So, why have we decided to post an article about top London gay clubs and pubs? Firstly, London is one of the world’s capital of the LGBT community. So, if you decide to go there, you will make the right decision. Plus, you will get the chance to wander around being yourself. We have selected our list of clubs by a specific area. So, if you want to find out more, please proceed with reading.
London’s gay scene has long been full of dynamic venues offering safe spaces to be yourself. Its core is still in its traditional home of Soho, but you’ll find radiant gay bars and clubs dedicated to serving the community south of the river and in the East End. So, as you can see, there isn’t just Soho anymore. Areas like Clapham or Hackney are also considered emerging new gay cores.
Which are the gayest areas in London?
There are three central gay cores in London. But this time, we are not referring only to several clubs and bars but more to a concentration of gay inhabitants that live in the area. So, the gayest are:
- Clapham and surroundings (Stockwell, Vauxhall, Balham, and Brixton).
- Soho
- Hackney and Dalston.
So if you are looking for an apartment, make sure you will book in one of these areas. Fun is guaranteed here.
Central London and Soho district
Heaven
It is a superclub in Charing Cross, definitely one of the world’s most famous. That’s why we strongly recommend visiting it to feel the real party vibe of gay London. You will have the time of your life there, especially if you love listening to electronic music and admiring the topless bodies of young gay guys.
For more info, please visit their site.
Circa (Soho)
Circa is a lively gay bar with DJ parties, pulling in young, party-ready, and muscular guys. But if you are not in a dancing mood, you can also chill out on cozy sofas and outdoor seats. So, if you are a party animal, we recommend this bar.
Please find out more about the program on their site.
Ku Bar
You will find one of the most awarded gay bars in central London. The vibe is simply outstanding, and the drinks are not too pricy. With DJs playing seven nights a week, KuKlub is the perfect mid-week and weekend club playing current and all-time party floor music.
Tip: They don’t accept cash there, just credit cards.
Please find out more on their website.
The Yard bar
It isn’t called the unique bar in Soho for no reason. Set back from Rupert Street with its private courtyard with outdoor heaters; The Yard is particularly popular with those who still like to smoke. They have an excellent outdoor there with plenty of plants. The downside is that it is pretty costly.
Compton’s
The friendly atmosphere at Comptons of Soho means everyone is welcome. Furthermore, the cozy pub attracts beer drinkers and live sports fans, and the atmosphere elevates with DJ sets on weekend nights. And if you are a karaoke fan, you should go there. Compton’s, one of London’s oldest gay bars, is popularly nicknamed “The Old Dame” of Old Compton Street.
North
Zodiac
Zodiac Bar is a welcome addition to North London’s queer night scene. It is one of the newest clubs in town. Our friends from London say it has two floors, great music, and a charming community. That’s why it represents a great excuse to party hard.
You can find more information on their website or their Facebook page.
East
Dalston Superstore
Dalston Superstore is your big queer paradise – an eclectic LGBTQ+ venue, cafe, gallery, and performance space. Currently in partnership with Essential Vegan and open for table bookings!
You can find more information on their website or their Facebook page.
The Glory
An alternative pub, nightlife spot, and performance venue serving quality drinks. A busy East London bar with lots of shows, parties, and a cabaret space that becomes a club at weekends. In addition, on their website, they represent themselves as the leading London gay club. So, if you want to learn more, please call your Uber and go party.
You can find more information on their website or their Facebook page.
South
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
It was built in 1865 and has been known as an LGBTQ+ cabaret venue since the 1980s. Since October 2005, RVT has operated solely as a performance venue delivering cabaret shows, live music, panto, dance performances, stand-up comedy, musicals, and club nights. So, if you are visiting London, be sure to see it. You won’t be sorry!
You can find more information on their website, Facebook page, or Twitter account.
Fire Vauxhall
It is one of London’s longest-standing and leading nightclubs.
Furthermore, Fire presents a multi-roomed dance club with a quality program of local and international events covering house, techno, bass, and more. Additionally, as previously mentioned, the club is legendary, primarily among the LGBTQ community. There is also an outdoor terrace to cool down after dancing the night away.
Please find more information on their website or their Facebook page.
Two Brewers
The legendary Two Brewers has been in the center of London’s gay scene for more than forty years. One of the capital’s most famous drag cabaret venues, our iconic show bar and club hosts fabulous, glitter-filled cabaret festivals – seven nights a week, 365 days a year. Additionally, if you love to lip-sync, can’t wait for the quiz, kill it at karaoke, or want to dance ’til dawn, we’ll be waiting to welcome you here at the Two Brewers every night of the week. And lastly, it is the most popular gay club in South London. Therefore we strongly recommend you visit it.
You can find more information on their website or their Facebook page.
ARCH Clapham
It is one of the newest London LGBTQ+ hybrid social venues.
They opened Arch in December 2020 (mid-pandemic!) to bring even more choice to the Clapham LGBTQ+ scene. More importantly, they strive to serve you the best food, premium-only drinks, and parties.
Please check for more information on their website or their Facebook page.
Electric Brixton
It opened its doors in September 2011; it brought back the life previously known as The Fridge and The Ace before that.
Electric Brixton has an excellent stage with unsurpassed sightlines making it the perfect venue for large-scale club events, live music, television recording, private parties, and special arts events. Across both floors, the platform has a capacity of 1,700 for a club event. But it is not a gay club. However, they host many We parties, where you can enjoy good old electronic music and the hottest guys you will ever see.
Please check for more information on their website or their Facebook page.
The conclusion of the top London gay clubs and pubs
Firstly, we’d like to stress that London is the premier gay capital of Europe, despite many giving precedence to Madrid and Berlin. However, we prefer it, especially its hectic atmosphere during the day and its free non-violent spirit at night. One can truly feel safe there. So, if you come to London for the party of your life, you will get one. Ultimately, we’d like to find out a bit more about you. So, please share your experiences with us in the comments below.
Take a look at
The guide to gay Barcelona
In this guide to gay Barcelona, we want to introduce the basics of gay travel in these magnificent cities. That’s why we will reveal some
The guide to gay Madrid
Are you planning to visit Madrid for a weekend or a few days? You probably wonder about the city’s top attractions, how to get around,
Milan gay travel guide
About the Milan gay guide: In a country renowned for its contributions to art, fashion, and science, Milan is bursting with creative flair, seducing the
References and sources:
Photo credits:
Featured photo: @gomadmadridpride