Two women laughing and drinking outside Two women laughing and drinking outside

The best gay bars in Soho

Soho is the beating heart of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife, celebrating diversity and pride at its core. This dynamic neighbourhood has been an integral part of London's LGBTQ+ community for decades, with its roots in the post-war era when it became a hub for queer people. Soho is choc-a-bloc with renowned gay bars and clubs, including legendary institutions like G-A-Y, Old Compton Street's Admiral Duncan, and Circa Soho. It's also famous for its queer entertainment and events, boasting a particularly lively drag scene, with bars and clubs frequently hosting drag cabaret, performances, and karaoke nights. From trailblazing queer clubs to intimate venues, here's where to find the best gay bars in Soho.

Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup Jessica Dellow, Content Writer UK, Thatsup
Jessica Dellow
  1. Gay bars in Soho
    1. 1
      G-A-Y Bar Three floors of fun
    2. 2
      Circa Soho Square fun
    3. 3
      Admiral Duncan A top gay pub
    4. 4
      Ku Bar Boogie wonderland
    5. 5
      Comptons A Soho icon
    6. 6
      The Duke of Wellington Fun events and a lively vibe
    7. 7
      Halfway to Heaven Cabaret and karaoke
    8. 8
      She Soho For Queer women and non-binary people

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Gay bars in Soho

The best gay bars in Soho

G-A-Y Bar

Three floors of fun

Soho's G-A-Y Bar is a lively LGBTQ+ party hub on Old Compton Street, a spin-off of the well-loved G-A-Y brand located at Heaven. It's open every day and spans three floors, with plasma screens lining the walls and a buzzing pop music soundtrack with all the hits. They host a variety of themed nights throughout the week.

Circa

Soho Square fun

Circa Soho is a stylish gay bar kitted out with plush leather banquettes, polished wood floors, and exposed brick walls, setting the scene for a fun evening out. It's located just beside Soho Square and is open every day. Circa Soho hosts lively DJ nights, offering a mix of house, R&B, chart-topping hits, and a bottomless drag brunch every Sunday.

Admiral Duncan

A top gay pub

Soho is famous for its vibrant gay nightlife, and the Admiral Duncan is a top gay pub in the heart of it all. You can't miss it with its bright blue exterior decorated with rainbow flags. Enjoy their regular drag cabaret performances, karaoke nights, and even a free drink on your birthday. The bar serves various drinks to suit every taste, from cocktails and champagne to wine, draft beer, and spirits.

Ku Bar

Boogie wonderland

Ku Bar is one of London's largest and most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, located around the corner of Soho in Leicester Square. It spans three floors and features a sophisticated champagne bar and a lively music lineup of chart-topping hits and dance floor anthems. For those who want to party into the early hours, the venue's late-night basement club, Klub, is the perfect spot.

Comptons

A Soho icon

Comptons is an iconic Soho institution that has earned the nickname The Grande Dame of Old Compton Street thanks to its long-standing presence. It's one of London's oldest gay bars and has been a go-to for drinks and dancing for many years. The venue has a cosy wood-panelled pub on the ground floor, a relaxed upstairs lounge, and an outdoor space. On the weekend, DJs spin pop anthems to keep the crowd dancing all night.

The Duke of Wellington

Fun events and a lively vibe

The Duke of Wellington is a welcoming bar in Soho, where a lively gay crowd often spills out onto the buzzy Wardour Street. The bar serves a selection of wines from around the world alongside real ales, craft beers, and cocktails. The events here are lively and fun and include things like live DJs, drag bingo and more. 

Halfway to Heaven

Cabaret and karaoke

Halfway to Heaven is a gay bar and cabaret club that has been a staple of London's LGBTQ+ community for over thirty years. It's widely known for its exciting mix of events, including regular cabaret and drag shows, karaoke nights, and game shows. The venue is lively and energetic, making it the perfect spot for birthday parties and celebrations.

She Soho

For Queer women and non-binary people

She Soho is a safe space exclusively for queer women, non-binary individuals, and their guests. It's located on Old Compton Street and is a community hub featuring late-night club events in its vibey vaulted basement, equipped with a powerful sound system and atmospheric lighting. The venue also hosts a range of events and entertainment, including drag king performances, burlesque shows, and various social gatherings.

Gay Bars in Soho – About the guide

The best gay nightlife in Soho - Our guide to the best gay clubs in Soho is updated regularly. Please let us know if you feel that we should add a queer club in Soho to our guide or if you spot any errors in our guide. Have you visited any of the gay clubs in Soho we've mentioned? Don't forget to write a review on Thatsup.

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At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.