Where can you find the best gay bars in London?

The English capital boasts the largest gay and lesbian population in Europe, and this global hotspot provides a cornucopia of entertainment options for queer travelers. Soho, while not an official gayborhood like The Castro or West Hollywood, does serve as a de facto LGBTQ+ hub, providing various restaurants, specialty shops, and, of course, gay bars. Once the sun sets behind the fog, gay tourists and locals can hit up the city’s many nightclubs and parties.

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Heaven

Iconic British gay club Under the Arches, Villiers St, Charing Cross · London, England WC2N 6NG
(207) 930-2020
Website

Heaven

Notable as Europe’s largest gay venue, Heaven is arguably London’s most famous queer club. Gen Xers and elder Millennials may recognize it as the setting from the music video for the Frankie Goes to Hollywood song “Relax.”

Eagle London

Cruisy old-fashioned pub atmosphere 349 Kennington Lane · London, England SE11 5QY
(207) 793-0903
Website

Eagle London

This old-fashioned pub caters to the predominantly male demographic for most of the week. But every Sunday, the space hosts the wildly popular Horse Meat Disco party. Since New Year’s Day 2004, this shindig has opened its doors to a diverse crowd of homos, heteros, and every integer in between on the Kinsey Scale.

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Halfway II Heaven

Gay boozer situated en route to Heaven 7 Duncannon St, · London, England WC2N 4JF
(207) 484-0736
Website

Halfway II Heaven

This traditional gay bar serves as an ideal destination to get an after-work drink for the queer 9-to-5 crowd. The ground floor embraces a local gay bar vibe, while its basement serves as a venue for karaoke, quiz nights, cabarets, and drag shows.

Union

Vauxhall cruise and dance destination 66 Albert Embankment · London, England SE1 7TP
(+44) 797-0193
Website

Union

Formerly known as Crash, this dance destination attracts a sweaty, muscle-bound crowd every night of the week. With its dance and lounge areas, pool table, and smoking patio, Union often serves as a Bear Den for daddies and cubs alike.

Little Ku

Ku d’état 25 Frith St · London, England WC1D 5LB
(207) 287-7986
Website

Little Ku

Pronounced “kew,” not “koo,” this SoHo institution has catered to a subtly cruisy crowd for over a decade. For our sapphic travelers, Little Ku also features a lesbian bar in its basement space called She SohHo.

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