Gay spots london
Sink a cocktail in one of London's finest LGBTQ+ bars and pubs and you'll be drinking in more than just some watered down booze: these spots are LGBTQ+ landmarks in their own right, places where you can locate community, kinship, and drag-fuelled mayhem. Beats billiards in your local.
Once upon a time, having a gay old time in London meant hotfooting it straight to Soho. But now, the city's gay centre of gravity has shifted east, with edgier spots pulling crowds to Dalston when bedtime falls, while some of the city's most storied LGBTQ+ venues have taken up residence in Vauxhall. So whether you're after a drag brunch, a burlesque show or just a quiet pint, here's a comprehensive list of the capital's gay and queer-friendly bars and pubs, from the legendary G-A-Y to lesbian-centric She Soho to sing-yer-heart-out special The Karaoke Hole.
RECOMMENDED: Keep the party going at London's best LGBTQ+ clubs.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to recei
The Ultimate LGBTQ Mentor to London
- LGBTQ+ language in London
- The best homosexual bars in Soho
- The best gay bars in Vauxhall
- The finest gay bars in the East End
- LGBTQ+ events and festivals
- LGBTQ+ museums and culture
- Where to stay in London
- LGBTQ+ day trips
You’ve probably heard of slang words like butch, camp, and queen. But, little known to most, these terms come from the queer underground earth of pres London.
Back when the UK was a far less tolerant place, LGBTQ+ people used a secret language called Polari to communicate with one another. The language was a mixture of words from London cockney rhyming slang, Romani, and Italian.
Since homosexual acts were illegal, Polari enabled folx to talk safely in mixed company and identify as gender non-conforming. The language was campy and playful: Bona to vada your dolly elderly eek, a usual Polari greeting, meant “Nice to view your pretty face.” Dish meant “ass,” and bona dish meant “nice ass.”
Polari was widely spoken in the LGTBQ+ community until when homosexual
What’s the best gay neighborhood in London?
For the Queer community, London is a great place to summon home. The capital of England celebrates diversity and lets everyone be who they are. The town is dotted with neighborhoods that have become protected havens for the Gay community. But which queer neighborhood in London is right for you? This article will help you discover some of the best options, especially if you’re staying for a year or longer in London. We’ll highlight some of the destinations, collective, and nightlife in each.
Soho
Soho has long been one of the best homosexual neighborhoods in London. It’s the epicenter of Queer culture in the town. The vibrant streets here, especially around Old Compton Street, are lined with iconic gay bars and clubs, making it the perfect spot for a night out. However, staying in a Soho flat also means enjoying the area’s rich history and diverse culture. Walking through its streets, you can feel the energy that has made it a hub for creativity and expression.
Highlights of Soho
- Old Compton Street: Known for its vibrant nightl
London Gay Travel Guide
Upcoming Events in London
About London and its gay life
With a population of 8 million, London is the second largest metropolis in Europe. London extends over 44 kilometers along the Thames river and has a moderate climate with its summers not too hot and the winters not too cool.
Throughout its history London has always been a center of attraction for different cultures and religions whether it be Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs or Buddhists. At the beginning of the 20th century, mainly Irish, Poles, Italians and Eastern European Jews came to London, while starting around the majority of immigrants comes from former British colonies such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today, the cultural, ethnic, religious and economic background of London's population is one of the most diverse worldwide.
London has a flourishing skilled, theater and music scene. Just think of the West End with its numerous musical theaters or the many world-famous London-based bands and musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen with Freddie Mercury, Th