The vibrant London gay bar pub scene of London’s nightlife is a shining example of the city’s celebratory spirit. The capital is home to a variety of locations that not only extend a warm welcome but also showcase the rich diversity and history of the LGBTQ+ community, from the quaint backstreets of Soho to the edgy corners of East London. We’ll look at a few of London’s top LGBTQ+ bars in this post; each has a distinct personality and style. London’s LGBTQ+ bars have something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a glamorous drag show, a warm evening with friends, or a night of dancing until sunrise. Join us as we delve into the heart of the city’s most beloved spots, celebrating the joy, resilience, and vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community in London.
G-A-Y Bar & G-A-Y Late
This is probably the most famous gay bar in London, with venues in Soho as well as near Heaven nightclub. It has all the usual features, including cheap drinks during the week, a youthful crowd, and lots of pop music on the video screens. It’s three stories tall and has a dedicated girls’ room downstairs, so it never seems empty. Although many Londoners over 25 claim to detest it, they still make an occasional appearance here to dance to Lady Gaga while sipping “cocktails” based on WKD. And do not be alarmed, because when this door closes, another opens at G-A-Y Late. It’s round the corner at 5 Goslett Yard and provides a similar experience, albeit with even louder pop songs and a later licence.
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road for G-A-Y Late and Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square for G-A-Y Bar.
Dalston Superstore
This Kingsland High Street hotspot is a naughty bar and club loved by everyone and has hosted heavy-hitters such as Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna and the late Andrew Weatherall. It describes itself as a “multipurpose queer venue”, and that’s no exaggeration: during the day, drag brunch events take place in the upstairs bar, and at night, you’ll find lively club nights happening in the basement. The names of the regular nights at Dalston Superstore, Happy Endings and Femme Fraiche, are a perfect representation of the store’s playful and rebellious atmosphere. It’s definitely the place for a good time.
Nearest tube station: Dalston Kingsland
SHE Soho
This one’s for the ladies! SHE Soho caters to queer women, non-binary folk and their guests. Surprisingly, it’s the only women-priority venue in London, attracting a wide range of female-identifying people of various ages and backgrounds, and the competitive drinks offers keep them coming! This place effortlessly creates a welcoming and fun-loving vibe for those who visit, with entertainment such as club nights, comedy shows, cabaret, karaoke and quiz nights. The interior is exquisite, with ample comfy seating for everyone to chill at, as well as a vibrant dancefloor to dance the night away. Highly recommended.
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square
The Yard Bar
Another one in Soho, The Yard is a great choice if you’re a smoker. With its own private garden courtyard with outdoor heaters, this cosy bar is a warm and welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of London. The venue also features a comfortable balconied loft bar, ideal for long summer or cosy winter nights with friends and loved ones. The crowd is pretty mixed, and it’s also a place you’d feel comfortable bringing your mum to. This is one of the most stylish gay venues in Soho, making it a perfect place for celebrations, too. VIP areas and tables can be reserved free of charge. They can also host private parties in their upstairs bar. The cocktail menu is one of the most comprehensive in town, but the food menu is pretty simple.
Nearest tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Circa
With the original pub at 62 Frith Street, Circa Soho is conveniently close to other well-known LGBTQ+ venues. The bar has a stylish, contemporary interior that exudes sophistication while remaining cosy. Before the nightlife intensifies later in the night, you can enjoy drinks here in a more relaxed atmosphere in the early evening. With DJs spinning a blend of modern and vintage hits to suit a wide range of tastes, Circa is well known for its excellent music selection. In addition to the bar in Soho, Circa expanded with ‘Circa Embankment’, a club located at Hungerford House in Victoria Embankment. Partygoers can dance late into the night at this larger venue that provides a full nightclub experience with a dance floor and extended hours.
Nearest tube station: Tottenham Court Road for Circa Bar and Charing Cross or Embankment for Circa Embankment.
The Duke of Wellington
The Duke of Wellington has been a classic British local gay pub in the centre of Soho for more than 20 years. It’s a genuinely friendly bar known as ‘the Soho local’ that serves many who live or work in central London. The atmosphere is great and it gets very busy, but they have plenty of seating inside and outside to accommodate everyone. It’s a great place to catch up with friends over a drink of real ale or cocktails, dance to the music the DJs spin or get competitive over their weekly drag bingo and quiz. The staff are super friendly and lively, eager to welcome guests every night of the week.
Nearest tube station: Leicester Square or Picadilly Circus
City of Quebec
An Art Deco pub with a cosy beer garden serving real ales and cocktails alongside a modern British menu. This one’s a favourite amongst the LGBTQ+ community in West London with no shortage of entertainment, including drag bingo, open mic nights and live music. There’s also karaoke every Wednesday and a drag show every Saturday. Downstairs, the atmosphere changes every day, with a different DJ each night playing their own mix of classic and contemporary tunes. Their late license means visitors can enjoy an affordable late night out. The crowd is lively, varied, and they welcome everybody.
Nearest tube station: Marble Arch
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is one of London’s most iconic award-winning cabaret, performance and club night venues, which is once again the venue of choice for many leading artists and the LGBTQ+ community. No visit to gay London could be complete without at least one drink at the famous Royal Vauxhall Tavern. A vibrant and thriving independent company which is recognised as providing a unique and welcoming environment to an eclectic crowd. The staff are committed to ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and fun, providing unsurpassed levels of hospitality and a diverse variety of entertainment seven days a week. It’s rumoured that even Princess Diana once visited the tavern, disguised as a man and accompanied by Freddie Mercury.
Nearest tube station: Vauxhall
Two Brewers
Located on the vibrant Clapham High Street in South London, Two Brewers has established itself as one of the area’s most popular gay venues, serving the LGBTQ+ community with pride since 1981. Celebrating over 40 years at the heart of London’s gay scene, this legendary bar and club is renowned for its mix of good-value drinks, regular cabaret, and drag shows, along with a lively selection of handbag and commercial tunes. As one of the capital’s most famous drag cabaret venues, Two Brewers transforms into a dazzling world of glitter-filled extravaganzas seven nights a week, 365 days a year. On Fridays and Saturdays, the venue expands into a larger club space, where house and club music play all night, perfect for those who love to dance until dawn.
Nearest tube station: Clapham High Street or Clapham Common
