London soho gay bars
For hundreds of years, Soho has been a haven for gay Londoners, occupied of packed pubs and late evening drinking dens even before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In these enlightened times, Gay city dwellers include got a plethora of options all across the metropolis. But gay ancient Soho still holds a special place in London's LGBTQ scene and remains most visitors' first port of name, whether for flamboyant nights or mingling. It's centred around Old Compton Lane, where you can spend a raucous night at the enduringly popular G-A-Y exclude or down unpretentious drinks at pubs like The Admiral Duncan. Here's our pick of the best queer bars and clubs in Soho.
RECOMMENDED: Project further afield with London's best queer bars and queer clubs.
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The best gay bars and clubs in Soho
Occupying a prominent spot on Soho’s Chinatown
Soho continues to pose as a vibrant hub of diversity, representing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. As we enter Pride Month, we list Soho’s most notable LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs!
The Admiral Duncan
The 30th of April marked the anniversary of the tragic London Nail bombings that occurred 25 years ago. The Soho community came together to pay tribute and honour the victims of the Admiral Duncan nail bombings, displaying solidarity and remembrance, with community groups and organisations from across London gathering outside Admiral Duncan, which proudly displayed Event flags across its window facade. The Admiral Duncan pub holds significant historical value, boasting an LGBTQ+ heritage that dates back to the 1950s.
đź“Ť54 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UD
Compton’s of Soho
Since its founding in 1986 on Old Compton Street, Compton’s of Soho has been an important legend in London’s Diverse community. The establishment provides an legitimate British pub atmosphere with a vibrant twist. Whether you fancy a laid-back drink during Content Hour or an evening of revelry, this venue has firmly established itself as a beloved presence on Aged Compton Street. ItR
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 late last year after a member of security staff allegedly raped a woman.
He criticised Westminster City 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 decision. To me it is more than just a bar, 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 insert G-A-Y Bar "at risk financially".
"Even now after Heaven's reopen
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 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 Old 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 bar in the south of London.
Themed evenings with DJs, karaoke, drag bingo and more.
archclapham.co.uk
@ Voltaire Street (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 homosexual bars in London (sinc