The secret to a great night out in London is hitting up the gay bars. London has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with bars that offer a mix of great music, lively atmospheres, and inclusive spaces where everyone can feel at home. Whether you’re after a wild night out or a more chilled vibe, there’s a place for you in London’s gay bar scene.
The 5 best gay bars in London
Take yourself on a bar crawl along our pick of the best gay bars in London.
Read more about each of the bars below to decide which gay bar in London to start with…
1. G-A-Y
Now would this really be a list of the best gay bars in London without G-A-Y being at the top? This is a staple of London’s gay bar scene and is a sister branch to the club ‘Heaven’. It is everything you would expect a gay bar to be: pop princesses blaring from the speakers, cheap drinks and a young crowd. Yes, it may be corny. Yes, it may be overdone. But ignore the haters because G-A-Y certainly makes for an amazing great night out.
Address: 30 Old Compton St, Soho, W1D 4UR
2. Halfway to Heaven
Halfway to Heaven is located next to the club “Heaven” and is a great place to stop off to get you raring to slay the night away. The upstairs bar has more of a casual vibe if you’re simply trying to pre-game for your night at the club. However, the basement is where the party is at as it transforms into a cabaret venue where drag queens perform seven nights a week. The entertainment is not only captivating but is hilarious making it a “gem of the West End.”
Address: 7 Duncannon Street, Westminster, WC2N 4JF
3. Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is THE spot to be if you’re exploring London’s gay bars. Although it may seem like your typical Central London pub it is a hotspot for SO many gay events and is “one of the best bars in London for Bears“. It is also one of Soho’s oldest gay bars! It’s easy for London’s gay bars to be a little overwhelming if you aren’t used to the extravagance they provide, so the Kings Arms is a chilled alternative. The staff and patrons are all incredibly friendly and welcoming and the venue has this wonderful charm about it. On the weekends they have DJs performing sets of disco, techno and house music as well as “Bearaoke” on Sundays. They also offer mid-week fun with a pub quiz for only £3 which is super entertaining.
Address: 23 Poland Street, Westminster, W1F 8QJ
4. SHE Soho
SHE Soho is a hidden gem on the LGBTQ+ scene in London, being one of the city’s two lesbian bars. It’s a basement bar with a drag DJ. It is dedicated to queer women and non-binary folk making it a safe and inviting environment amongst London’s bustling nightlife. During the week you will find them hosting drag quizzes and karaoke sessions as well as comedy nights which shouldn’t be missed but the real fun happens on the weekends. She Soho is open late 5 nights a week and from Friday to Sunday has a busy programme of club nights and live DJ performances. It truly stands out from London’s gay bar scene and rightly so.
Address: 23a Old Compton St, Soho, W1D 5JL
5. Little KU
KU Bar and Klub is one of London’s best gay bars. It is a three-story building located in Chinatown. However, it is a lesser-known fact that there is a smaller branch of the bar on Frith Street – “Little KU”. This bar is a hotspot for those looking for a fun night out in London. It is a welcoming bar with helpful staff, great music and a fantastic atmosphere. The bar is split across three floors, with chic decor and a beautiful curved ceiling. Little KU is definitely a social hub you should visit on the London LGBTQ+ scene!
Address: 25 Frith St, London, W1D 5LB
If you love London’s gay bars but want something that’s even more glamorous then be sure to check out the best London drag shows!
I’m currently a BA Anthropology student so people watching is my favourite thing! I love going to concerts, pop culture and reading. In my free time, I love trying new places to eat.
