When it comes to going out LGBTQ+, London is the place to be. From wild, scandalous nights out with your friends to funky drag shows and comedy nights, the capital has nightlife to suit all interests. However, navigating the scene can be daunting: there are so many places that it can be confusing! But fret not, I’m here to help. Here’s a review of the best and most popular LGBTQ+ places London has to offer.
1. Dalston Superstore
Located in East London, Dalston Superstore is an amazing combination of bar and club, with two different levels and scenes. Depending on the night, you can find anything from Bollywood themed Drag Shows to electro and mutant pop-dance nights. Everyone is welcome here, and you’re guaranteed to have a fun night out. If clubbing or drag shows are not really your thing, you can always just grab a cocktail or a beer in the upstairs area, have a chat with your friends, and meet some lovely people.
2. Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Although not strictly an LGBTQ+ venue, the BGWMC in East London has become famous for its parties and shows celebrating queer culture and nightlife. Probably the most intimate place on this list, this venue has a completely different vibe from that of Heaven or G-A-Y. Going here makes you feel like a true local. If you enjoy comedy nights, drag shows, or funky disco, this is the place to go in East London.
3. Heaven:
Probably the most famous LGBTQ+ venue in London. If you’re gay, straight, or anything in between, chances are that you’ve ended up here at least once — and had a blast. If you’re new to Heaven, Thursday is probably the day to go. The club hosts a show called ‘Porn Idol’, in which members of the audience participate in a strip competition. Friday ‘Camp Attack’ nights are really fun too, playing music from the 80s and 90s all night long. A word of caution though, given how popular it is — Heaven gets REALLY crowded. So show up early or be prepared to wait in line for over an hour, especially on weekends. Insider tip: If you go to G-A-Y Bar before Heaven, make sure you get a wristband for £1 entry.
4. She Soho:
She Soho is an incredible Lesbian venue in Soho. It’s small, but really entertaining, with top-quality DJs and wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Drinks are not super pricey for a Soho location, and you’re guaranteed to have a very enjoyable night out. She is a safe space for women, non-binary, and trans people, so if you want a lads night out this isn’t the place to go: you’ll need to be accompanied by a girl in order to be let in.
5. G-A-Y/G-A-Y Late:
G-A-Y Bar is one of the most popular gay bars in London. Here, you can dance to pop music (be prepared for a lot of Britney- pre and post 2007) across three different floors. When the doors close at midnight, don’t worry! You can go to G-A-Y Late: it’s a completely different venue, five minutes away from G-A-Y — something a lot of people don’t realize the first time they go. The club itself is smaller than Heaven and gets less crowded. If you like dancing to current pop music, from Taylor Swift to Ariana Grande, this is the place to go. Later at night, they turn up the classics. Be sure to grab a wristband from G-A-Y to guarantee free entry into G-A-Y Late.
