Old Compton Street — Soho Queer Heartland
Central Soho's gay nightlife spine since the mid-1970s — site of the 1999 Admiral Duncan pub bombing memorial and the year-round rainbow crossings.
Visitors praise Old Compton Street for being an iconic spot for a beer with good music and a welcoming atmosphere, especially upstairs for people-watching. However, multiple reviews highlight issues with staff and security, including being refused service, treated unwelcomingly if not presenting as a gay man, and long waits to be served.
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Great DJs fast staff.
An iconic spot for a beer. On my return visit to London, I met up with friends to reminisce about years spent in this city and at this bar. 🏳️🌈
Newest staff remember refused to serve me on pride day and I don’t know why she literally changed and won’t served me and I’m a regular there so really don’t understand why when I’m fine and there’s others in a state
My queer friend recommended this location for us for a nice pint while in Soho - and while I was welcomed with open arms she got told off if "she knew this was a gay bar" and laughed at when she pointed out why they hang the lesbian flag if the bar is only meant for gay men. One plus point was the well organized bar if you were not treated like air if you are female.
Gay bar apparently means just that - despite having the lesbian flag hanging on display in reality everyone not presenting as a gay man is very much unwelcome here
Great bar. Good music and a good crowd.
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Last updated on 11 October 2026