Most of London's best gay bars can be found in Soho; the city’s gay district. However, there are countless other venues spread throughout the city in popular queer areas like Dalston, Shoreditch, and Clapham. The bar scene in London is hugely diverse, and youll find great venues regardless of your tastes; from bear bars to gay super clubs, the city has it all. London’s gay nightlife scene attracts all sorts, and you’ll find a mix of locals and travelers in the capital’s gay bars.
With its exposed brickwork and timber beams, The Yard is a particularly popular bar in London’s queer Soho. With an indoor-outdoor feel, the bar is the perfect place to begin your night out. After warming up at The Yard, head to G-A-Y Bar. It’s a London LGBTQ+ landmark, and most gay travelers will end up in this glittering nighttime palace. Spread over three floors, there’s something for everyone here, and with music into the early hours, you could spend your entire night exploring this mecca of gay clubbing.
We have separate pages for London's gay nightclubs and gay cruise bars.

London Gay Bars
London is home to some of Europe's oldest and most popular gay bars. Most can be found in the gay district of Soho.
Gay Bars in London by area
Soho & Central London
It's a lively place to visit any time - day or night - with a excellent choice of shops, cafés, juice bars, restaurant and bistros. Caffe Nero (corner of Frith Street and Old Compton Street) is one of the most popular hang out spots during the day - a great place for people watching.
G-A-Y Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
30 Old Compton Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 54 votes

2019 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner

2020 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner
The venue has 3 floors. Upstairs can be far more popular than the ground floor during the week as it has a small outdoor terrace (usually full of smokers). The basement is slightly more chic.
Packed at the weekend. Everyone is frisked on the way in.
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road
The Yard Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
57 Rupert Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 35 votes

2017 Audience Awards
4 Star Winner
Set back from Rupert Street with its own private courtyard with outdoor heaters, The Yard is particularly popular with those who still like to smoke.
It's a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of London. Apart from its heated garden courtyard bar, the place also features a comfortable balconied loft bar, perfect for spending long summer or cosy winter nights with friends and loved ones.
The Yard is one of the most stylish gay venues in Soho, making it a perfect place for special celebrations, too. Tables and VIP areas 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 ones in town, served by eye-candy barmen too.
The entrance is directly opposite the Rupert Street bar.
Latest London Hotel Offers
Fabulous deals, amazing hotels
Friendly Society
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
79 Wardour Street, Soho, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 20 votes
Located just off Wardour Street, in the alley between Ann Summers and The Village in London's Soho gay district. Friendly Society is a fun and unique basement gay bar with a laid-back vibe.
Great to stop by for a drink and a quick ogle of the gorgeous barmen. Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling, eclectic lights and black & white movies make the bar a favorite hangout for gay men, lesbians and their straight friends.
G-A-Y Late
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
5 Goslett Yard, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 38 votes

2019 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner

2020 Audience Awards
3 Star Winner
The traditionally after-hours version of G-A-Y Bar, located about a 5-minute walk away - where most of the guys head sometime between 11pm and midnight. A staple of the London gay scene for over a decade.
Open every day of the week but restricted to members and guests only on Sunday nights. The place may be somewhat hard to find, as it's hidden behind the redevelopment of Tottenham Court Rd Station.
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road
Rupert Street
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
50 Rupert Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 20 votes
Another very popular gay bar located right in the middle of Soho.
Rupert Street serves food (burgers, etc.) and drinks during the day but is packed with the party crowd in the evening, spilling over onto the street during the summer.
Plenty of eye candy both in front and behind the bar. Rupert Street brings in some pretty good DJs to play live on weekends.
Comptons of Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
51-53 Old Compton Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 14 votes
Located in what used to be a Victorian hotel, Comptons of Soho had become a pub called 'The Swiss Tavern' in the 1950s and acquired a reputation as being a meeting place for gay men which was illegal at the time.
In 1986, the name was changed to "Comptons of Soho" and it came out in the open as being a gay bar. Over 25 years later, Comptons is still regarded as one of the most popular gay pubs in London.
The place attracts a more mature, beer-drinking crowd than found in some of the other gay bars in Soho.
Little KU
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
25 Frith Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 9 votes
The sister branch to the main KU Bar on Lisle Street. Little KU offers a slightly more relaxed and laid-back vibe, with regular drink offers served up by sexy KU barmen.
Located on Frith Street in Soho.
Admiral Duncan
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
54 Old Compton Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 10 votes
Admiral Duncan is a traditional English gay pub in the heart of Soho, named after Admiral Adam Duncan who defeated the Dutch fleet in 1797.
All gay tourists to London should pay at least one visit to this historic gay bar. It's a friendly pub with a 'local' atmosphere and a vibrant bar staff to match the eclectic range of customers.
Host to a range of event nights, the Admiral Duncan caters to everyone and anyone.
Weekday: 1PM - 11.30PM Monday to Thursday. 12PM - 12AM Friday
Weekend: 12PM - 12AM Saturday. 12PM - 10.30PM Sunday
Last updated on: 23 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 23-Aug-2023
VILLAGE Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
81 Wardour St, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 52 votes

2017 Audience Awards
5 Star Winner
One of the most popular gay bars in the neighbourhood, Village Soho is busy every night of the week, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Still, it offers a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ patrons, whether you're up for unwinding or partying.
Luna Cortez and Martin Petersson host karaoke on Wednesdays. VILLAGE's sexy go-go dancers strut their stuff on the bar top and podium, from Thursday through Saturday. Squeeze in and watch!
John The Unicorn
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
157 – 159 Rye Lane, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 2 votes
A flexible venue, John The Unicorn is open for a large portion of the day and evening; making it a great place for lunch, dinner or for evening drinks.
Nearest station: Peckham Rye Tube Station
Weekday: 5PM - 12AM Monday to Thursday. 5PM - 1AM Friday
Weekend: 2PM - 1AM Saturday. 2PM - 11PM Sunday
Last updated on: 11 Sep 2023
Last updated on: 11-Sep-2023
CIRCA Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
62 Frith Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 18 votes
Circa Soho is one of the leading gay bars in the neighbourhood. Stylish and will chill atmosphere, Circa Soho promises to "bring a little sparkle" to London's gay district. This is a great place for a drink and chat before heading off to a club. Sister venue of Circa Embankment.
Themed entertainment most nights of the week, including Friday nights with their mix of Chart music and R&B. The cute bar staff are pretty good, too!
KU Bar & Klub
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
30 Lisle Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 133 votes
Ku Bar & Klub is an independently owned gay bar & dance club located just a few steps from Leicester Square.
The large main ground floor bar attracts all types, from twinks and muscle Marys to locals and tourists. The walls of flat screen TVs play nonstop chart-topping music videos, whilst behind the bar, the KU boys are a visual treat in their own rights.
KU Klub is located in the basement of the bar. Free entry, apart from Fridays & Saturdays after 11pm (£5). Both the bar and club continue to be two of the most popular gay venues in London.
It boasts of great service and reasonably priced drinks - a winning combination that has been reflected in the many awards this bar has won in recent years.
The Duke of Wellington
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
77 Wardour Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 10 votes
For over 20 years, The Duke of Wellington has served as a classic British local gay pub in the middle of Soho.
A genuinely friendly bar that serves as a 'local' for many who live or work in the heart of London, it's a place where you can catch up with friends, dance to the songs the DJs are spinning or get competitive over drag bingo and quiz.
The team is lively and friendly, eager to welcome guests every night.
The Light Lounge
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
1 Newport Place, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 7 votes
The Light Lounge is a stylish gay-popular cocktail lounge bar from the KU group. With its twinkly chandeliers, elegant grey banquettes and perfumed lilies scenting the air, it’s an upscale escape from the chaotic streets outside.
The Light Lounge serves a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails served by mixology experts.
Mixed/LGBT crowd. Located directly above KU Bar.
Mon:17:00 - 23:30
Tue:17:00 - 23:30
Wed:17:00 - 23:30
Thu:17:00 - 23:30
Sat:17:00 - 00:00
Sun: Closed
Last updated on: 23 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 23-Aug-2023
Freedom Bar Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
66 Wardour Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 9 votes
A stylish and sophisticated bar and nightclub in the heart of Soho, Freedom Bar attracts a mixed, trendy crowd - particularly those working in media, fashion and entertainment including gay celebrities.
Freedom Bar features a stylish ground floor, cocktail bar and dance floor in the basement, with crystal chandeliers, crushed pink velvet seating and over 200 mirror balls. A sight to see!
The Kings Arms Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
23 Poland Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 24 votes
A gay bar since 1982, and going strong 40+ years later, Kings Arms is known as one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly places in Soho. It's the bar of choice for London's bear community.
On Fridays and Saturdays, guest and resident DJs spin the decks and the legendary Beareoke, which has been going on for over 25 years, happens every Sunday
The bar serves a large cask ale selection as well as ciders and spirits.
Halfway to Heaven
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
7 Duncannon Street, Charing Cross, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 6 votes
Halfway to Heaven is one of London's most famous gay cabaret show bars with a different crowd-pulling theme every night. It's a great bar for finding cheap drinks deals in the heart of central London.
Weekly themed nights at Halfway to Heaven include karaoke and sing-along - check their website for the latest program.
City of Quebec
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
12 Old Quebec St, Marble Arch, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 24 votes
City of Quebec hosts regular entertainment, karaoke and special events. And late license means that customers can enjoy an affordable late-night out. Mixed crowd. Free WiFi available.
Nearest station: Marble Arch (Central Line)
Weekday: 12PM - 2AM Monday to Wednesday. 12PM - 3AM Thursday to Friday
Weekend: 12PM - 3AM Saturday. 12PM - 1AM Sunday
Last updated on: 8 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 8-Aug-2023
BAR Soho
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
23-25 Old Compton Street, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 1 votes
Gay-popular, late-night mixed bar in the heart of Soho, London, that welcomes everyone.
BAR Soho serves a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Resident DJs play 7 nights a week. The bar also hosts occasional LGBTQIA+ events.
Weekday: 4PM - 1AM Monday to Thursday. 4PM - 3AM Friday
Weekend: 12PM - 3AM Saturday. 4PM - 12.30PM Sunday
Last updated on: 24 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 24-Aug-2023
Vauxhall
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
372 Kennington Lane, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 14 votes
No visit to gay London could be complete without at least one drink at the famous Royal Vauxhall Tavern. A vibrant and successful independent company who is recognised as providing a unique and welcoming environment to an eclectic crowd.
The RVT team are committed to ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and fun, providing you with unsurpassed levels of hospitality and a diverse variety of entertainment, seven days a week and aims to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Royal Vauxhall Tavern continues to enjoy stability and growth and dynamically supports the LGBT community in which it operates.
Nearest station: Vauxhall
Weekday: 7PM - 12AM Monday to Thursday. 6PM - 4AM Friday
Weekend: 9PM - 4AM Saturday. 4PM - 11PM Sunday
Last updated on: 30 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 30-Aug-2023
EAGLE London
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
349 Kennington Lane, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 83 votes

2017 Audience Awards
4 Star Winner

2019 Audience Awards
4 Star Winner

2020 Audience Awards
4 Star Winner
One of the most iconic gay venues in London, Eagle LONDON is a long-running gay bar and club in Vauxhall. It features a dance floor and garden for smokers and those wanting to chat away from the music.
Eagle offers a fantastic range of craft beers and wines and has regular drinks promotions. Sunday night is reserved for the infamous Horse Meat Disco, A night dedicated to human happiness - the party is for everyone; from club kids, bears, fashionistas and naturalist to drag queens.
From the tube station, continue on past the Royal Vauxhall Tavern down Kennington Lane for about 200 metres. Easy to spot the completely black-painted building.
Weekday: 9PM - 2AM Thursday. 9PM - 4AM Friday
Weekend: 2PM - 4AM Saturday. 8PM - 3AM Sunday
Last updated on: 24 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 24-Aug-2023
Latest London Hotel Offers
Fabulous deals, amazing hotels
South London
Neptune Bar
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
56 Clapham Park Road, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 0 votes
Neptune bar is a vibrant and cosy LGBTQ+ friendly Cocktail bar, Oyster Bar, Grill and Shisha Bar serving well calibrated cocktails and Mediterranean/afro cuisine.
Located 3 mins walking distance from Clapham Common station, Neptune is a fun, friendly event space to spend quality time for your nights out in London.
Please follow our Instagram page for our event agenda such as Theme party, Karaoke, Salsa classes, single events, DJ set, bottomless brunch and much more..
Weekday: 12PM - 11PM Monday to Thursday. 12PM - 1AM Friday
Weekend: 12PM - 1AM Saturday. 12PM - 11PM Sunday
Last updated on: 24 Aug 2023
Last updated on: 24-Aug-2023
The Two Brewers Clapham
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
114 Clapham High St, London, United Kingdom
Show on mapAudience Rating
Based on 17 votes
Two Brewers has been in business for over 30 years, with a winning combination of good-value drinks, regular cabaret and drag shows and a great selection of handbag and commercial tunes.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the larger club space plays house and club tunes all night.