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London Gay Bars
London has a huge variety of gay and gay friendly bars and clubs that cater to a whole range of identities. However, if you don't want to choose a night out based on your identity, then you can explore based on the vibe of different areas and the crowds they attract. The infamous Soho is known for its restaurants and London's most popular gay bars, while Vauxhall is known for its parties and the East End attracts a more hipster crowd. There are many legendary bars and clubs across London that you'll love exploring.
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Bar and Club Suggestions
The Bridge Bar
Cosy, Cocktails, Outdoor Seating
This cosy little bar is housed under a railway arch in the south London neighbourhood of Clapham and specialises in quality wines and cocktails. Sit back and relax with the help of The Bridge's extensive drinks menu, while enjoying the entertainment that is hosted throughout the week. Every Monday you can enjoy an evening of wine, cheese, and classic films, while every Wednesday is Bear Fest and there's regular quizzes and bingo as well.
The White Swan
Drag, Pub Vibes
The White Swan has been an LGBTQ+ bar for over 30 years and offers monthly themed events as well as weekly club nights. The original East End gay bar is a staple in the area, and its British pub atmosphere lack of attitude makes everyone feel comfortable regardless of their identity. There are regular drag bingo nights as well as open mic nights and DJs in a bright and fun setting.
Friendly Society
Cocktails, Dancing
Friendly Society is hidden away in the side streets of Soho, and those who can find it are in for a treat. Inside you will find an eclectically styled bar with a relaxed atmosphere. The venue as a whole is something of a kitsch fever dream, with a ceiling full of barbies, glitter balls, and a room full of fish tanks complete with a bed! For a quirky night out with great retro music, this is the place to go.
Freedom Bar
Gay Friendly, Cocktails, Dancing
This Soho cocktail bar and nightclub is popular with West End performers and the queer community who visit the area for the range of amazing clubs. Freedom Bar offers a stylish space where you can start your night with cocktails or end it by dancing into the early hours. The theatrical atmosphere and luxurious surrounding make for a classy and enjoyable night complete with a range of signature cocktails.
Village Soho
Dancers, Karaoke, Cocktails
Village offers something for everyone. The ground floor is home to chart and dance music with gorgeous dancing boys on the bar, while in the basement club, you'll find the best in deep house and tech with the best of London's dance scene. The Cafe bar offers a more relaxed vibe with lots of seating & comfy booths, and the new Cocktail Lounge boasts another bar with luxurious booths, chandeliers and a stunning view of Old Compton Street.
She Soho
Lesbian, Cosy
London's only dedicated lesbian venue is situated in a modern basement bar in the heart of Soho. Even though it's a lesbian venue, She also welcomes queer guests and has become a hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community. This vibrant after-hours club hosts first class DJs, drag kings, cabaret shows, and burlesque, showcasing queer talent and keeping you entertained every night of the week. Great drinks deals attract a wide range of women and their friends from all backgrounds.
Rupert Street Bar
Young Crowd, Cocktails
Rupert Street Bar is a premium gay bar in the heart of Soho, open seven days a week. It's famous for its friendly service, great cocktails and fabulous location that's perfect for people-watching! Anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy great drinks deals every day, including the legendary happy hour, noon-8pm. You can even hire the snug area for your group or party, and relax like a VIP.
Duke Of Wellington
Bear, Pub Vibes
This friendly pub in the heart of Soho, commonly known as "The Welly," welcomes people of all genders, orientations, and ages. It's a staple in Soho's gay scene, with a busy and bubbly atmosphere and a local bar feel in the heart of a bustling city. With a tender-toned decor over two floors, and great ale and drinks, this is a great place to socialise with friends and colleagues for a quiet drink or to start your night.
Vault 139
Men Only, Cruising
This gay cruise bar features a strict dress code depending on the night and hosts themed fetish nights. Located near Warren Street tube, open 7 days a week and welcoming gay guys from across London, Vault 139 is a super popular location with an ever changing cruising theme and plenty of drinks. Entry is cheap and includes a free drink and coat check to get you started, so come explore this underground and cruisy space.
Ku Bar
Young Crowd, Cocktails, Dancing
Award winning London Gay Bar based in Chinatown. Spread over 3 floors, this is is busy and vibrant all week and plays pop hits and DJs every night. Ku group is a big name in the gay scene so this bar is a must-visit venue for any gay visitor to the city. Whether you want to spend your night in the atmospheric basement bar or feel sophisticated in the champagne bar, you're bound to have good time.
Admiral Duncan
Drag, Pub Vibes
The Admiral Duncan is a friendly gay pub with a local atmosphere in the heart of the London. The exuberant bar staff match the eclectic range of customers and there's always something to suit anyone's taste. Host to a range of event nights, the Admiral Duncan caters for everyone and anyone. It's also the only venue in the West End to host cabaret seven nights a week, so it's a great place for a pint and a good time.
Kings Arms London
Bear, Older Crowd, Pub Vibes
This lively Soho pub boasts a regular lineup of LGBTQ events in a traditional setting, which includes a host of real ales and a live house DJ. You can dance the night away when the DJ is suppling the music, or take part in weekly karaoke every Sunday night. The Kings Arms provides a quieter and more traditional space at the edge of the Soho gay scene, and caters specifically to the bear crowd.
Dalston Superstore
Drag, Dancing
Dalston Superstore describes itself as a "big queer paradise". It's a diverse and eclectic space that includes a cafe, gallery, and performance space so if you're looking for good food coupled with great art then this is the place to be. The Superstore is currently in partnership with Essential Vegan so everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the food! Regulars praise the cool atmosphere and quality of the music and shows, particularly anything that involves the drag acts.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Dancing, Drag, Pub Vibes
The RVT is the beating heart of Vauxhall, offering the best in alternative entertainment. It has served confirmed bachelors and friends for years with a welcoming atmosphere and first-class entertainment. This eclectic venue attracts an equally eclectic crowd who come to enjoy the wide variety of events, from comedy and bingo to cabaret and party nights. Drinks are well priced as well do you can have a great time without breaking the bank.
Heaven
Dancing
London's legendary and world famous nightclub, situated in the heart of the city, home to Live Music, G-A-Y and Popcorn. From its early days, Heaven became known as a club that constantly reinvented itself and has always hosted events that draw in a diverse crowd who want to experience something a little bit different. Big names provide live music and a great time. Opening hours vary by which event is happening so please check before heading out.
The Cock Tavern
Cosy, Cocktails
The Cock Tavern is a gay bar in South London, with a local pub vibe and a flamboyant "Georgian Tiki" style interior. Its down-to-earth and no attitude approach makes it popular with a range of people of all ages and identities, who come for a relaxed night out and to enjoy the curated range of beers, wines, and cocktails. Friendly staff, cheap drinks, and the sumptuous yet cosy decor are just some of the reasons why regulars just can't stop coming back!
Two Brewers
Drag, Dancing
The Two Brewers has been proudly serving the gay community for over 30 years. This is south London's most famous cabaret venue, with areas available for party bookings on request. There's cabaret seven days a week and a range of events from karaoke, quiz nights and London's famous drag acts, and the nightclub opens Fridays and Saturdays. From the weekly quiz to back-to-back drag on Sundays and great offers on drinks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The Underground Club
Men Only, Fetish, Cruising
The Underground is a male only fetish club only 2 minutes from Kings Cross in the basement of the Central Station bar.. This edgy underground space caters to all sexualities and interests with regular events. Depending on the time of day, the bar specialises in all fetishes from slaves and masters to footwear so check out the packed calendar of themed nights and other events that are always going on to please everyone.
Retro Bar
Cosy, Pub Vibes
Tucked away down a little alley, Retro Bar is one of gay London's secret gems. It's a small, mixed, indie bar, where eccentricities are welcomes. The music mixes 70s, 80s, New Romantic, goth and alternative, and is reflected in the decor, which features photos of iconic rock and pop figures. There's a jukebox with even more great tunes, and multiple regular events every week including quizzes and comedy. If you're in London during Eurovision, the parties at Retro are great fun, but be sure to book a space!
VF Dalston
Dancing
Queer community art and party space and friendly neighbourhood bar hosting legendary nightclub events, spoken word, live art, weekly trans* meetups, live music, exhibitions and more. Always affordable and forever cheerful the basement of dreams is a place to unwind and feel safe while taking in the best of queer culture and performance. This hub of queer London provides the very space space for music, art, and being unapologetically you.
Fire Club Vauxhall
Gay Friendly, Dancing
The party never stops at Fire, one of London's leading nightclubs. Here you can find multiple rooms hosting a range of events with themes from house to techno and plenty of other genres. The club is housed in a railways arch and has an industrial vibe, complete with huge arched ceilings and vibrant neon lit rooms. In such a colourful and unique space, you can escape from the outside world and enjoy the music provided by talented late night DJs.
Circa Embankment
Cocktails, Dancing
Located right on the Embankment, Circa boasts chesterfield seating, the greatest lighting in town and the iconic mirror-ball DJ booth. Music has always been at the heart of what Circa does and the amazing DJ team will be serving the best and biggest R&B, Pop and House beats in town. Club admission is free before midnight and the combination of good food and premium drinks promises a luxury late night out.
Central Station
Cocktails, Drag, Cruising
Central Station is situated in Kings Cross London serving a wide range of food and drinks. This lovely independent venue has morphed over the years into a gay bar, restaurant, and boutique B&B where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the atmosphere complete with cocktails and quality beers. Relax with a free game of pool and enjoy the late night DJs and other entertainment on offer most nights, including cabaret at the weekend. In the basement is The Underground Club, which hosts manz fetish and crusing events.
The George & Dragon
Drag, Pub Vibes
The George & Dragon is South East London's premiere late-night cabaret bar. A whole host of regular drag acts can be found on the stage every weekend, but that's not the only thing that happens here, as there's special events and parties throughout the year as well. The traditional British pub style bar offers pool and unique shots at good prices and guarantees a friendly welcome.
Circa Soho
Cocktails, Dancing
In its 8th year, Circa continues to be the leading soho gay bar for music, style, and creativity. Hosting some of the best DJs in town playing different genres every night, Circa is vibrant and brings a bit of sparkle and noise to Soho. The winning combination of hot guys and shots is on offer here every night and guarantees a good time, and the music is first class, making Circa one of the most popular destinations in the Soho gay scene.
Halfway To Heaven
Drag, Pub Vibes
Halfway To Heaven is a little gem of an LGBTQ+ bar just off Trafalgar Square. It's a lively and friendly venues spread across two floors and hosting something for everyone. Upstairs is a traditional pub with wooden floors, real ale and true local feel. Downstairs is the centre stage bar where the magic happens, with cabaret every evening from the best in the business, plus karaoke and other live entertainment seven nights a week.
Union
Dancing, Cruising
Nightclub housed in a railway arch in South London's Vauxhall, hosting after-hours dance parties 7 nights a week. Union is one of few venues in London where you can party every night of the week and well into the following morning, with regular events such as "glamorous" nights and "nudity foam party" to keep you coming back. It's a club with a super alternative vibe, complete with lounge area, pool table, and amazing sound system so you can immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.
Proud Cabaret
Cocktails. Drag
Proud Cabaret presents the very best burlesque, cabaret, variety dinner shows in the city of London. Modelled on a 1920s speakeasy, Proud Cabaret is an elegant destination which offers fine dining and entertainment in surroundings which exude the illicit glamour of a bygone era. It has a sophisticated feel to match the quality food, huge range of wines, cocktail menus, and the best names in the cabaret business. There's also a more informal bar so there's something for everyone!
Comptons Of Soho
Older Crowd, Bear, Cruising, Pub Vibes
Comptons of Soho is a Cask Accredited bar and club with a great selection of real ales. The wood panelled pub downstairs hosts DJs every weekend, while there's a quieter lounge upstairs where you can unwind. As an added bonus, the whole venue is dog friendly so you can bring your fluffy companion with you, whether you're relaxing by yourself or hanging out with friends. Comptons has been welcoming everyone for decades in the heart of gay Soho, and is particularly popular with older and bearier guests.
Eagle London
Dancing, Outdoor Seating, Cruising
Late night bar and club in the heart of Vauxhall offering a wide range of premium spirits including tequilas and flavoured gins, wine list, bottled and draft craft beers. You can relax in the lounge bar or in the sunny private garden bar, or dance your night away to DJ parties and drag shows. Eagle is also home to the renowned Horse Meat Disco, who provide great music every Sunday night.
The Yard Bar
Cocktails, Outdoor Seating
The Yard is truly unique. From the hidden passageway entrance, you enter a spacious courtyard with an open roof revealing the skies. The upstairs Loft Bar will take your breath away, with its original bare brick walls to the exposed timber ceiling. This space is like no other you'll find in Soho. If you need an escape from the busy London Streets, relax in The Yard's comfortable heated courtyard bar with an extensive range of cocktails to choose from.
Little Ku
Young Crowd
Little Ku is the smaller and naughtier sibling of Ku on Lisle Street. It's a great pre-club destination offering friendly service with a selection of cocktails, with the party spread across two intimate and stylishly decorated floors. Little Ku is frequented by a mostly male crowd with a casual but slightly cruisy vibe, but absolutely everyone is welcome. Attractive and friendly bar staff plus great music make this the perfect start to your night out.
City of Quebec
Gay Friendly, Older Crowd, Pub Vibes
This is a pub that's suited to any occasion, but especially popular with the more mature corwd and their admirers. It morphs throughout the day, from brunch and lunch to beer and bar snacks, the flexible atmosphere allows for any type of day or night out. During the day, you can unwind in the beer garden with a drink and some classic but quality pub food, while at night there's entertainment to enjoy in the basement bar and club. The club can get quite cruisy towards the end of the evening.
G-A-Y Bar
Young Crowd, Cocktails
Bustling three floor party bar that draws a young, gay, early-evening crowd. G-A-Y group has multiple other venues across the city, including Heaven, so it's a big name in the UK gay scene. Every day is different here with a variety of great events. From bingo and raffles to G-A-Y Porn Idol, there's something for everyone with cheap drinks and different music in different areas.
Gay friendly hotels in London
London is such a diverse city with gay life found in many different areas, so it is worth working out where the best hotel location is for your trip. Do you want to be near the nightlife in Soho, towards the East of London where some of the more edgier bars are or maybe in the hip and slightly quieter Bankside area on the river, with good transport connections to most of the city. Wherever you choose to stay, perhaps treat yourself to a luxury hotel or stay budget and spend what you save on partying! Check out GayMapper recommendations for gay friendly hotel deals in London, England. You're able to support GayMapper by checking out our hotel deals as this helps us to keep the site updated with all this useful information!
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