Lesbian and gay bars and clubs in London

The more intimate sibling of the popular Leicester Square hangout, Ku Bar Soho is a great place for romantic drinks or people watching on Old Compton Street. Cocktails are the speciality at this cosy spot with gold decor, but you can also enjoy a refreshing choice of wines, beers and spirits.

One of oldest gay bars in London, Comptons is affectionately nicknamed "The Old Dame" of Old Compton Street. The relaxed, pubby drinking spot attracts beer-drinking bears and live sports fans, and the atmosphere ramps up with DJ sets on selected Fridays and Saturdays. The friendly ambience at Comptons of Soho means anyone is welcome.

Situated in Soho, the lively Admiral Duncan is an iconic place to enjoy a drink and larger-than-life entertainment. One of the oldest and most famous gay pubs in London, named after an admiral who defeated the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown in 1797, the pub hosts popular music nights every Saturday, and on selected weeknights.

Dark and seductive, this eclectic townhouse-style bar and dancing venue features everything from sofas made from bathtubs to a bar adorned with old books within it's two floors - it's certainly one of the quirkiest gay bars in Soho. You'll find a host of classic and unusual cocktails at Bar Soho, expertly crafted by skilled mixologists, alongside wines, beers and drinks offers to keep you going on the dance floor into the early hours.

An offshoot of the legendary G-A-Y club night at Heaven, G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street in Soho hosts regular live music and DJ nights spinning top 40 hits, as well as a video jukebox which projects onto 16 large LCD screens. To keep the party going after closing time, G-A-Y Late is just around the corner and stays open into the early hours.

A cafe by day, club by night, Dalston Superstore is a vibrant and trendy hub for gay and straight party people in east London, and one of the area's best clubbing hotspots. Fuel up with brunch or a burger from midday during the week or 10am on Saturdays, and sample the extensive cocktail list as night falls amid avant-garde decor.

Set beneath a railway arch in Vauxhall, south London, industrial-style nightclub Fire comes complete with multiple rooms and an outdoor bar, hosting some of the biggest and best gay nights in London. With a sound system that will rattle your bones, a laser light show and some of the capital's top DJs, nights here never fail to disappoint.

Freedom Bar is a sophisticated gay bar and club located in central Soho. The downstairs club has more than 200 mirrorballs and two dance poles on the dance floor, perfect for an atmospheric party and the regular live events. For a more low-key evening, relax upstairs in the trendy bar with a glass of champagne or a cocktail from the extensive drinks menu.

Discover She Soho, primarily a ladies bar (although gentlemen are welcome with female guests). A standalone bar for the lesbian community, with fresh decor and an indoor garden, this is a great place during the week to hang out with girlfriends. As the weekend approaches, expect comedy, cabaret and burlesque acts, live music, and the latest DJs.

Open until 1am each day, Circa is one of the livelier gay bars in Soho with regular DJ sets pumping out commercial dance tunes. Although primarily frequented by a young crowd, anything goes at Circa, so sit back on one of the comfy sofas and look out for the eye candy.

With three floors, an impressive sound system and light shows in the main room, Heaven is an iconic London nightclub for people who really want to party. Look out for cheap student nights throughout the week and the flagship G-A-Y nights on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays which include pop impersonators and drag acts, as well as regular live music events.

Head down to one of gay London's secret gems and enjoy a small mixed indie bar with plenty of vibrant personality. Set aside in a little alleyway near Charing Cross, the Retro Bar's music is eclectic, and the decor features photos of many iconic rock and pop figures. Look out for 80s tunes and quiz nights for something a little different.

This chic Soho gay bar is a relaxed hangout by day that fills out in the evening as the regular after-work crowd arrives for drinks offers and DJ sets. Complete with subtle lighting and elegant furnishings Rupert Street Bar, located just off bustling Brewer Street, is ideal for unwinding and meeting new people.

One of the largest gay bars in London and only a few footsteps from Leicester Square, Ku Bar is spread over three floors and has a capacity of more than 500. Enjoy its exclusive champagne bar and DJ sets in the Klub each night until 3am.

This spacious two-storey Soho gay bar has the feel of a traditional British pub with a friendly atmosphere, offering a busy downstairs bar and a quieter upstairs seating area. Head to "The Welly" for live sport with great atmosphere, a quiz or bingo night, or simply a relaxing drink. Come summer, you'll find the streets around The Duke of Wellington packed with regulars.

Head down to south London's oldest surviving gay venue and enjoy regular club nights and unique events, including quirky bingo and drag shows in a vibrant atmosphere. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is housed in a Grade-II listed building, the first to be listed in recognition of its importance to the LGBT community.

A well renowned bear bar, Soho's The Kings Arms shows live sport and hosts karaoke nights as well as live DJ sets at weekends. The emphasis at this gay bar in London is very much on beer, with a good choice of real ales on tap.

Soho's first gay bar remains one of its most popular due to its relaxed vibe, flamboyant decor, daily happy hour drinks specials and go-go dancers at weekends. Keep an eye out for regular events and live performances at the Village, which sits conveniently on the corner of Wardour Street and Old Compton Street and is open until 2am most nights.

Enjoy London's best drag and LGBT+ cabaret acts at this renowned Clapham bar which also hosts a nightclub open until 4am at weekends. Join in the karaoke or salsa nights, test your knowledge at quiz nights and rehydrate with great value drinks at The Two Brewers.