London has one of the largest gay and lesbian communities in Europe and subsequently it offers a range of entertainment as diverse as the people that visit and inhabit the city itself. If you're new to the gay scene, or perhaps just want to broaden your horizons, then check out our mini guide to Gay London.
Soho
If you're new on the scene then parading up and down Old Compton Street will no doubt be your first port of call, with some of the most popular gay venues offering a busy, upbeat environment that can be hectic at weekends. The street itself features a whole host of bars, restaurants and cafes, a theatre, as well as London's best known gay shop selling everything from gay magazines to clothing, and a little bit more. If you're looking for your first drink in Gay London, this area is an excellent place to start soaking up the gay vibe and is popular amongst young and old alike. If this area really captures your attention, you'll probably enjoy London's superclubs such as G-A-Y and Heaven which are packed all week through with Londoners and city visitors.
Popular Soho Venues
Comptons - serving the gays for over twenty-years, Comptons is forever busy with the after-work crowd, with many of its customers spilling out onto the bustling street for a spot of people watching.
Ku Bar - now with two venues, both act as a great platform for socialising and making new friends. Aimed at the young, just out of the closet types.
G-A-Y Bar - popular amongst young bubble gum pop lovers, this bar bangs out the cheesiest of tunes with drinks deals and big crowds. There's also a cosy chill out area in the basement aimed at for lesbians.
Candy Bar - with a decade under its belt, the Candy Bar is London's first and only full-time lesbian bar. Play pool upstairs, have a cocktail downstairs, and dance the night away in the basement with music from some of London's top lesbian DJs.
East London
If you prefer something a little alternative with less emphasis on the 'gay', then east London is the place for you. Trendy areas such as Shoreditch, Hoxton and Dalston are popular amongst students and play host to a huge number of open-minded bars and clubs. Paying less attention to the 'gay' element of things, these mixed nights invite all and sundry to express themselves in any weird and wonderful way they see fit. Whilst they may not hold the same capacity as the superclubs, the atmosphere is a little more quirky and creative, whilst still having a huge influence on gay culture in London.
Popular east London Venues
Trash Palace - a part of the Popstarz enterprise. Situated above nightclub Ghetto, Trash Palace is popular amongst the young, alternative scene with cheap drinks deals throughout the week, and ideal access to the club downstairs.
The Joiners Arms - not exactly a classy cocktail affair, more of a beery boozer with an eclectic range of music and people. Get there early because later in the evenings it's simply packed to capacity.
Dalston Superstore - not quite content with just being a bar, this place doubles up as an art space, as well as a daytime café (with food), before it transforms into a busy club in the evenings. With Shoreditch Chic decor, its customers are a mixed bunch (straight and gay) that are fashion and image conscious, without being overly arrogant. A good place to start your evenings, or even stay throughout the night.
Vauxhall
If hardcore clubbing is your thing then try Vauxhall, where clubbers spill out onto the streets at all times of the day, with some clubs open from Friday night until Tuesday morning. Vauxhall is notably less high camp, with many of the clubs running fetish themes, and with saunas in the surrounding area. The Vauxhall Gay Village is a fairly recent development, with more focus on all night partying than casual socialising.
Popular Venues in Vauxhall
Fire - One of the most popular events in Vauxhall is A:M which opens at 3am Friday and closes at noon on Saturday.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern - sticking out like a sore thumb, the RVT is an institution in itself for the gay London scene. Heavily cabaret and drag orientated, this establishment is home to the infamous Duckie Saturday nights, as well as other performance treats.
Bootylicious - this once a month club devotes itself to the best in black music, playing anything from hip hop and soca to disco anthems. Bootylicious bill themselves as a "club for everyone", and welcome anyone that digs a thumping urban beat.
It's not just the sheer number of gay pubs and clubs that put London on the map as one of the world's biggest gay communities. Yearly events such as the London Gay & Lesbian Film festival, as well as the London Gay Pride festival draw huge numbers to the city for a colourful celebration that brings central London to a stand-still. Although there are gay quarters across the city, London's multicultural and diverse population means that attitudes towards being gay are generally relaxed, open and inviting.
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