UK's First Women's Sports Bar Opens in Brighton, Creating Safe Space for Fans
Lucy and Pippa Tallant have officially opened Crossbar, the United Kingdom's first dedicated women's sports bar, located in Brighton. This innovative establishment aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for women to enjoy watching all types of sports, with a particular emphasis on women's athletics. The bar's launch has generated significant excitement, quickly amassing over 17,000 followers on social media since its announcement in December.
A Labor of Love and Community Response
The journey to opening Crossbar began with Lucy Tallant's long-standing idea, often discussed among friends over wine, about the lack of female-centric spaces that support women's sports. Pippa, initially skeptical, became fully invested when they discovered an empty bar on Upper North Street and Regent Hill. The venue's features, including deep green tiles, hardwood floors, and function rooms, convinced them it was the perfect location. During renovations, a humorous incident occurred when Lucy overheard passersby mistakenly calling it a "lesbian club," which went viral on social media and added to the bar's growing popularity.
Addressing Gaps in Sports Viewing
Crossbar addresses a critical issue for fans of women's sports: the difficulty in finding venues that consistently broadcast games with proper sound and screen size. Lucy, who also coaches Brighton Seagals FC, highlighted the common problem of venues changing channels or relegating women's sports to small screens. The bar's tagline, "The best place to watch women's sport, and the best place for women to watch sport," reflects its dual mission. While women's sports are the priority, Crossbar will also screen major events like the Super Bowl and World Cup, operating under a late license to accommodate diverse viewing needs.
Overwhelming Public Reception and Personal Investment
The opening night on February 6 was a resounding success, with tickets selling out in just four minutes. Patrons like Popsy Greader-Palme and Serena Ferguson praised the bar for offering a safe and judgment-free environment to enjoy sports, contrasting it with traditional bars dominated by male crowds. The Tallants funded the venture themselves, with Pippa using inheritance money from her mother, who encouraged using funds for meaningful projects. They feel pressure to meet the expectations of the community but are thrilled to see Crossbar become a hub where individuals can comfortably watch sports alone or in groups.
Future Vision and Community Impact
Crossbar features three distinct spaces, including the Clubhouse and Boot Room, designed to host teams and various groups. The owners hope it will become a adopted home for local sports clubs. With photographs of women's sporting achievements adorning the walls, the bar not only celebrates athletics but also fosters a sense of belonging. Lucy and Pippa are committed to ensuring the bar remains a well-looked-after space for its growing community, driven by the joy of creating a venue that fills a long-standing gap in the sports landscape.
