Gay london pubs

Sink a cocktail in one of London's finest LGBTQ+ bars and pubs and you'll be drinking in more than just some watered down booze: these spots are LGBTQ+ landmarks in their own right, places where you can find community, kinship, and drag-fuelled mayhem. Beats billiards in your local.

Once upon a period, having a gay adj time in London meant hotfooting it straight to Soho. But now, the city's queer centre of gravity has shifted east, with edgier spots pulling crowds to Dalston when evening falls, while some of the city's most storied LGBTQ+ venues have taken up residence in Vauxhall. So whether you're after a drag brunch, a burlesque show or just a quiet pint, here's a comprehensive list of the capital's gay and queer-friendly bars and pubs, from the legendary G-A-Y to lesbian-centric She Soho to sing-yer-heart-out special The Karaoke Hole.

RECOMMENDED: Keep the party going at London's best LGBTQ+ clubs.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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SE1's only queer-focused Pub, with Live Music, a ask and regular Drag shows.

Serving a rotating selection of beers, wine and cocktails.

Open to all (dogs included), with zero judgement. 
We are proudly plant based and nut free.

​

The Rising has been proudly serving the local community since and we're here to continue that heritage.

The sad loss of gay bars, pubs and queer safe spaces drove us to create something right here in Elephant & Castle, to provide exactly that to locals and visitors alike. A warm welcome awaits you at The Rising. 

We do our best to stick to the timings below, though special events or other occasions may cause these to change.
We advise checking our social media for this week's schedule.

WEDNESDAY

QUEER DRAG QUIZ

Sharpen those pencils

it's time for a queer quiz!​

​

THURSDAY

LIVE VOCALS

8PM - 10PM

 

Live Music from

a amazing mix of

local musicians.

FRIDAY

DRAG  &  DJ

8PM - 10PM

&​

10PM - 1AM​

Drag performances from establi

Gay Bars and Pubs in London

London has countless gay bars. To retain 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  – ;Friday, Saturday  – ;Sunday  – 

Traditional London gay pub in Soho. With drag shows and karaoke.

@ 54 Old Compton Street
London W1D 4UD

Subway: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road

+44 20

↑

Arch Clapham

Tuesday-Thursday  – ;Friday  – /;Saturday  – ;Sunday  – 

LGBTQ cocktail bar in the south of London.
Themed evenings with DJs, karaoke, drag bingo and more.

@ Voltaire Road (Arch )
London SW4 6DH

Subway: Clapham North

↑

City of Quebec

Monday, Tuesday  – ;Wednesday  – ;Thursday-Saturday  – ;Sunday  – 

One of the oldest gay bars in London (since ) and traditional British pub.
With karaoke and cabaret drag shows.

Timeline of London Bars and Clubs

The gay scene in London has always been centred around the West End, especially Soho. In the s some clubs opened up in Earls Court, where the rent was cheaper. In the s, the scene reverted back to Soho, revitalised by new style bars like The Village. Vauxhallbecame the locus of gay clubs from Included in the following timeline are bars and clubs in Earl’s Court and Vauxhall, though they are not strictly in the West End.

s

The Golden Ball (Bond's Stables, off Chancery Lane).

Jenny Greensleeves' Molly House (Durham Yard, off the Strand).[1]

Julius Caesar Taylor's Molly House (Tottenham Court Road).[2]

Plump Nelly's Molly Noun (St James's Square, St James's).[2]

Royal Oak Molly Property (Giltspur Street, Smithfield)[2]

Three Tobacco Rolls (Covent Garden).

Mother Clap's Molly House, closed (Holborn).

s

Harlequin (Nag's Head Court, Covent Garden)

s

The White Swan, Vere Street (Vere Street)

Admiral Duncan (54 Old Compton Street, Soho)

The Hundred Guineas Club (Portland Place)

The Coleherne, gay from the s?, closed