6 of the best gay bars in London

Whether you're a full on Londoner, or just swinging by, the city is a playground for LGTBQ+ people. 

But the cool thing about London’s queer scene is that the vibes are distinct across different areas of the city, with a particular split between central/West London’s clubs and bars, versus those you might find in the East, or south of the river. But rest assured: from eccentric haunts in East London to iconic West End institutions, there's no shortage of places where you can let loose, connect with the community, or just enjoy a drink in a space that feels like home. 

Below, we've curated a selection of must-visit LGBTQ+ bars and pubs across London, whether you're up for a wild night of karaoke or a laid-back evening with friends.

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Dalston Superstore + The Karaoke Hole

Once described by a Dazed writer, affectionately, as ‘a gateway to a world of freaks’, Dalston Superstore is an East London legend—a multifaceted space where art, music, and queerness collide, colourfully and chaotically. This iconic venue is part bar, part club, and part art gallery, offering something for everyone across its two floors. Whether you’re here for a drag brunch, an art exhibit, or one of its infamous club nights, Dalston Superstore never disappoints. 

If you’re keen to make your pilgrimage to Superstore, especially on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to arrive before 10pm. The club’s so popular now, that any later, and you’re likely to be turned away at the door. Under the same ownership, but just down the road, you’ll also find The Karaoke Hole (or K-Hole for short…), which does exactly what it says on the tin.

G-A-Y + Heaven

You can’t talk about London’s LGBTQ+ scene without mentioning G-A-Y. This West End institution is synonymous with the city’s queer nightlife, offering everything from pop-fueled dance floors to big-name performances. 

With multiple venues under its banner—including the famous Heaven nightclub—G-A-Y is the go-to spot for anyone looking to dive headfirst into London’s vibrant party scene.

Expect mainstream bangers, cheap drinks, and a crowd that’s always ready to have a good time.

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Ku Bar & Club

Ku Bar & Club is staple of Soho’s queer nightlife, known for its sleek interiors and welcoming atmosphere.

Spread across three floors, Ku offers something for everyone—whether you’re looking to sip cocktails in the lounge, dance the night away in the basement club, or simply people-watch by the bar.

Popular with both locals and tourists, Ku is a versatile spot where the energy is always high, and the music keeps the crowd moving.

El Camionera

A relatively new spot on the scene, El Camionera exploded within one day of existence; its pop-up launch night went viral, and had sappics spilling out onto the streets.

The team quickly realised they’d need a bigger venue, and lo and behold, what we now know to be El Camionera - a brand new icon - was born. Expect sophisticated drinks at decent prices, good beer, tasty bar snacks, and to bump into basically everyone from East London’s queer scene.

SheBar

Before El Camionera, SheBar long reigned London’s only lesbian-owned and operated bar, and it’s a cornerstone of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Located in Soho, SheBar is a safe and inclusive space where women can come together to enjoy a night out. 

With its no-nonsense vibe, SheBar offers a break from the usual, focusing on good music, affordable drinks, and a crowd that knows how to have fun.

Whether you’re here for the DJ nights or just a quiet drink, SheBar is a vital part of London’s queer landscape, particularly for lesbians and bi people.

The Divine

The Divine is another relative newcomer to London’s LGBTQ+ scene, rising from the ashes of the dearly departed The Glory.

Along with being a watering hole for the community it’s also a performance venue, and somewhere to keep in mind if you’re up for a dose of drag. The venue is drag artist-owned, and close to the heart of many London-based queer people, extrovert and introverts alike.