Although Soho has long been hailed as the centre of London's LGBTQ+ scene, many of London's best gay bars are scattered across the city, from iconic clubs in Vauxhall and Clapham to gay pubs, karaoke and cocktail bars in east London.
Whether you’re after a quiet pint, a drag night or burlesque show, we’ve got you covered in our guide to the best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in London.
All the best gay, lesbian, trans and queer spots in London become busy on themed nights and weekends, as well as during the annual Pride in London festival.
Discover more about LGBTQ+ London and check out things to do in London.
North London
1. Electrowerkz
Looking to let your hair down? Electrowerkz has it all, including several regular club nights from ROAST to Cosmos, and special events to appeal to almost every queer crowd in the city.
Where: Islington (Torrens St, EC1V 1NQ)
2. ZODIAC
Venture to north London for a night out at ZODIAC, where the location of this venue makes it a rare find. Entertainment spans from regular club nights to drag shows and karaoke – but whatever you’re into, a fun night out is guaranteed.
Where: Euston (Hampstead Rd, NW1 3EE)
South London
3. Eagle London
Join the crowds that flock to Eagle London, one of the last remaining independent venues in the capital, for its unmissable events including drag performances, the Horse Meat Disco and legendary happy hours drinks.
Where: Vauxhall (Kennington Ln, SE11 5QY)
4. Fire
Set beneath a railway arch in Vauxhall, south London, industrial-style nightclub Fire has some of the biggest and best gay nights in London. Combining a quality sound system and laser light shows with some of the capital's top DJs, expect house, techno, bass and nights that never disappoint.
Where: Vauxhall (South Lambeth Rd, SW8 1RT)
5. Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Head down to south London's oldest surviving gay venue and enjoy regular club nights and unique events, including quirky cabaret 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 LGBTQ+ community.
Where: Vauxhall (Kennington Ln, SE11 5HY)
6. The Cock Tavern
Visit The Cock Tavern, a Georgian come Tiki bar that offers a broad selection of beers, wines and cocktails set within atmospheric surroundings. Expect house and guest DJs filling the dance floor, queer open-mic nights, burlesque, cabaret and drag.
Where: Vauxhall (Kennington Rd, SE11 4LD)
7. Two Brewers
Enjoy some of London's best drag and LGBTQ+ 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.
Where: Clapham (Clapham High St, SW4 7UJ)
East London
8. Dalston Superstore
A cafe by day and a club by night, Dalston Superstore is a vibrant and trendy hub for LGBTQ+ partiers in east London, and it's one of Dalston's best clubbing hotspots. Come for the weekend drag brunch, take your pick from the extensive cocktail list and you may well still be there in time for the club night.
Where: Hackney (Kingsland High St, E8 2PB)
9. FOLD
Regular club nights at FOLD are the closest you will find to the Berlin scene. Queer crowds flock here for the freeing energy and unbeatable lineups spanning electronic, dance, techno and beyond.
Where: Canning Town(Stephenson St, E16 4SA)
10. La Camionera
A FLINTA-owned lesbian bar in east London, La Camionera has a loyal following that helped kickstart its founding. After opening, it quickly became London’s hottest venue, its fun, friendly and fashionable vibe, small outdoor courtyard and lower-key event nights attracting an in-the-know crowd seeking a dedicated space.
Where: Hackney (243 Well St, E9 6RG)
11. The White Swan
A long-standing East-End favourite, The White Swan, offers an eclectic mix of weekly entertainment and music from Thursday-night karaoke to weekly disco nights in the neon-lit basement club.
Where: Limehouse (Commercial Rd, E14 7JD)
12. Goldie Saloon
Tucked away under the hip Guts Gallery with art hung all over its walls, Goldie Saloon is, in their own words, London’s ‘big FLINTA*-gay living room’. With subtle lighting, sleek design and a chilled but fashionable clientele, it’s a much-loved hangout. Expect everything from books launches to quiz nights and drag.
Where: Hackney (10 Andre Street, E8 2AA)
West London
13. 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.
Where: Soho (Old Compton St, W1D 4UD)
14. Circa
Looking for something lively? Look no further than Circa in Soho, where DJs regularly pump out tunes to the young, party-ready dancefloor. Take to the sofas or outdoor seats on Frith Street if you fancy chilling out.
Where: Soho (Frith St, W1D 3JL)
15. 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.
Where: Soho (Lisle St, WC2H 7BA)
16. She Soho
One of London's only exclusively lesbian venues, She Soho, is a great place to hang out with girlfriends (sorry fellas, you're only getting in if you're with a gaggle of girls or non-binary mates). As the weekend approaches, expect comedy, cabaret, burlesque, live music, DJs and more.
Where: Soho (Old Compton St, W1D 5JL)
17. 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.
Where: Soho (Old Compton St, W1D 6HN)
18. Little Ku
The more laid-back sibling of Ku Bar, Little Ku is a great place for a date night, pre-club drinks, drag bingo, burlesque or just people watching. Cocktails are the speciality at this cosy spot with fabulous decor, but you can also enjoy a refreshing choice of wines, beers and spirits.
Where: Soho (Frith St, W1D 5LB)
19. 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.
Where: Charing Cross (Frith St, WC2N 6HH)
20. Freedom Bar
Freedom Bar is a sophisticated gay bar and club located in Soho. There’s a lively bar downstairs and a more chilled lounge above, DJs and club nights almost every night of the week and a relaxed and friendly vibe which means everyone is welcome.
Where: Soho (Wardour St, W1F 0TA)
21. G-A-Y Bar
A once legendary Soho night out, G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street now attracts a young crowd after cheap drinks, live music and DJ nights held across its three floors. It’s a lively mix.
Where: Soho (Old Compton St, W1D 4UR)
22. Heaven
An impressive sound system and light shows span across multiple floors in Heaven, an icon for gay London clubgoers. Regular events include the flagship G-A-Y nights, cheap student nights, drag acts and live music.
Where: Charing Cross (The Arches, WC2N 6NG)
23. 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. The elegant interior, expertly crafted cocktails and weekend DJ sets and drag cabaret attract a friendly but lively crowd.
Where: Soho (Rupert St, W1D 6DR)
24. The Duke of Wellington
Head to the spacious two-storey Duke of Wellington gay bar for live sports with a great atmosphere, a quiz 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.
Where: Soho (Wardour St, W1D 6QB)
25. The Kings Arms, Soho
A well-renowned bear bar, The Kings Arms in Soho shows live sport and puts on karaoke nights, quizzes, drag bingo 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.
Where: Soho (Poland St, W1F 8QJ)
26. Village Soho
Village was Soho's first gay bar, and it remains one of its most popular thanks to its relaxed vibe, boudoir-style 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 LGBTQ+ scene on the corner of Wardour Street and Old Compton Street.
Where: Soho (Wardour St, W1D 6QD)
27. 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. Come early in the summer.
Where: Soho (Rupert St, W1D 7PL)
Keep exploring London's drinking scene with the best rooftop bars, or discover the capital's top clubs.
