![the friendly society gay bar london the friendly society gay bar london](https://img.tagvenue.com/upload/25/ac/1616-whole-club-room.jpg)
![the friendly society gay bar london the friendly society gay bar london](https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/general/80x80/586807_3F9BaLU0ocnujOFKmssKaQ3Q-vK4DS3gLP56UfskkQo.jpg)
But thanks to brilliant regular nights such as Bar Wotever, a super-inclusive cabaret showcase, and Duckie, an indie-leaning Saturday staple, it remains a vital part of London’s queer community. Somehow both stately and shabby, it’s a place rich in history – legend has it that Princess Diana partied here with Freddie Mercury in the '80s. Known to locals as the RVT, south London’s oldest LGBT+ venue is an enduring marvel. It still attracts a slightly older and predominantly male crowd, except on Sundays, when it welcomes Horse Meat Disco, one of London’s most consistently cool club nights. Once known for its super-cruisy darkroom, this Vauxhall bar was freshened up (and cleaned up) a few years ago. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is a legendary night out © NIKLAS HALLE'N / Stringer / Getty Images South London LGBT+ bars Eagle London Guys are welcome, but only if they’re with a group of female friends. It stays open until 3am on weekends, and on weeknights there are regular karaoke and jukebox request nights, as well as drag king showcases. She BarĬentral London’s only dedicated lesbian venue is housed in a smart and stylish basement accessed from Old Compton Street. The upstairs lounge bar is a bit less characterful, but opens onto Soho’s best smoking area, so The Yard is a strong option whatever the weather. This Soho bar’s main draw is its al fresco courtyard, which fills up pretty quickly on fine days. You might also like this: The 11 best vegan-friendly restaurants in London The Yard Bar The walls are filled with pictures of queer icons including David Bowie and Beth Ditto, and the well-stocked jukebox keeps the alternative pop bangers coming until closing time at 11pm. Tucked away down an alley off The Strand, this cosy two-floor bar is a bit of a hidden gem.
It calls itself "your unconventional neighbourhood pub", and lives up to this billing with high-quality drinks and a super-inclusive atmosphere that's proving popular with folks from all sections of the LGBT+ community. Located in Farringdon, midway between Soho and trendy Shoreditch, The Apple Tree is one of London's newest LGBT+ venues. Having fun outside The Apple Tree © The Apple Tree The Apple Tree When this Old Compton Street bar closes at midnight, simply walk round the corner to G-A-Y Late in Goslett Yard, where the party keeps going until 3am. You might also like this: London’s best drag brunches G-A-Y Barīright, brash and brimming with younger LGBT+ folks, G-A-Y is the place to go for cheap drinks, unapologetic pop music and an unpretentious good time. The drinks aren’t the cheapest on the scene, but Instagram-friendly surroundings and a soundtrack of glorious disco music make up for it. Probably Soho’s quirkiest queer spot, this fab basement bar has Ken and Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling and snug seating areas that are great for dates. If you don’t fancy jostling for space in the main bar, head upstairs for a more sedate experience in the surprisingly classy lounge – it even has a chandelier. This Soho stalwart tends to attract a slightly older crowd of gay guys and has a reputation for being cruisy. Comptons of Soho © douglasmack / Shutterstock Central London LGBT+ bars Comptons of Soho