London gay bars and club guide

Circa is a stylish gay bar close to Soho and Leicester Square, known for its modern look and energetic crowd. Inside, you’ll find neon lights, mirrored walls and DJs spinning pop and dance tracks most nights. The space feels sleek but remains welcoming, attracting a mix of locals, after-work visitors and tourists exploring the city’s nightlife. The bar gets busiest on weekends, when the party vibe takes over and the dance floor fills up. Drinks are reasonably priced for central London, with happy hours adding to the draw. Circa is a good spot to start or end your night.

Eagle London is a well-known gay venue in Vauxhall, combining a bar, club and outdoor garden. It’s casual during the week, with drinks, DJs and a friendly crowd, while weekends bring bigger parties that run late into the night. The music shifts between house, disco and pop, depending on the night. The venue has several spaces, from the main bar to the dance floor and a popular smoking terrace. Drinks are reasonably priced for London, and the atmosphere is relaxed but energetic. Eagle is a staple of South London’s nightlife, especially popular for Sunday parties and summer events.

There are many gay bars and clubs with the name 'Eagle' around the world. They are not related, and this is one of the more campy ones.

Rupert Street is a stylish gay bar right in the middle of Soho. Its large windows open onto the street, making it a popular spot for people-watching and meeting friends. Inside, the bar is sleek and modern, with cocktails, beers and plenty of energy as the evening builds. The crowd is mixed, with both locals and visitors stopping by before heading deeper into Soho or to a late-night club. Weekends are especially busy, with the space spilling onto the pavement outside. It’s a central, relaxed place that works equally well for after-work drinks or a lively start to the night.

The Admiral Duncan is a long-standing gay pub on Old Compton Street, right in the heart of Soho. It’s bright, open and welcoming, with a lively atmosphere from afternoon until late.

The bar is known for its drag shows, cabaret and karaoke nights, which keep the crowd entertained through the week. Drinks are affordable by Soho standards, and the venue attracts a mix of regulars, locals and tourists who want a fun and relaxed night out.

The space is smaller than some nearby pubs, but that adds to its cosy, social feel. The Admiral Duncan is open daily.

The Duke of Wellington, or simply The Welly, is one of Soho’s busiest gay pubs. Located near Old Compton Street, it draws a steady crowd from afternoon until closing. The ground floor is bright and open, with big windows that look out onto the street. Upstairs offers more seating and space for groups. Expect a friendly mix of locals, regulars and visitors who make this their first or last stop in Soho. The drinks menu covers beers, ciders and classic pub options, served at reasonable prices. The Welly is casual, social and always buzzing, especially on weekends.

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, often called the RVT, is one of London’s most famous gay venues. Located in Vauxhall, it combines a pub feel with regular cabaret, drag shows and club nights. The main space is large and open, with a stage that hosts performances almost every evening.

The crowd is diverse, with locals, performers and visitors all mixing together. Weekends are especially busy, with themed nights and late dancing. Drinks are standard London prices, and the atmosphere is always lively. The RVT is a cultural landmark as much as a nightlife spot, offering entertainment every night of the week.

The Yard is a relaxed gay bar tucked away just off Soho’s main streets. It’s known for its spacious outdoor courtyard, a rare find in central London, which makes it popular in warmer months. Inside, the bar spreads across two levels with a mix of modern décor and casual seating. The atmosphere is friendly and slightly more chilled compared to the bustle of Old Compton Street. The courtyard attracts groups meeting for early evening drinks, while weekends bring a livelier crowd. With its hidden entrance and open-air feel, The Yard offers something different from the classic Soho pub circuit.

Village Soho is a stylish gay bar located right on Old Compton Street. It’s bright, open and always buzzing, with big windows that let you watch the flow of people outside. Inside, the bar has several levels, with the ground floor serving as the main hub and upstairs offering a lounge feel. DJs play pop and house tracks on busy nights, and the cocktail menu adds a bit of flair to the experience. The crowd is international, mixed and friendly, making it a good spot for meeting people or starting a night out. Village Soho is open daily.

Ku Bar is one of central London’s most stylish gay bars, located close to Leicester Square. The venue has several floors, each offering a different vibe. The ground floor bar is bright and busy, with cocktails, beers and pop tracks playing through the evening.

Upstairs you’ll find a lounge area with a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for chatting with friends.

Downstairs, the club space opens late on weekends with DJs and dancing until the early hours. The crowd is young, international and friendly, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the Soho and West End nightlife scene.