The Perfect Spot for Women's Sports: How One Couple Created the UK's First Women's Sports Bar
In the heart of Brighton, a vibrant city known for its quirky charm, a unique establishment has emerged, capturing the attention of locals and the LGBTQ+ community alike. Crossbar, a sports bar like no other, is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It all began with a simple idea from Lucy Tallant, a DIY enthusiast, and her wife, Pippa, who shared a common dream of creating a dedicated space for women's sports.
The Journey Begins
As Lucy worked on a narrow shelf outside the bar, a playful exchange between two passersby sparked an unexpected reaction. One girl exclaimed, 'Yeah, they're opening a lesbian club,' to which the other replied, 'A lesbian club? Yeah, there's one outside now.' This lighthearted moment became a viral sensation, with lesbians posing for photos and sharing their excitement on social media. The couple's initial Instagram post, announcing their ambitious project, quickly gained traction, attracting over 17,000 followers in just a few months.
Challenges and Triumphs
The path to opening Crossbar was not without its hurdles. The bar's interior was a work in progress, with no tables or chairs, plumbers and electricians in residence, and boxes strategically placed to keep their beloved dogs out of mischief. The interview with The Guardian took place in the Clubhouse, one of the upstairs function rooms, adorned with white paint flecks that kept Pippa up at night. The bar door, a source of frustration, required meticulous stripping, sanding, and painting, a battle documented online.
A Vision Materialized
Lucy's idea for the bar stemmed from years of discussions within their friend group, fueled by a desire for a female-centric space that celebrated women's sports. The turning point came with the 2025 European Championship, not because of the tournament's impact on women's sports interest but due to the sudden drop in enthusiasm post-event. This realization prompted them to take action.
Pippa, initially hesitant, found her confidence when they discovered an unloved, empty bar on Upper North Street and Regent Hill. The deep green tiles behind the bar, the black and white floor in front, the hardwood floors, the function rooms, the pool table space, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Clubhouse, all contributed to the bar's unique charm. The exposed brick in the Boot Room function space added to the overall appeal.
A Haven for Women's Sports
Crossbar's mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for women's sports enthusiasts. Lucy, a coach for the inclusive Brighton Seagals FC, understands the challenges fans face. She highlights the issue of multiple venue runs to find a showing, often resulting in a poor viewing experience. Crossbar aims to address this by offering a dedicated space for women's sports, with a late license to screen events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup, ensuring a diverse sports experience.
A Community Hub
The bar's design caters to various groups, with three distinct spaces. The Clubhouse, named for its potential as a team hangout, reflects the couple's vision of a welcoming atmosphere. Lucy and Pippa's joy is evident as they witness the bar's rapid success, feeling comfortable and excited about its potential.
Funding and Family Legacy
Financing the bar was a personal endeavor, with Pippa investing her inheritance after her mother's passing. She embraces her mother's philosophy of spending wisely, finding comfort in the fact that it wasn't their original money. Pippa imagines her mother's excitement about their venture, even though she may not fully comprehend the concept of a women's sports bar.
A Community's Pride
The pressure, according to Lucy, lies in meeting the expectations of the community that has embraced the bar. They strive to ensure that the bar's community of enthusiasts feels well-cared for and aligned with their vision.
Crossbar's opening night was a resounding success, with tickets sold out within four minutes, and the bar buzzing with excitement. Patrons like Popsy Greader-Palme and Serena Ferguson expressed their gratitude for a dedicated space, free from judgment, where they can enjoy women's sports without hesitation.
