London soho gay
For hundreds of years, Soho has been a haven for gay Londoners, packed of packed pubs and late night drinking dens even before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In these enlightened times, LGBTQ+ city dwellers have got a plethora of options all across the city. But same-sex attracted old Soho still holds a special place in London's LGBTQ scene and remains most visitors' first port of call, whether for drag nights or mingling. It's centred around Old Compton Street, where you can spend a raucous night at the enduringly popular G-A-Y bar or down unpretentious drinks at pubs like The Admiral Duncan. Here's our pick of the best gay bars and clubs in Soho.
RECOMMENDED: Undertaking further afield with London's best gay bars and gay clubs.
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The best gay bars and clubs in Soho
Occupying a prominent spot on Soho’s Chinatown
G-A-Y Bar goes on sale as Soho 'loses vibrancy'
One of central London's main LGBTQ+ bars has gone on sale with its owner saying Soho has "lost its vibrancy".
G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph said he had had to make the "tough decision" after his other venue, Heaven nightclub, was temporarily closed behind last year after a member of security staff allegedly raped a woman.
He criticised Westminster Urban area Council and the Met Police as well as local residents' groups as being too resistant to measures, such as late licences, which he said would benefit the nightlife industry.
A council spokesperson said they were proud supporters of LGBT+ businesses and the wider community in Soho and Westminster, while the Met said it understood the "complexities" that night-time venues face.
"This isn't an easy judgment. To me it is more than just a block, it's also my home - I've lived above it for over 15 years," Mr Joseph said in a statement.
He added the closure of Heaven while its licence was under review had put G-A-Y Bar "at uncertainty financially".
"Even now after Heaven's reopen
The Best Gay Bars In Soho
Soho has some of the foremost gay bars in London and is the UK’s biggest gaybourhood. It’s right in the heart of London, nestled between Mayfair and Covent Garden. In the centre of Soho, you’ll detect Soho Square: a great place to sit and have a drink in the summer. Soho Square was founded in 1661 to mark the restoration of the monarchy. A statue of Charles II still stands in the square. Today it's a playground for London's LGBTQ+ community.
Surrounding Soho Square you’ll find many of London's most famous homosexual bars. This part of the city has long been a haven for gay people and bohemians. By the post-war era, it was packed with brothels, underground drinking dens, cruising areas and gay bars. Soho was a byword for sin. Bars like the Colony Room became legendary.
When the Colony closed its doors in 2008, it marked the end of an era. A new Soho was emerging. Richer, less bohemian but still very gay. The Soho of today may be less rowdy, but it still retains its anarchic spirit. It’s the place to go if you wish to party in central London. You should start by strutting your stuff down world-famous Elderly Compton Street - you're sure to get a few
Gay Bars and Pubs in London
London has countless queer bars. To store this page usable for travellers not all of these bars have been listed here (particularly those of interest mainly for locals).
Admiral Duncan
Monday-Thursday 13:00 – 23:30;Friday, Saturday 12:00 – 24:00;Sunday 12:00 – 22:30
Traditional London gay pub in Soho. With drag shows and karaoke.
admiral-duncan.co.uk
@ 54 Elderly Compton Street
London W1D 4UD
Subway: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road
+44 20 7437 5300
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Arch Clapham
Tuesday-Thursday 16:00 – 24:00;Friday 16:00 – 01:00/02:00;Saturday 14:00 – 02:00;Sunday 14:00 – 22:00
LGBTQ cocktail exclude in the south of London.
Themed evenings with DJs, karaoke, performative bingo and more.
archclapham.co.uk
@ Voltaire Road (Arch 642)
London SW4 6DH
Subway: Clapham North
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City of Quebec
Monday, Tuesday 11:00 – 00:30;Wednesday 11:00 – 02:00;Thursday-Saturday 11:00 – 03:00;Sunday 12:00 – 01:00
One of the oldest gay bars in London (sinc