It's true: London's gay nightlife is still some of the the best that the capital has to offer. From searching for gay bars or hunting around Soho, you're bound to find somewhere that ticks all your boxes. And then there's those late-night antics that might make you miss the last train.

Whether you want to throw some shapes to Britney and Beyonc?, lip-sync with drag queens in what used to be a strip club or fist-pump the night away in a leather harness under the railway arches, you really can go out and stay out when it comes to London's lgbtq+ clubs. Here are our picks of the top ten gay and lesbian clubs in London – and be sure to check out our guide to lgbtq+ London, too.
London has a vast clubbing scene that serves any taste and style of music you can think of. To keep this page manageable for travellers, we have limited it to the most popular gay clubs and parties. If you need a more complete list of all the hundreds of gay parties, grab a copy of London's weekly gay magazine QX.



Dalston Superstore
Stoke Newington
By day, this East End favourite plates up brunch and burgers; by night, it’s London’s best pansexual party spot. The upstairs bar is fun for a warm-up drink, but the basement is where the club action happens. Regular nights include Uncontrollable Urge (eccentric electro on Wednesdays) and SorryNotSorry Sundays (a monthly helping of ‘unapologetic pop’). It’s all very trendy but everyone is welcome: don’t be surprised to see drag queens rubbing shoulders with off-duty dads from nearby Stoke Newington.
A cafe by day, club by night, Dalston Superstore is a vibrant and trendy hub for gay and straight party people in east London, and one of the area's best clubbing hotspots. Fuel up with brunch or a burger from midday during the week or 10am on Saturdays, and sample the extensive cocktail list as night falls amid avant-garde decor.

VFD
Shacklewell
Formerly (and still commonly) known as Vogue Fabrics, this bijou Dalston basement hosts drag and spoken word events as well as genre-spanning club nights and parties. As its name suggests, it attracts a creative and fashion-conscious lgbtq+ crowd who love to dress up (though no one will really care if you rock up in sneakers and a polo top). VFD has the chutzpah to host club nights with names like Cuntmafia and Sassitude, but never takes itself too seriously. After all, the venue’s most famous feature is the massive penis mural in the loos.
Bar Soho
Dark and seductive, this eclectic townhouse-style bar and dancing venue features everything from sofas made from bathtubs to a bar adorned with old books within it's two floors - it's certainly one of the quirkiest gay bars in Soho. You'll find a host of classic and unusual cocktails at Bar Soho, expertly crafted by skilled mixologists, alongside wines, beers and drinks offers to keep you going on the dance floor into the early hours.

Sedition
Hoxton
Tucked away under a Turkish supermarket near Old Street, you’ll find this deliciously dingy disco basement. Sedition, formerly known as East Bloc, is compact yet filled with intrigue as you slink from one grotto-like room to the next. The music jumps from night to night (think more underground dance music than Top 40), but it generally attracts a varied crowd including beardy homo hipsters, edgy East End drag queens and trendy gay girls with asymmetric haircuts.

G-A-Y Bar
London's gay mainstream party temple since decades.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday night G-A-Y party.
Monday night mixed party Popcorn.
ID card required for entry.
An offshoot of the legendary G-A-Y club night at Heaven, G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street in Soho hosts regular live music and DJ nights spinning top 40 hits, as well as a video jukebox which projects onto 16 large LCD screens. To keep the party going after closing time, G-A-Y Late is just around the corner and stays open into the early hours.

Eagle London
Vauxhall
This Vauxhall institution has recently had a facelift to rival Sharon Osbourne’s. Out went the licence permitting sexual activity on the premises and in came the trendy decor inspired by New York’s Meatpacking District. Eagle’s large horseshoe bar still attracts many an older, burlier gay gent, but the overall ambience now feels slick and sexy rather than, well, slightly sleazy. On Sunday nights, the dancefloor welcomes a younger and more fashion-conscious crowd for Horse Meat Disco, one of London’s very best club nights. Debbie, a monthly Saturday night party which only plays songs by female artists, is also worth seeking out.

Retro Bar
Head down to one of gay London's secret gems and enjoy a small mixed indie bar with plenty of vibrant personality. Set aside in a little alleyway near Charing Cross, the Retro Bar's music is eclectic, and the decor features photos of many iconic rock and pop figures. Look out for 80s tunes and quiz nights for something a little different.

XXL
Southwark
Men-only dance club for bears, cubs, chubs, muscle bears and their admirers.
Admission: Saturday 15 £, 10 £ for members; Wednesday 5 £, free for members
Held every Saturday in a huge cavernous space near London Bridge, XXL is the UK’s biggest bear night. It’s a men-only affair, but you don’t have to be hench ’n’ hairy to have fun: the crowd is friendly and anyone who enjoys whipping his top off on the dancefloor will feel at home. XXL is so popular that it regularly attracts up to 2,000 punters. Most will be found dancing to house remixes in the main area; others will slope off to explore the (in)famous dark room.

Heaven
Charing Cross
When it opened in 1979, Heaven was revolutionary. London’s first gay superclub, it was the birthplace of Hi-NRG and acid house, and a magnet for queer celebrities. Nearly four decades later, Heaven is no longer cutting-edge, but still offers the UK’s most famous gay night out. On Thursdays it hosts the G-A-Y Porn Idol amateur strip contest, Fridays is filled with ’80s and ’90s cheese at G-A-Y Camp Attack, and Saturdays are reserved for the main G-A-Y club night, often featuring pop star PAs. Tourists and the younger crowd love it, and just about every lgbtq+ Londoner has danced the night away here at least once.

Ku Bar & Club
Chinatown
The more intimate sibling of the popular Leicester Square hangout, Ku Bar Soho is a great place for romantic drinks or people watching on Old Compton Street. Cocktails are the speciality at this cosy spot with gold decor, but you can also enjoy a refreshing choice of wines, beers and spirits.
One of the largest gay bars in London and only a few footsteps from Leicester Square, Ku Bar is spread over three floors and has a capacity of more than 500. Enjoy its exclusive champagne bar and DJ sets in the Klub each night until 3am.

The WayOut Club
London’s best-known trans night has changed venues a few times, but it now takes place every Saturday under a railway arch near Tower Hill tube. It’s open to everyone at the T end of the lgbtq+ spectrum, plus their friends and admirers, and attracts a loyal crowd of friendly regulars. The capital’s nightlife has more options for the trans community now than when WayOut began in 1993, but this night endures because it’s so warm and inclusive; there’s even a changing area for punters who don’t want to travel in drag.

Savage
Bethnal Green
The weekly little sister of 'genderfuck army' Sink The Pink, London's coolest club collective, Savage has become one of the East End's most celebrated parties. Taking over Bethnal Green strip club Metropolis on a Friday and Saturday, it's the place you come to slut-drop to bangers until 5am. Spread across multiple floors, you'll find stripper poles, sand (yep) and now a new basement. The crowd is as queer as it comes, with representation from every corner of the lgbtq+ community, and the music is pounding, which when you're sliding down a pole after a doing a sambuca shot is no bad thing.

Duckie
Vauxhall
There’s a reason why Duckie has been running on Saturdays at the RVT for over 21 years: it’s an absolute blast. Host Amy Lam? – who’s now London’s Night Czar, too – introduces performers who run the gamut from legendary to terrible: you could see tap-dancers or a drag queen, or you could end up watching a heterosexual couple from Essex having a bust-up on stage. In between and after the turns, DJ duo the Readers Wifes drop a hard-to-describe mix of Britpop, disco and leftfield chart hits from Bowie to Britney. Whatever your gender and sexuality, Duckie is a must-try; the only real rule is no whipping off your top like you’re at XXL.

1. G-A-Y Bar: Located at 30 Old Compton Street, G-A-Y Bar is a lively, energetic venue with three floors of entertainment. Known for its affordable drinks, upbeat music, and friendly staff, it's a staple in London's lgbtq+Q+ scene.
   
   
2. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern: This iconic gay venue at 372 Kennington Lane boasts a rich history dating back to the 1860s. The RVT is renowned for its cabaret, drag shows, and live performances, offering a vibrant atmosphere for patrons.
   
   
3. Circa Soho: Found at 62 Frith Street, Circa Soho is a stylish, modern bar popular among the lgbtq+Q+ community. With a chic interior and a spacious outdoor terrace, it's a great place to unwind and socialize with friends.
   
   
4. Ku Bar: Situated at 30 Lisle Street, Ku Bar is a sleek, intimate venue known for its extensive cocktail menu and professional bartenders. The bar's trendy design and regular DJ nights make it a favorite among the local lgbtq+Q+ crowd.
   
   
5. Heaven: As one of London's most famous gay clubs, Heaven at Under the Arches, Villiers Street, offers a vast dance floor and impressive sound and lighting systems. Hosting regular themed events and guest DJs, it's a must-visit destination for party-goers.
   
   
6. The Two Brewers: Located at 114 Clapham High Street, this traditional gay pub is a popular spot for drag performances, comedy nights, and karaoke. The Two Brewers has a friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals.
   
   
7. Eagle London: At 349 Kennington Lane, Eagle London is a popular venue known for its themed nights, such as Men Inc. and Horse Meat Disco. The club's relaxed dress code and spacious outdoor area make it a welcoming spot for all.
   
   
8. The Glory: This unique gay bar at 281 Kingsland Road combines cabaret, live music, and drag performances, creating a diverse entertainment experience. The Glory's creative and inclusive atmosphere appeals to a wide range of patrons.
   
   
9. Dalston Superstore: Found at 117 Kingsland High Street, this trendy lgbtq+Q+ venue offers a diverse array of events, such as art exhibitions, club nights, and drag brunches. Its laid-back vibe and friendly staff make it a popular hangout spot.
   
   
10. The Yard Bar: Located at 57 Rupert Street, The Yard Bar is a cozy, outdoor oasis in the heart of Soho. Its heated courtyard, ivy-covered walls, and ambient lighting make it a great place to relax and catch up with friends.
    
    
11. Admiral Duncan: This historic gay pub at 54 Old Compton Street is a Soho institution. Known for its cabaret shows, lively atmosphere, and colorful decor, Admiral Duncan is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
    
    
12. Village Soho: At 81 Wardour Street, Village Soho is a trendy bar that offers live entertainment, stylish interiors, and a vibrant crowd. Its regular DJ sets and themed events make it a lively spot for a night out.
    
    
13. The Duke of Wellington: Located at 77 Wardour Street, this traditional gay pub offers a relaxed atmosphere, sports screenings, and a friendly clientele. With its laid-back vibe and welcoming staff, it's an ideal spot to unwind.
    
    
14. Bar Soho: Situated at 23-25 Old Compton Street, Bar Soho is a lively venue with a fun, eclectic atmosphere. With its colorful interiors, extensive cocktail menu, and friendly staff, it's a popular spot among the lgbtq+Q+ community.
    
    
15. Fire: This iconic gay club at South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, is known for its themed nights,
    
    

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