Lauren Corona

Whether you're visiting London or you're a local, you might want to check out the city's LGBTQ+ scene. London has plenty of queer bars to choose from with something for everyone. Want to have a messy night out? We got you. But, there are also spots where you can enjoy a casual drink with music that's not too loud to hear your friends over. We're about to spill the tea on London's best LGBTQ+ bars. Royal Vauxhall Tavern A former Victorian music hall, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is one of London's most iconic queer bars and performance venues. It's been a known spot for gays and theys since the '50s and is still going strong. Cabaret is a big deal at RVT and features several nights a week. There are also club nights and packed dance floors on weekends. It's an inclusive spot and draws a mixed crowd. Regular nights: Push the Button (pop hits), DILF (bears, cubs, leather, etc.), Sunday Cabaret Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 7pm - 12am, Friday: 6pm - 4am, Saturday: 9pm - 3am, Sunday: 6pm - 11pm Address: 372 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5HY Admiral Duncan No list of London gay bars would be complete without a visit to Soho. The Admiral Duncan is a stalwart of the scene, providing a home for the LBGTQ+ community since the 1980s — although it's existed as a pub since at least 1832. Turn up early in the day for a cosy local boozer feel, but expect a party atmosphere later in the day with drag or cabaret most nights. Regular nights: Karaoke Showdown, Tuneful Tuesday (cabaret), Double Drag Thursday Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 1pm to 11:30pm, Friday and Saturday: 12pm - 12am, Sunday: 12pm - 10:30pm Address: 54 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4UD Retro Bar Tucked away down an alley, 15 minutes' walk from the bustle of Soho, Retro Bar has a quieter vibe than a lot of West End establishments but still has its livelier moments. It's retro in nature, not just in name, with vintage decor and walls plastered with black and white shots of musicians from Boy George to Beth Ditto. Expect vintage rock and indie blaring from the jukebox, with a more sedate lounge upstairs that's perfect for D&Ms. It usually shuts by 11pm, but it's occasionally open later for club nights. Regular nights: Busy Lady Bingo Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 4pm - 11pm, Friday: 2pm - 11pm, Saturday: 2pm - 11pm, Sunday: 2pm - 10pm Address: 2 George Court, London, WC2N 6HH Dalston Superstore If you're in East London, Dalston Superstore is the place to be. In the afternoon and evening, you can grab a quiet drink, and there's drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday. But, by night the mood shifts. On the weekend, there's a cover charge from 9pm and you can expect dancing until the early hours, with DJs spinning tunes on two dancefloors. Regular nights: Body Swap (trans dance music), Fèmmme Fraîche (FLINTA* focused house and techno night), Bottom Heavy (house) Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday: 4pm - 12am, Wednesday and Thursday: 4pm - 2:30am, Friday: 12pm - 3am, Saturday: 10:30am - 3am, Sunday: 10:30am - 2:30am Address: 117 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2PB La Camionera London (and the rest of the world) is sorely lacking in lesbian bars — La Camionera is one of just two in the capital. It opened in 2024, following a pop-up that saw hundreds of queer women spilling out into the streets of Broadway Market. Its permanent space is in Hackney and provides a relaxed spot for food and drink in the day. At night, it's packed but music is kept to a level you can talk over. Think wine, cocktails, and tapas in a beautiful environment, rather than raucous dancing to pop bangers. Opening hours: Monday - Tuesday: 4pm - 11pm, Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 11pm, Sunday: 10am - 10pm Address: 243 Well Street, London, E9 6RG The Karaoke Hole If you fancy yourself as the next Chappell Roan or Charlie XCX, you might want to head down The Karaoke Hole. This queer karaoke bar is in trendy Dalston and is the sister venue to Dalston Superstore. You can belt out your favourite karaoke tunes to a room full of people and the vibes are always on point. It's a good idea to book a ticket in advance for Friday and Saturday to guarantee yourself a spot. Regular nights: Drag Karaoke Chaos Opening hours: Thursday - Saturday: 7pm - 2am Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London, E8 2PB She London's other lesbian bar, She, is a rarity in Soho, where most LGBTQ+ bars pull a heavily male crowd. The small basement venue is more bar-like on weeknights and early evenings, but has a sweaty, packed dance floor at weekends and DJs playing club favourites. There's also a weekly karaoke night that's always a good time. Regular nights: Sing (karaoke), Noche Latina (Latin music), She Already Knows (hip hop, R&B, dancehall) Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 5pm - 1am, Sunday: 5pm - 10:30pm Address: 23a Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JL The Bridge Soho and East London might have the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and nightlife, but Clapham has its own mini gaybourhood — and The Bridge is among its highlights. This snug but lively cocktail bar is located in a railway arch. Not only does it have great drink offers, including 2-for-1 cocktail deals, but there are an array of drag shows, cabaret acts, and club nights to keep punters happy. Regular nights: Two for Tea (drag and cabaret) Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 4pm - 11pm, Friday 12pm to 12am, Saturday: 2pm - 12am, Sunday: 2pm - 11pm Address: 8 Voltaire Road, London, SW4 6DH

Lauren Corona

London’s Best LGBTQ+ Bars

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