London’s night scene and LGBTQ+ scene are two of the best things about it. Combine the two together and you know you’re in for a treat. Whether you want to dance the night away with drag queens or fancy a drink in a chilled setting, we’ve got you covered! Here’s the hot list of 10 of the best London LGBTQ+ student bars in the city right now.
1. Comptons, Soho
Any pub that has the pseudonym ‘the Great Dame’ is bound to be golden. Comptons of Soho is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic gay bars, accommodating London’s LGBTQ community since 1986. They have 2 bars if you want to hit the dance floor, or a quieter lounge area where you can have a relaxed drink with friends.
2. The Glory, Haggerston
The Glory is East London’s Drag Queen haven. They hold a whole host of live performances, contests, battles, festivals and DJ nights (the list goes on!). If you want a RuPaul worthy party, The Glory is the one for you.
3. G-A-Y bar, Soho
Another iconic LGBTQ+ venue in London, G-A-Y offers 3 floors of fun and a separate late night club close by.
4. Heaven, Charing Cross
Heaven has been an LGBTQ+ Mecca since the late 70s, hosting some of the communities’ most loved musicians, from Madonna to the Pet Shop Boys, and in recent years, Dua Lipa. With a capacity of up to 1,500 and endless tunes, you really will feel like you’ve died and gone to Heaven!
5. Freedom Bar, Soho
Freedom Bar is a fab theatrical style Cabaret club in Soho. The basement club is complete with live DJs and poles for all sorts of shenanigans. The upstairs is complete with lush furniture and an extensive cocktail list for a more sophisticated setting.
6. Ku Bar, Leicester Square
Another Soho based gem, Ku Bar is a low lit basement style club with Live DJs and an extensive cocktail list. They also hold many Drag nights for you to sashay the night away.
7. Two Brewers, Clapham
Two Brewers in Clapham is another great spot for some late night dancing and frivolity. There’s bingo nights, plays and comedy shows if you fancy something different for your night out.
8. Colours, Hoxton
Colours is a vibrant East London joint for some daytime and night time fun. They’re a multi-arts bar hosting bottomless brunches and arty activities during the day and in the night its a great spot for a dance and drag shows, cabaret and music nights.
9. The Friendly Society, Soho
If you’re after some Instagrammable evening, The Friendly Society is a great one for you. With Barbies stuck to the ceiling and a room inspired by a fishtanks, you won’t be short of some content for the ‘gram!
10. Dalston Superstore, Dalston
Dalston Superstore is a funky spot perfect for a bottomless Drag brunch or queer art exhibitions during the day, or some fun late night events, too. Also keep an eye out for some of their student offers!
There are countless LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in London, offering some of the best and most raunchy, vibrant and fun nights you can experience in the city. However you choose to identify, these venues welcome everyone and anyone with open arms, and will give you a night you won’t forget!
