Soho lgbt bars
Ku Bar
Ku Bar (Lisle Street) | LGBT Bar
After a spell in Ibiza during the 80s, Ku Bar’s owner, Gary Henshaw, was inspired by the now defunct Ku Club. Taking the name from the iconic Balearic nightspot (infamous for hosting Bacchanalian parties), he hoped to sprinkle some of the same Ibiza fairy dust on London.
Ku Bar has now worked its magic on Soho for over twenty years and it’s still going strong. One of the first gay bars in the area, it was a beacon for the LGBT community.
After moving from Charing Cross Road to its current Lisle Street locale in , it still retains its blissfully attitude-free, inclusive and welcoming spirit. One of Pride in London’s sponsors, each year Ku Bar pump up the action and celebrate in style, with the party spilling out onto Chinatown’s streets.
Open seven days a week from midday to midnight, Ku Bar is a destination hotspot for fun-seeking regulars, locals and tourists looking to throw some mad shapes to the latest pop smashes.
Bedecked in ebony and white humbug stripes and cheery rainbow flags, Ku Bar has a relaxed day vibe. But, after dark,
G-A-Y Bar goes on sale as Soho 'loses vibrancy'
One of central London's main LGBTQ+ bars has gone on sale with its owner saying Soho has "lost its vibrancy".
G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph said he had had to make the "tough decision" after his other venue, Heaven nightclub, was temporarily closed late last year after a member of security staff allegedly raped a woman.
He criticised Westminster City Council and the Met Police as well as local residents' groups as being too resistant to measures, such as late licences, which he said would help the nightlife industry.
A council spokesperson said they were proud supporters of LGBT+ businesses and the wider community in Soho and Westminster, while the Met said it understood the "complexities" that night-time venues face.
"This isn't an light decision. To me it is more than just a bar, it's also my home - I've lived above it for over 15 years," Mr Joseph said in a statement.
He added the closure of Heaven while its licence was under
Soho continues to stand as a vibrant hub of diversity, representing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. As we enter Pride Month, we list Soho&#;s most notable LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs!
The Admiral Duncan
The 30th of April marked the anniversary of the tragic London Nail bombings that occurred 25 years ago. The Soho community came together to compensate tribute and honour the victims of the Admiral Duncan nail bombings, displaying solidarity and remembrance, with community groups and organisations from across London gathering outside Admiral Duncan, which proudly displayed Pride flags across its window facade. The Admiral Duncan pub holds significant historical value, boasting an LGBTQ+ heritage that dates back to the s.
📍54 Adj Compton St, London W1D 4UD
Compton’s of Soho
Since its founding in on Aged Compton Street, Compton’s of Soho has been an important icon in London’s LGBTQ+ community. The establishment provides an authentic British pub atmosphere with a vibrant twist. Whether you fancy a laid-back verb during Happy Hour or an evening of revelry, this
For hundreds of years, Soho has been a haven for gay Londoners, occupied of packed pubs and late night drinking dens even before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In these enlightened times, LGBTQ+ city dwellers have got a plethora of options all across the city. But gay old Soho still holds a special place in London's LGBTQ scene and remains most visitors' first port of call, whether for drag nights or mingling. It's centred around Old Compton Street, where you can spend a raucous night at the enduringly popular G-A-Y bar or down unpretentious drinks at pubs like The Admiral Duncan. Here's our pick of the best gay bars and clubs in Soho.
RECOMMENDED: Venture further afield with London's best gay bars and gay clubs.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Apply and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox s