Finding the best gay bars in London can be tricky because there’s so many good ones! The best gay bars in London can make for some of the best nights out when you visit London. With London being the heart and home of Europe’s gay scene, it’s unsurprising that there’s tons of gay, lesbian and LGBT-friendly bars all over the city. If you want a quiet gay bar for a drink or perhaps a louder fun gay bar for a boogie, London has it all! Whether you’re wandering around Soho or trekking around Camden, you’re never too far away from what we reckon are some of the best gay bars in London for a night out.
Here are our picks for 8 of the best gay bars in London (in no particular order):
Here we go!
Best gay bars in London #1: FREEDOM BAR
In the heart of Soho, this cool, calm and collected venue is a local for many west-end performers as well as other theatrical visitors. The bar upstairs is a stylish and sophisticated with an additional club venue featuring amazing lighting, a DJ and dance poles. Take a visit for a fancy drink then dance the night away in the club underneath!
Address: 60-66 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 0TA
Telephone: 020 7734 0071
Best gay bars in London #2: KU BAR
Self-described as a ‘3-floored gay hangout’ – Ku bar (or bars as they have two locations) attracts a young, care-free crowd in the heart of Soho. When the bar closes, the club underneath (known as ‘Klub’) opens and hosts nightly DJs in a low-lit basement – perfect for a reasonably-priced drink and a boogie.
Address: 30 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA
Telephone: 020 7437 4303
Best gay bars in London #3: VILLAGE SOHO
The oldest gay bar in London is a cocktail venue that feels fresh! It features four different bars, all of which serve the tastiest cocktails around. With daily happy hours, this is an affordable night out in London. It hosts everything including karaoke nights, go-go dancers, themed nights and a small club underneath. A popular bar for a fab gay night out!
Address: 81 Wardour St, Soho, London W1D 6QD
Telephone: 020 7478 0530
Best gay bars in London #4: BETHNAL GREEN WORKING MENS CLUB
Masquerading as a proper working mens club, this LGBT venue is a unique and fun place to witness everything from live music, to burlesque to drag queens. With affordable drink deals and always something interesting going on – this place is a real treat for all those seeking an interesting night.
Address: 42-44 Pollard Row, London E2 6NB
Telephone: 020 7739 7170
Best gay bars in London #5: ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN
This former Victorian music hall turned LBGT pub is an iconic award-winning cabaret venue. The eclectic crowd it attracts enjoy performances, club nights and great drinks at this London venue. Open seven days a week, there’s always something to do and see at this pub, and it’s always enjoyable and fun!
Address: 372 Kennington Ln, Lambeth, London SE11 5HY
Telephone: 020 7820 1222
Best gay bars in London #6: DALSTON SUPERSTORE
A hugely successful gay and LGBT bar in Dalston, this eclectic bar and cafe serves cocktails, comfort food and a full calendar of entertainment realness. Wanna dance all night? Check. Wanna grab a bite to eat? Check. Wanna be in the trendiest LGBT venue at the moment? This place has it all.
Address: 117 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
Telephone: 020 7254 2273
One more for you…
Best gay bars in London #7: SHE SOHO
An LGBT venue designed for women, SHE is the only women-priority place in London drawing a great varied crowd from all over London. This vibrant after-hours club hosts a weekly Drag King show along with cabaret, burlesque and social events. A great location with drinks deals and a wide range of women of all ages and backgrounds means this is fantastic place to go!
Address: 23 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 5JL
Telephone: 020 7437 4303
Oh go on… one more then!!
Best gay bars in London #8: FRIENDLY SOCIETY
If you like atmosphere then Friendly Society is the place to be! Hidden down an alley and in a basement, this bar has beautiful decor with an atmosphere to match. The excellent cocktails along with the music, crowd and stunning look made this a unique and beautiful bar to visit when in Soho!
Address: 79 Wardour St, Soho, London W1D 6QB