Many of London's gay bars are clustered around Soho, the traditional centre of London's LGBT+ scene. However, the range of lesbian and gay bars and clubs in London spans the whole city, from iconic clubs in Vauxhall and Clapham to gay bars in east London.
All the best gay bars in London become busy on themed nights and weekends, as well as during the annual Pride in London festival.
Read more about LGBT+ London and check out things to do in London.
Ku Bar
One of the largest gay bars in London and only steps away from Leicester Square, Ku Bar is spread over three floors and has a capacity of more than 500. Enjoy events and DJs in its late-night basement club.
Comptons
Comptons, one of London's oldest gay bars, is affectionately nicknamed "The Old Dame" of Old Compton Street. The relaxed pub attracts beer drinkers and live sports fans, and the atmosphere ramps up with DJ sets on weekend nights. The friendly ambience at Comptons of Soho means everyone is welcome.
G-A-Y Bar
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. G-A-Y Late is just around the corner in Goslett Yard, where the party continues into the early hours.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
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. 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.
She Soho
Discover She Soho, London's only exclusively lesbian venue. She Soho is a great place to hang out with girlfriends (male guests are also welcome to join with female friends). As the weekend approaches, expect comedy, cabaret, burlesque, live music and DJs.
Dalston Superstore
A cafe by day and a club by night, Dalston Superstore is a vibrant and trendy hub for LGBT+ partiers in east London, and it's one of Dalston's best clubbing hotspots. Fuel up with vegan comfort food from the restaurant and then take your pick from the extensive cocktail list.
Heaven
With multiple floors, an impressive sound system and light shows, Heaven is an iconic London club for people who want to party all night. Regular events include the flagship G-A-Y nights, cheap student nights, drag acts and live music.
Freedom Bar
Freedom Bar is a sophisticated gay bar and club located in Soho. The downstairs club has more than 200 mirrorballs and two dance poles on the dancefloor, 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.
Circa
Circa is a lively gay bar in Soho, where DJs regularly pump out tunes to get the dancefloor going. Circa pulls in a young, party-ready crowd, but you can also chill out on the comfy sofas and outdoor seats on Frith Street.
Rupert Street Bar
The chic Rupert Street Bar in Soho is a relaxed hangout by day that fills out in the evening as the regular after-work crowd arrives for drinks and DJ sets. Complete with subtle lighting and elegant furnishings, this gay bar is ideal for unwinding and meeting new people.
The Duke of Wellington
Head to the spacious two-storey Duke of Wellington gay bar for live sports with a great atmosphere, a quiz or bingo night, or simply a relaxing drink with the regulars. "The Welly" has the feel of a traditional British pub, with a friendly atmosphere, a busy ground-floor bar and a quieter upstairs seating area.
Village Soho
Village was Soho's first gay bar, and it remains one of its most popular thanks to its relaxed vibe, glitzy decor and happy hour drinks specials. Keep an eye out for regular events and live performances at this beloved gay venue, which sits in the centre of Soho's LGBT+ scene on the corner of Wardour Street and Old Compton Street.
Little Ku
The more laid-back sibling of Ku Bar, Little Ku is a great place for romantic drinks or people watching on Frith Street. Cocktails are the speciality at this cosy spot with fabulous decor, but you can also enjoy a refreshing choice of wines, beers and spirits.
Two Brewers
Enjoy some of London's best drag and LGBT+ cabaret acts at Two Brewers, a renowned gay bar in Clapham. Two Brewers has a long list of fun evening events. Join in for karaoke or salsa nights or test your knowledge at quiz nights.
Admiral Duncan
The lively Admiral Duncan is an iconic gay bar in Soho to enjoy a drink and larger-than-life entertainment. One of the oldest and most famous gay pubs in London, this bar has resident drag queens and puts on regular cabaret nights.
Fire
Set beneath a railway arch in Vauxhall in south London, industrial-style nightclub Fire has 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 at Fire never disappoint.
Retro Bar
Head to Retro Bar, one of gay London's secret gems, and enjoy a small mixed indie bar with plenty of personality. Set in a little alleyway near Charing Cross, the Retro Bar is eclectic, and the decor features photos of iconic rock and pop musicians.
The Kings Arms, Soho
A well-renowned bear bar, The Kings Arms in Soho shows live sport and puts on karaoke nights and 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.
The Glory
Join the friendly crowd at The Glory, an east London pub with a weekend basement disco. The Glory has a regular schedule of LGBT+ performances and events, including cabaret, life drawing classes, and drag queen shows and competitions.
Yard Bar
Lounge in a courtyard surrounded by fairy lights at Yard Bar. This cosy gay bar is tucked away in a courtyard off Rupert Street in Soho, perfect for a few rounds of al fresco drinks. The welcoming atmosphere continues inside at the loft bar.