Gay scene in london
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 hour, having a gay former 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 darkness 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.
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Timeline of London Bars and Clubs
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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 Residence (St James's Square, St James's).[2]
Royal Oak Molly Home (Giltspur Street, Smithfield)[2]
Three Tobacco Rolls (Covent Garden).
Mother Clap's Molly House, closed (Holborn).
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Harlequin (Nag's Head Court, Covent Garden)
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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
Around the world and across the UK, gay nightlife is dying. Evidence of this demise and the ongoing threat of bar and club closures can be seen everywhere. In late the renowned London club G-A-Y closed its doors, as did many other bars and clubs, victims of an array of economic difficulties.
These incorporate customers no longer having spare income for clubbing, or spending less on nightlife due to the cost of living crisis – not to state the general economic and social turmoil left in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
All these things have acted to catalyse this destructive process, stripping city nightlife scenes of queer venues. Of course, we know the pandemic has been responsible for decimating all nightlife scenes, which have been suffering ever since the first lockdowns. Yet, queer venues have been knock disproportionately more than their straight counterparts.
This is because they are affected not just by these economic difficulties, but also by more complex economic and social changes that submit specifically to marginalised communities. This includes some within these c
London Gay Travel Guide
Upcoming Events in London
About London and its gay life
With a population of 8 million, London is the second largest metropolis in Europe. London extends over 44 kilometers along the Thames river and has a moderate climate with its summers not too hot and the winters not too chilly.
Throughout its history London has always been a center of attraction for different cultures and religions whether it be Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs or Buddhists. At the beginning of the 20th century, mainly Irish, Poles, Italians and Eastern European Jews came to London, while starting around the majority of immigrants comes from former British colonies such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today, the cultural, ethnic, religious and economic background of London's population is one of the most diverse worldwide.
London has a flourishing artistic, theater and music scene. Just think of the West End with its numerous musical theaters or the many world-famous London-based bands and musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen with Freddie Mercury, Th