Whether you’re after cool cocktail bars, old-school boozers, or edgy drag venues, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for among London’s LGBT+ bars.
Though the number of LGBT+ venues in London has seen a decline in the last decade or so, the city’s gay scene isn’t ailing yet – in fact, a handful of excellent new venues have opened in recent years around the city. Check out the best LGBT+ bars in London.
Get your bearings
The highest concentration of LGBT+ spaces can still be found around Old Compton Street in Soho, a former red-light district that’s been heavily gentrified in recent years, but remains London’s gay heartland. If you’ve never dipped your toes into LGBT+ London, Soho should be your first port of call.
Vauxhall in south London remains a must-visit; here you’ll find three key LGBT+ venues within walking distance of one another, including the historic Royal Vauxhall Tavern. East London’s LGBT+ scene is generally more fashion-conscious and gender-fluid, but this doesn’t mean you won’t get a friendly welcome. If you enjoy bonkers and provocative alternative drag performances, this is the area to head to.
Central London LGBT+ bars
Comptons of Soho
This Soho stalwart tends to attract a slightly older crowd of gay guys and has a reputation for being cruisy. If you don’t fancy jostling for space in the main bar, head upstairs for a more sedate experience in the surprisingly classy lounge – it even has a chandelier.
The Friendly Society
Probably Soho’s quirkiest queer spot, this fab basement bar features Ken and Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling and snug seating areas perfect for dates. While the drinks aren’t the cheapest, the Instagram-friendly surroundings and a glorious disco music soundtrack make up for it.
G-A-Y Bar
Bright, brash, and brimming with younger LGBT+ folks, G-A-Y is the ideal destination for cheap drinks, unapologetic pop music, and an unpretentious good time. When this Old Compton Street bar closes at midnight, simply walk around the corner to G-A-Y Late in Goslett Yard, where the party continues until 3am.
The Apple Tree
Located in Farringdon, midway between Soho and trendy Shoreditch, The Apple Tree is one of London’s newest LGBT+ venues. Marketed as “your unconventional neighbourhood pub,” it lives up to this label with high-quality drinks and a super-inclusive atmosphere that appeals to everyone in the LGBT+ community.
Retro Bar
Tucked away down an alley off The Strand, this cosy two-floor bar serves as a hidden gem. The walls are adorned with pictures of queer icons, including David Bowie and Beth Ditto, and the well-stocked jukebox keeps the alternative pop hits flowing until closing time at 11pm.
The Yard Bar
This Soho bar features an inviting al fresco courtyard, which quickly fills up on fine days. Although the upstairs lounge bar is somewhat less characterful, it opens onto Soho’s best smoking area, making The Yard a strong option regardless of the weather.
She Bar
Central London’s only dedicated lesbian venue is situated in a smart and stylish basement accessed from Old Compton Street. Open until 3am on weekends, it also hosts karaoke and jukebox request nights on weeknights, along with drag king showcases. While guys are welcome, they must be accompanied by a group of female friends.
East London LGBT+ bars
Dalston Superstore
Located on the main drag in uber-cool Dalston, this versatile two-floor venue hosts everything from fun weekend drag brunches to trendy electronica-based club nights. No matter where you identify on the LGBT+ spectrum, you’ll feel right at home at a place locals endearingly call Superstore.
The Glory
Despite only opening its doors four years ago, this LGBT+ pub, performance space, and dancing spot in Haggerston, near Shoreditch, already embodies the heart of East London’s queer community. The main bar is a lovely spot for an early evening drink, while both upstairs and downstairs spaces host dazzling alternative drag shows.
The Queen Adelaide
A brisk 20-minute walk from The Glory, this pub-club in Cambridge Heath presents the quintessential queer East London experience. Expect a vibrant, gender-fluid crowd, a healthy sense of kitsch, and basement weekend discos that grow increasingly spirited.
South London LGBT+ bars
Eagle London
Once known for its super-cruisy darkroom, this Vauxhall bar has been refreshed and cleaned. A slightly older and predominantly male crowd still frequents it, especially on Sundays when it hosts Horse Meat Disco, one of London’s most consistently cool club nights.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Known to locals as the RVT, south London’s oldest LGBT+ venue remains an enduring marvel. Striking a balance between stately and shabby, this venue is steeped in history – legend has it that Princess Diana partied here with Freddie Mercury in the ’80s. With brilliant regular nights such as Bar Wotever and Duckie, it continues to be a vital part of London’s queer community.
The Cock Tavern
Located just a short walk from Eagle London and the RVT, this classy pub in Kennington is worth checking out. Although closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, it hosts a lively Sunday pub quiz and fills up with a diverse crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.
Two Brewers
Situated in Clapham, around a 15-20 minute tube ride from the city centre, this traditional gay pub-club is a perennial favorite among LGBT+ Londoners who love a laid-back party atmosphere. Expect drag shows, DJs playing Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, and the possibility of a hangover when morning arrives.
West London LGBT+ bars
West 5
Keeping the gay flame burning out west is this traditional gay pub in Ealing, a leafy suburb about 25 minutes by tube from central London. West 5 offers the homely feel of a cozy local, complete with a pool table and grand piano, while staying open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, often featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race stars.
