Crossbar: UK's First Women's Sports Bar Opens in Brighton to Rave Reviews
In a groundbreaking move for sports culture, Lucy and Pippa Tallant have launched Crossbar, the United Kingdom's first dedicated women's sports bar, located in the vibrant heart of Brighton. This innovative venue aims to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment where women can enjoy watching all types of sport, addressing a long-standing gap in the market.
A Vision Born from Frustration and Passion
The idea for Crossbar emerged from years of casual conversations among friends, often over bottles of wine, where Lucy Tallant expressed frustration at the lack of female-centric spaces that actively support women's sports. "I'd been toying around with this idea for a long time," Lucy explains. "We'd all have a little moan about why there isn't a place that caters to women fans and athletes." The turning point came after the 2025 European Championship, which highlighted how interest in women's sports often peaks during major events only to fade quickly afterward. "It felt quite weird," Lucy notes, "to see all that excitement just drop off days later."
From Concept to Reality: A Labour of Love
What began as a dream soon turned into a serious endeavour. The couple started scouting for premises, with Pippa initially skeptical until they discovered an unloved, empty bar on the corner of Upper North Street and Regent Hill. The space's features—deep green tiles, hardwood floors, function rooms, and exposed brick—immediately captured their imagination. "I can see it working here," Pippa recalls thinking. "Oh my God, this actually might happen."
Funding the project was a personal commitment, with Pippa investing her inheritance after her mother's passing. "It's not been super scary," she reflects, "because it's not money we had originally. My mum's attitude was: 'Don't sit on it, do something.'" While uncertain how her mother would view a women's sports bar, Pippa believes she would have been excited about their bold new venture.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Community
The journey to opening night was not without its hurdles. From dealing with plumbers and electricians to stripping and painting the bar door—a task Lucy describes as her "nemesis"—the process was a true labour of love. Social media played a surprising role in their success; after announcing the bar to just 12 Instagram followers, their account skyrocketed to over 17,000 followers as people eagerly followed the renovation progress.
A humorous moment occurred when Lucy, while attaching a narrow shelf outside for patrons to use, overheard two girls mistakenly refer to Crossbar as a "lesbian club." This led to a viral social media trend, with lesbians posing by the shelf and sharing photos captioned "there's one outside now," adding to the bar's growing legend.
Creating an Inclusive Space for All Sports Fans
Crossbar's tagline—"The best place to watch women's sport, and the best place for women to watch sport"—encapsulates its dual mission. While women's sports are the priority, the bar also screens events like the Super Bowl and upcoming World Cup, ensuring it serves as a safe space for anyone wanting to enjoy sport. Lucy, who coaches Brighton Seagals FC, highlights a common issue: "You often have to run around to multiple venues to see if someone's showing it. That's problematic for the growth of women's sports across the board."
The bar features three distinct areas: the main bar, the Clubhouse function room, and the smaller Boot Room, designed to accommodate diverse groups and foster a community atmosphere. Pippa and Lucy hope local teams will adopt it as a hangout spot, enhancing its role as a hub for sports enthusiasts.
Opening Night Success and Patron Praise
Crossbar's launch on 6 February was a resounding success, with tickets selling out in just four minutes. Early patrons praised the venue for its inclusivity and focus. Popsy Greader-Palme shared, "I've been waiting for a place that really focuses and appreciates women's sport. I'm so glad there is a dedicated space where people can feel safe." Serena Ferguson added, "This space is the perfect place for people like me, who want a nicer environment instead of going to a shitty bar with a load of lads."
Reflecting on the rapid uptake, Lucy expresses joy: "I love that already this feels like a space that someone could come by themselves to watch something at 11pm on a Sunday and have a great time." The pressure now, she says, is to live up to the expectations of the community that has embraced Crossbar so enthusiastically.
With its unique focus and heartfelt origins, Crossbar is set to become a landmark in Brighton's social scene, championing women's sports and providing a much-needed inclusive venue for fans across the UK.
