London Gay Bars

Part of the fabric of gay London. Originally a popular nightclub at the now-demolished Astoria Theatre, G-A-Y is a place for fun-loving young crowd most nights of the week, located in the heart of Soho.

The venue has 3 floors. Upstairs can be far more popular than the ground floor during the week as it has a small outdoor terrace (usually full of smokers). The basement is slightly more chic.

Packed at the weekend. Everyone is frisked on the way in. Be aware of your wallet and phone.

nearest station : Tottenham Court Road

One of the most popular gay bars in Soho. Busy every night of the week, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Slightly quieter upstairs if you want to chat with friends.

Niklas hosts karaoke on Wednesdays. VILLAGE’s sexy go-go dancers strut their stuff on the bar top and podium, from Thursday through Saturday. Squeeze in and watch!

Another very popular gay bar located right in the middle of Soho.

Rupert Street serves food (burgers, etc.) and drinks during the day but is packed with the party crowd in the evening, spilling over onto the street during the summer.

Plenty of eye candy both in front and behind the bar. Rupert Street brings in some pretty good DJ’s to play live every Friday and Saturday night.

Set back from Rupert Street with its own private courtyard with outdoor heaters, The Yard is particularly popular with those who still like to smoke.

Inside (as with all other pubs in the UK, strictly no smoking), the original brick work, wooden beams and the  gorgeous bar staff are exposed. In the case of the bar staff, we mean shirtless.

The Yard is one of the most stylish gay venues in Soho and a firm favourite of ours. They can even host private parties in their upstairs bar. The entrance is directly opposite the Rupert Street bar.

Located just off Wardour Street, in the alley between Ann Summers and The Village in London’s Soho gay district. Friendly Society is a fun and unique basement gay bar with a laid-back vibe.

Great to stop by for a drink and a quick ogle of the gorgeous barmen. Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling, eclectic lights and black & white movies make the bar a favourite hangout for gay men, lesbians and their straight friends.

Located in what used to be a Victorian hotel, the Comptons of Soho had become a pub called ‘The Swiss Tavern’ in the 1950’s and acquired a reputation as being a meeting place for gay men which was illegal at the time.

In 1986, the name was changed to “Comptons of Soho” and it came out in the open as being a gay bar. Over 25 years later, Compton’s is still regarded as one of the most popular gay bars in London.

Attracts a more mature, beer-drinking crowd than found in some of the other gay bars in Soho.

The sister branch to the main KU Bar on Lisle Street. Little KU offers a slightly more relaxed and laid-back vibe, with regular drink offers served up by sexy KU barmen.

Located on Frith Street in Soho.

Traditional English gay pub in the heart of Soho, named after Admiral Adam Duncan who defeated the Dutch fleet in 1797.

Inside the bar is a chandelier in memory of the 3 people killed and 70 injured in the 1999 attack by a neo-Nazi who attempted (and failed) to stir up homophobic tensions in London.

The attack marked a turning point in the relationship between the police, local government and gay community which became closer and stronger than ever. All gay tourists to London should pay at least one visit to this historic gay bar.

The independently owned gay bar & dance club, located just a few steps from Leicester Square, celebrates its 20 anniversary last year.

The large main ground floor bar attracts all types, from twinks to muscle Mary’s, locals and tourists. The walls of flat screen TV’s play nonstop chart-topping music videos, whilst behind the bar, the KU boys are a visual treat in their own rights.

KU Klub is located in the basement of the bar. Free entry, apart from Friday & Saturdays after 11pm (£5). Both the bar and club continue to be two of the most popular gay venues in London.

Great service and reasonably priced drinks – winning combination that has been reflected in the many awards this bar has won in recent years.

For over a decade, The Duke of Wellington has served as a classic British local gay pub in the middle of Soho.

A genuinely friendly bar that serves as a ‘local’ for many who live or work in the heart of London.  You’ll find plenty of sport fixtures on flat screen TV’s on the weekend.

Stylish gay-popular cocktail lounge bar from the KU group. The Light Lounge serves a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Mixed/LGBT crowd. Located directly above KU Bar.

One of the friendliest and most authentic gay pubs in Soho, located at the far end of Old Compton Street, on the corner with Charing Cross Road.

Friendly staff offer the warmest of welcomes and an excellent free cabaret performance keeps everyone entertained, 7 days a week.

Missed by many tourists. We think that downing a pint in Molly Moggs should be on the itinerary of any gay traveller seeking an antidote to some of the more commercial bars further up the street.

Stylish chill-out bar in Soho, promising to “bring a little sparkle” to London’s gay district. Great place for a drink and chat before heading off to a club.

Themed entertainment most nights of the week, including “the campest Sunday nighter on the block” with the popular Studio Dusty. The cute bar staff are pretty good, too!

Stylish, sophisticated bar & nightclub in the heart of Soho that attracts a mixed, trendy crowd – particularly those working in media, fashion and entertainment including gay celebrities.

Freedom Bar features a stylish ground floor, cocktail bar and dance floor in the basement, with crystal chandeliers, crushed pink velvet seating and over 200 mirror balls. A sight to see!

Gay bar since 1982, and going strong 30+ years later. Kings Arms is known as being one of the most friendly places in Soho. Popular with bears.

Every Friday and Saturday nights, resident DJ’s  Simon M, Eazy, Mr Jones and Mr Evans spin the decks. Karaoke on Sundays.

The bar serves a large cask ale selection as well as ciders and spirits.

The after-hours version of G-A-Y Bar, located about a 5-minute walk away – where most of the guys head sometime between 11pm and midnight.

Open everyday of the week but restricted to members and guests only on Sunday nights. The place may be somewhat hard to find, as it’s hidden behind the redevelopment of Tottenham Court Rd Station.

nearest station : Tottenham Court Road

One of London’s most famous gay cabaret show bars with a different crowd-pulling theme every night. Great bar for finding cheap drinks deals in the heart of central London.

Weekly themed nights at Halfway to Heaven include karaoke and sing-along – check their website for the latest program.

Historic gay bar that welcomes everyone. Downstairs, the atmosphere is slightly with a different DJ each night playing their own mix of classic and contemporary tunes.

City of Quebec hosts regular entertainment, karaoke and special events. And late license means that customers can enjoy an affordable late-night out. Mixed crowd. Free WiFi available.

nearest station : Marble Arch (Central Line)

Gay-popular, late-night mixed bar in the heart of Soho, London, that welcomes everyone.

BAR Soho serves a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Resident DJ’s play 7 nights a week. The bar also hosts occasion LGBT events.

Smaller, stylish and friendly cocktail gay bar. New Bloomsbury Set is a great place to meet up for a chat with friends, where you can take advantage of the free WiFi and regular drinks deals.

Basement level – look for the black railings along Tavistock Place (junction with Marchmont Street).

No visit to gay London could be complete without at least one drink at the famous Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

This pub is believed to be London’s oldest gay venue and remains the cornerstone of the Vauxhall gay village. Today, the RVT is known for its hugely popular drag shows, comedy and fun party nights.

Particularly busy on Sunday afternoons – expect to queue.

nearest station : Vauxhall

One of most iconic gay venues in London. Eagle LONDON is large and stylish,with a dance floor and garden for smokers and those wanting to chat away from the music.

Eagle offers a fantastic range of craft beers and wines and has regular drinks promotions. Sunday night is reserved for the infamous Horse Meat Disco. A night dedicated to human happiness – the party for everyone; from club kids, bears, fashionistas, naturalist to drag queens.

From the tube station, continue on past the Royal Vauxhall Tavern down Kennington Lane for about 200 metres. Easy to spot the completely black painted building.

Newly opened, classic London-style gay bar in Kennington district, with Quiz Night on Sundays.

Formerly a tiki bar and set in a Georgian building, the Cock Tavern is London’s newest gay pub with its very own unique style. A good sized-dance floor, too.

nearest station : Kennington / Oval

One of South London’s most popular gay venues.

Two Brewers has been in business for over 30 years, with a winning combination of good-value drinks, regular cabaret shows and a great selection of handbag and commercial tunes.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the larger club space plays house and garage sounds all night.

This wine bar is Clapham’s latest gay venue, located in railway arches, just a few steps away from Clapham North Station.

The Bridge offers a relaxing atmosphere and a combination of excellent cocktails, wine and fresh dishes and platters to share. Talented DJ’s liven up atmosphere at the weekend.

nearest station : Clapham North

West London’s most popular late-night dance bar with regular live cabaret performances and karaoke nights. West 5 has been in business for 15 years, so they must be doing something right!

Fridays and Saturday nights are the busiest nights, with DJ’s and cabaret. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

nearest station : South Ealing (Picadilly Line)

Not a store but a bar + café  + club that offers a unique combination (at least in this part of London) of food, drink, music, art, culture and parties!

Dalston is a great place for brunch, burgers, salads and cakes. Later in the evening, the basement becomes a party zone with the crowd being entertained by some of the best up-and-coming DJ’s and live acts.

nearest station : Dalston Junction Station (East London Line)

Long-established gay bar & nightclub, East End’s very own White Swan has been going as a gay bar for over 30 years. Now, there’s a new basement area with LED lighting, great sound system and weekly cabaret shows.

DJ’s play a great mix of commercial house, garage to pop. Themed nights include Cybil’s House (every 3rd Saturday) and karaoke/bingo plus cabaret shows on Sundays. Closed on Mondays. Photo ID required at weekends.

East London’s most exciting gay bar & performance venue, run by Jonny Woo, Zoe Argiros, Colin Rothbart and John Sizzle. The Glory (open in 2014) has already become London’s talk of the town.

The Glory features a fabulous drag shows, comedy, live music – plus a late-night disco. Most shows are free entry – check their website for current program of events.

Located in Haggerston, halfway between the Shoreditch gay nightlife and Dalston.

Local East End bar with regular cabaret shows at the weekend. The Old Ship serves cheap drinks and has a great atmosphere.

Saturday show starts at 9:30pm, Sunday at 9pm. DJ every cabaret night 8pm until midnight.

nearest station : Limehouse DLR

George & Dragon is the only gay bar that’s still open in this part of South East London.

The venue has a great location and is relatively spacious but could use some renovation. The bar staff are friendly. There are regular cabaret shows – check their website for details.

Located next to the Lewisham Rd/Blackheath Hill junction, 15 minutes’ walk from Depford Bridge DLR.

After the closure of the George and Dragon, a new gay bar has opened up in a Shoreditch on the same street.

Very camp and colourful, The Queen Adelaide attracts a fun loving crowd.

One of the longest-running independently owned bar and terrace. The Central Station offers a wide spectrum of entertainment – from jazz evening, pool evening, karaoke as well as regular drag acts.

A great place for a drink before retiring to the basement Underground Club. Free WiFi available.

nearest station : Kings Cross