Bedford Tavern. At the time of purchase the pub was in a less than desirable state. It had previously been raided for drugs and, although the owners had refurbished the bar with modern décor, Adam wanted to bring back historic charm and atmosphere to the pub, so he closed it for a few weeks while the work took place. After the retrofit, the Bedford felt like home again, with rustic furniture and regal colours. After a steady start, it gradually pulled back previous regular customers who were pleased with the results. The Bedford attracts a mixed crowd of gay and straight people, but has never officially been a gay pub. Adam traced the history of the bar and found it was known for attracting a gay clientele for the last 200 years. Back then the bar was unofficially divided with straight customers at the front and gay customers in the back, (no pun intended). These days the pub remains popular with both client groups and Adam works with the Grosvenor Bar across the road to provide top notch weekend entertainment. On Sundays, their roast dinner was voted runner-up in the Best Sunday Roast at the Golden Handbag Awards this year and by night they have a unique twist on Bingo, called Piano Bingo. Adam is reluctant to divulge too much information about the concept, describing it as unexplainable. So I suggest you all check it out for yourselves. Get there early as it gets packed out very quickly. Situated on the border of Brighton & Hove, the Bedford Tavern is the perfect destination bar, somewhere to spend a complete evening or a stop-off for pre-drinks before heading into Brighton for a late night out. One winter’s night Adam was walking home when he spotted a homeless woman begging on the streets, she was freezing cold and didn’t have any gloves. He insisted she took his as he didn’t have any money to offer her. The woman was so grateful and they had a chat about how she became homeless. Adam really felt for the woman and decided that he wanted to help others like her, so he started asking for donations from his customers at the bar of any unwanted scarfs, hats and gloves which he would take around to the homeless every night. He was overwhelmed with how many donated items he received and every year he would do the same. Then he decided to hold a charity event. The night was successful and he was able to buy over 20 sleeping bags from the proceeds which he distributed to homeless people in Brighton & Hove. He also regularly raises money for the Rainbow Fund, Sussex Beacon and has run in the Brighton Half Marathon. Being happy is something very important to Adam. He feels lucky to have had support from his friends and family on a multitude of issues he has faced through his life so far and knows he wouldn’t have been where he is and who he is today without them and their support.
) After selling out last month, Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) merchandise is now back in stock at Prowler, St James’s Street, Brighton. To celebrate, Prowler will be giving a 20% discount card with each purchase to use on your next visit to the store. Now is the perfect time to buy your BBW mugs, polos, T-shirts or vests and then save on your next visit on everything in the store apart from sale items or items that have been reduced already. You can choose from a vast range of sex toys, underwear, lube, aromas, porn, gifts and more.
the 20% discount offer is very generous of them. Don't forget when buying any of our items you are raising money for the Rainbow Fund, who we are proudly supporting and raised £7,752.00 for this year." GRAHAM MUNDAY
ADAM BROOKS
This month Morgan Fabulous chats to Adam Brooks, owner of the Bedford Tavern in Hove, about life as a multi-Golden Handbag Awardwinning landlord, supporting the homeless and what it means to be happy.
The Rainbow Fund give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. For more information about the Rainbow Fund, view: www.rainbowfund.org
Graham Munday, Chair of Brighton For more information about Brighton Bear Weekend, said: "We are delighted Bear Weekend, view to have our stock back in Prowler and http://brightonbearweekend.com
BLAGSS TENNIS VIRGINS TOURNAMENT
) While Andy Murray and Johanna Konta were chasing Olympic medals, some Tennis Virgins in Brighton already had plenty to celebrate.
Rob as most improved player.
If you've been inspired by the exploits of Serena Williams or Novak Djokovic then why not join the BLAGSS Tennis Twelve players took part in the annual Virgins group? Intermediate, rusty and beginners are all welcome and Summer Tennis Tournament held by BLAGSS (Brighton's LGBT Sports sessions take place every Wednesday Society) at Preston Park in July. The at Preston Park from 8.30pm. winner this year was Nick with Phil For more information about this and second and Andy (not Murray) in third other sports available to play, view: place. A special award was given to www.blagss.org