Best gay bars near me

When you choose to imbibe a beverage at one of London's premier LGBTQ+ establishments, you'll discover yourself experiencing far more than merely diluted spirits; these particular venues are, in fact, pivotal LGBTQ+ landmarks in their own right, providing environments where patrons can truly encounter a sense of community, genuine fellowship, and lively, drag-infused revelry. Such an experience unquestionably surpasses a typical game of billiards at your usual local.

In bygone days, experiencing a lively queer time in London often meant making a swift journey directly to Soho. Nonetheless, the urban area's focal point for queer culture has since gravitated eastward; now, more avant-garde establishments attract patrons to Dalston as evening descends, while some of the city's most historically significant LGBTQ+ venues have established their presence in Vauxhall. Consequently, whether your desire is for a dynamic drag brunch, an alluring burlesque performance, or simply a tranquil pint, what follows is a detailed compilation of the capital's gay and queer-friendly bars and public houses, ranging from the renowned G-A-Y and the lesbian-centric She Soho to the spirited ‘sing-your-heart-out’ unique spot, The Karaoke Hole.

SUGGESTION: Extend the revelry at London's premier LGBTQ+ clubs.

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The best gay bars in central London

G-A-Y Bar

Soho’s globally renowned G-A-Y establishment provides precisely what one might anticipate: economical beverage promotions during weekdays, a youthful clientele, and an abundance of Dua Lipa tracks continuously broadcast on the video screens. Spanning three distinct levels, it notably includes a dedicated room for women on its lower floor and, quite remarkably, it consistently remains bustling, seemingly never emptying. While a majority of London residents exceeding the age of twenty-five often profess to detest it, they invariably find themselves here several times each year, sipping a WKD-infused ‘cocktail’ and rhythmically dancing to Lady Gaga.

The Retro Bar

Discreetly nestled within a narrow passage just off the Strand, The Retro Bar stands as one of queer London’s genuinely secret gems. This intimate, wonderfully traditional indie establishment extends a warm reception to individuals across the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum, who can enjoy their beverages while listening to Blondie and Bowie enthusiastically emanating from the jukebox. Should the nostalgic melodies not provide a comforting sensation, the inviting, cosy decor certainly will; its walls are adorned with iconic photographic images of luminaries ranging from Grace Jones to Beth Ditto. The more subdued bar area located upstairs offers an excellent setting for a romantic rendezvous, although it is not accessible on all evenings.

The City of Quebec

The venerable City of Quebec, acknowledged as London’s most ancient gay public house, presents itself as a bustling, unpretentious West End establishment featuring a serene, inviting primary space and a lower-level disco. This venue, occasionally dubbed the ‘elephants’ graveyard’ due to its more mature patronage, nonetheless attracts a diverse age range, with younger male visitors frequently seeking older companions. In stark contrast to London’s more fashionable locales, it possesses a somewhat suburban ambiance; however, this characteristic is not a drawback, and it is indeed pleasant to frequent an establishment where raised voices are not necessary for conversation. It unequivocally provides a welcome departure from the often pretentious Soho social environment.

Comptons of Soho

As implied by its very designation, Compton’s has long stood as a steadfast fixture on Old Compton Street. It garners particular favour among a cohort of beer-loving, masculine gay men and occasionally fosters an atmosphere conducive to cruising. However, do not be deterred by the multitude of patrons congregating and extending onto the pavement. The delightful lounge situated on the upper level serves as an excellent venue for romantic encounters or engaging dialogue – importantly, it draws a more varied demographic – whilst the ground floor constitutes a truly vibrant bar area where one is highly likely to encounter a spirited Kim Wilde hit.

Ku Bar

Situated conspicuously on the periphery of Soho’s Chinatown district, this expansive LGBTQ+ establishment consistently receives accolades as London’s finest. Though slightly more refined and, admittedly, pricier than its nearby competitor, G-A-Y, Ku draws a generally comparable clientele, and its youthful, enthusiastic atmosphere is just as much fun. The ground floor provides an illuminated and contemporary bar area featuring visual displays broadcasting popular music; beneath, a more club-like chamber accommodates fresh-faced individuals of all genders, who rhythmically move to pop and dance remixes. An additional Ku Bar, located on the adjacent Frith Street, presents a calmer interpretation of this identical experience.

The Yard

This charming Soho courtyard establishment draws a diverse LGBTQ+ patronage. Its lower-level alfresco section features sedate illumination, timber banquettes, and a considerable amount of flora, collectively imparting a nearly pastoral ambiance. The loft bar positioned on the upper floor is furnished with elegant leather sofas and includes a balcony frequently utilised by those who smoke. Although a rather uncomplicated food menu is available, in truth, the majority of visitors frequent this location primarily for beverages and social interaction. The Yard becomes particularly bustling on balmy summer evenings, at which times its open, inviting atmosphere renders it a queer-friendly environment you could comfortably bring your mother to.

Halfway to Heaven

This customary gay public house is conveniently located midway between the Soho district and the nightclub Heaven, thereby explaining its designation. The bar area on the upper floor proves excellent for informal meetings during the workweek, whereas the lower level presents a transparent, fishbowl-esque cabaret venue where drag queens take to the stage seven nights a week. The atmosphere in that subterranean area can become quite boisterous, particularly when Marsha Mallow, the resident performer on Friday evenings, vociferously delivers her renowned medley of club classics.

She Soho

This subterranean, cavernous bar constitutes Soho’s sole establishment exclusively for queer women and non-binary individuals, a responsibility it embraces with utmost earnestness. Unless one self-identifies in this manner – or arrives accompanied by numerous queer female and non-binary companions – entry is likely to be denied. Operated by the same team responsible for Ku Bar, She Soho boasts a comparably jovial ambience and an inherent flair for initiating lively celebrations. It maintains late operating hours on weekends, and also provides engaging quizzes and drag karaoke sessions specifically to attract weekday clientele.

Zodiac

Are you inclined to explore beyond the familiar confines of Soho's queer scene? This LGBTQ+ venue is conveniently located merely a short distance from both Euston and Warren Street stations, and offers an energetic amalgamation of karaoke evenings, captivating drag performances, and club nights featuring gogo dancers. While it is by no means avant-garde, its unpretentious and inviting ambiance renders it an enjoyable destination for an evening’s entertainment.

Friendly Society

The Friendly Society capitalises on the element of unexpected delight: subsequent to passing through an unassuming back-alley entrance, visitors are met at the foot of the staircase by Soho’s most uniquely individualistic drinking establishment. From the ceiling dangle Barbie dolls, a sizable fishbowl occupies the central area, and vintage films are projected onto a rear wall. Despite the concise cocktail list remaining unchanged for an extended period, the personnel consistently appear bewildered when an order is placed for one, though this characteristic undeniably contributes to its unique appeal. The clientele here is LGBTQ+ in its widest definition – indeed, anyone possessing a cheerful disposition will feel entirely at ease, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Should one desire to dance rhythmically to Donna Summer’s music whilst enjoying (comparatively) affordable prosecco, this venue serves as an indispensable destination.

Dalston Superstore

This popular Kingsland High Street locale stands as an East London institution, widely cherished by individuals ranging from Owen Jones to Princess Julia. Billing itself as a ‘multipurpose queer venue,’ a description which is certainly not an overstatement, it hosts drag brunch events in its upper-level bar during daylight hours, transitioning to innovative club nights in the subterranean area as the evening progresses. Among its present recurring evening events are Happy Endings and Femme Fraiche: appellations that perfectly encapsulate Dalston Superstore’s playful and non-conformist atmosphere.

Goldie Saloon

Located immediately beneath the striking East London arts venue Guts Gallery, this Hackney Downs establishment, functioning as both a daytime cafe and nighttime bar, self-proclaims to be East London’s ‘FLINTA-gay living room’. Its chic yet understated ambiance renders it an excellent location for a romantic rendezvous – provided, of course, that one is comfortable with encountering a significant portion of East London’s lesbian community concurrently. The offerings include a curated selection of traditional cocktails available at quite fair prices (the dirty martini being particularly commendable), alongside European low-intervention wines and draught beers sourced from East London’s Queer Brewing.

La Camionera

This East London FLINTA bar operates under the direction of trans masc musician and DJ Alex Loveless and his partner, Spanish artist Clara Solis. Its name derives from the Spanish expression for ‘female truck driver’ – a colloquialism for butch lesbians – and its conception draws inspiration from the Iberian drinking establishments that the couple regularly frequent when visiting Clara’s family near Madrid. The vibe decidedly aligns more with a characteristic East London small plates venue than with your average gay bar: envision whitewashed walls and elegant, hand-painted tiles decorating a bar replete with meticulously arranged bottles of Campari and biodynamic wine.

The Divine

Emerging from the demise of the much-missed The Glory, The Divine provides an identical anarchic LGBTQ+ vibrancy. Located on Stoke Newington Road, this queer venue and performance space is an ideal spot for a swift post-work refreshment: its bar staff serve meticulously prepared cocktails in addition to the standard selection of beers, wines and spirits. Conversely, it also serves as a vibrant platform for innovative queer entertainment. This is truly a diverse environment where the prevailing sentiment is less ‘anything goes’, and more ‘everything is embraced’.

The Karaoke Hole

Operating as the younger sibling to the adjacent Dalston Superstore, The Karaoke Hole holds the distinction of being the United Kingdom’s inaugural drag queen karaoke bar, offering patrons a unique opportunity to unleash their inner divas. During the hours of 7 PM and 10 PM, the atmosphere remains relatively structured: it is possible to reserve tables in advance, leisurely enjoy cocktails, and vocalise to one’s utmost satisfaction. Nonetheless, commencing at 11 PM, the scene transforms into something considerably more boisterous: the karaoke evolves into an unrestrained free-for-all, with drag queens and aspiring X Factor contestants singing with unbridled fervour, all while illuminated by disco balls and supported by wind machines. While consistently embodying a notably queer spirit throughout the week, Thursdays are specifically designated for Queereoke, featuring an exceptionally flamboyant playlist designed for unrestrained enjoyment.

The Nelson’s

Recognised as one of London’s most inviting LGBT+ public houses. Situated just beyond the primary Columbia Road thoroughfare, its Sunday roasts are notably exceptional – a quality matched by the remarkable, albeit slightly not safe for work, wall-art depicting various hand-drawn, cartoonish genitals. It is unequivocally distinct from a Wetherspoons establishment.

The Queen Adelaide

Subsequent to the forced closure of the much-cherished East London queer pub The George and Dragon in 2015, The Queen Adelaide emerged, phoenix-like, merely a fortnight thereafter. Inaugurated by the identical proprietor approximately one mile further along the same thoroughfare, it features comparably kitsch decor – notably, do keep an eye out for the renowned horse’s head – and has rapidly become a favoured destination for the capital’s queer LGBTQ+ hipsters. However, in certain respects, the Queen Addy also represents an enhancement: on this occasion, the festivities extend across two distinct levels, and a 3 AM licence is granted on weekend nights. May the celebration continue without abatement!

The Wing and a Prayer

Clapton has, arguably, supplanted Dalston as the unofficial epicentre of queer culture in East London; consequently, it appears entirely appropriate that the women, gay men, and non-binary individuals within the locality should now possess their own dedicated establishment. This materialises as the gay bar ‘The Wing and a Prayer,’ affectionately, and somewhat naughtily, referred to as ‘the WAP’. Occupying the previous location of The Mermaid and, more recently, The Black Hen, this public house has not enjoyed consistent operational longevity in recent years – but it is currently managed by a highly competent team, namely those responsible for Hoxton’s beloved The Nelson’s.