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Gay London

In a city as big as London, it's no surprise that the variety of queer venues is almost unparalleled. With so many events and great bars and clubs, queer people from across the country come here to live their best gay lives! Unlike the smaller cities in the UK, London's gay scene isn't specific to one area. Soho, Vauxhall, and the East End are the main queer hubs in the city, each with their own vibe, so no matter where you're staying or what you like, you're guaranteed to find somewhere to have fun.

London Hotel Deals

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4* Park Plaza Riverbank
5* The Soho Hotel
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London Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

Dalston Superstore

Dalston Superstore

Drag, Dancing

Dalston Superstore describes itself as a "big queer paradise". It's a diverse and eclectic space that includes a cafe, gallery, and performance space so if you're looking for good food coupled with great art then this is the place to be. The Superstore is currently in partnership with Essential Vegan so everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the food! Regulars praise the cool atmosphere and quality of the music and shows, particularly anything that involves the drag acts.
Freedom Bar

Freedom Bar

Gay Friendly, Cocktails, Dancing

This Soho cocktail bar and nightclub is popular with West End performers and the queer community who visit the area for the range of amazing clubs. Freedom Bar offers a stylish space where you can start your night with cocktails or end it by dancing into the early hours. The theatrical atmosphere and luxurious surrounding make for a classy and enjoyable night complete with a range of signature cocktails.
Halfway To Heaven

Halfway To Heaven

Drag, Pub Vibes

Halfway To Heaven is a little gem of an LGBTQ+ bar just off Trafalgar Square. It's a lively and friendly venues spread across two floors and hosting something for everyone. Upstairs is a traditional pub with wooden floors, real ale and true local feel. Downstairs is the centre stage bar where the magic happens, with cabaret every evening from the best in the business, plus karaoke and other live entertainment seven nights a week.
Kings Arms London

Kings Arms London

Bear, Older Crowd, Pub Vibes

This lively Soho pub boasts a regular lineup of LGBTQ events in a traditional setting, which includes a host of real ales and a live house DJ. You can dance the night away when the DJ is suppling the music, or take part in weekly karaoke every Sunday night. The Kings Arms provides a quieter and more traditional space at the edge of the Soho gay scene, and caters specifically to the bear crowd.
The George & Dragon

The George & Dragon

Drag, Pub Vibes

The George & Dragon is South East London's premiere late-night cabaret bar. A whole host of regular drag acts can be found on the stage every weekend, but that's not the only thing that happens here, as there's special events and parties throughout the year as well. The traditional British pub style bar offers pool and unique shots at good prices and guarantees a friendly welcome.
Comptons Of Soho

Comptons Of Soho

Older Crowd, Bear, Cruising, Pub Vibes

Comptons of Soho is a Cask Accredited bar and club with a great selection of real ales. The wood panelled pub downstairs hosts DJs every weekend, while there's a quieter lounge upstairs where you can unwind. As an added bonus, the whole venue is dog friendly so you can bring your fluffy companion with you, whether you're relaxing by yourself or hanging out with friends. Comptons has been welcoming everyone for decades in the heart of gay Soho, and is particularly popular with older and bearier guests.
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Gay friendly hotels in London

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

5* Great Scotland Yard Hotel

5* Great Scotland Yard Hotel

Luxury, City Centre

The iconic Great Scotland Yard Hotel - the Unbound Collection by Hyatt is located in one of the most prestigious and historical areas in London. Just around the corner from Trafalgar Square and moments away from the River Thames, Westminster and The London Eye. Plus, you are conveniently located to explore the gay nightlife in Soho and in nearby Embankment. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation with a restaurant by critically acclaimed chef Robin Gill, a hidden whisky bar, afternoon tea lounge, a fitness centre and event space that is unconventional. Light and airy rooms are tastefully decorated with delicate nods to the building's history while being equipped with modern amenities including complimentary Wifi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and coffee making facilities. All hotel rooms have a private bathroom with a rain shower and locally sourced bathroom toiletries. The hotel offers a concierge, contactless room key entry, 24 hour room service and a la carte breakfast in The Yard by Robin Gill made from best, local, British produce. Popular points of interest near the hotel include The National Gallery and Churchill War Rooms. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 14 km from Great Scotland Yard Hotel - the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
Central Station

Central Station

Gay Hotel, Near Gay Nightlife

Dating back to the early 19th century, gay-friendly Central Station offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, 5 minutes' walk from Kings Cross Station. It also offers a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy. Rooms vary in size, with traditional furnishings. Rooms also have a TV, facilities for making tea and coffee, and either private or shared bathrooms. Guests gain free entry to the ground-floor gay bar, which offers a range of drinks. A continental breakfast will be supplied to each room every morning. Kings Cross St Pancras Station is a 7-minute walk away, with the Eurostar terminal and Tube links for accessing the nightlife in Soho and London's main attractions.
3* Generator London

3* Generator London

Great Value, City Centre

Generator London Hostel is a modern, affordable and centrally located place to stay, with some large and welcoming public spaces in which to hang out and make friends.. Located in the vibrant area of Bloomsbury, this large, friendly hostel is near Russell Square Tube Station, offering a good central location for travellers on a budget, not too far away from the gay life in Soho. The Generator has an internet cafe, a lounge and a games room with pool tables. The famous Generator Bar has special deals on meals and drinks every night. Entertainment includes karaoke, a live DJ and free movies. The Generator has dormitory-style shared and private rooms with en suite bathroom. There is a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere. A free walking tour of the city is available.
5* The Soho Hotel

5* The Soho Hotel

GayMapper Favourite, Near Gay Nightlife

The Soho Hotel is situated on a quiet street in the heart of Soho in London, with 96 luxurious bedrooms and suites, restaurant and bar, private screening rooms and event space. Set just moments from the gay life on Old Compton Street, this hotel is ideal if you are looking to splash the cash and really treat yourself when staying in London. The onsite bar and restaurant, Refuel, is buzzing from early evening, and GayMapper can particularly recommend the Soho Sensation cocktail. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the bar is worth a visit for their fantastic cocktails. Situated 5 minutes' walk from Oxford Street, The Soho Hotel features a fully equipped gym with an on-site personal trainer. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, as well as many tube stations. A selection of London's best restaurants and bars, cafes, theatres and nightlife are within walking distance of the hotel, as well as the historic area of Soho Square which features a park and garden. Each air-conditioned room at The Soho includes a flat-screen TV, fully stocked minibar and an iPod docking station. An en suite bathroom is also provided. Guests can also make use of a beauty treatment room, which offers full body massage, facials and manicures. Modern European cuisine is served in the on-site restaurant, which also offers a breakfast menu and afternoon tea.
4* Park Plaza Riverbank

4* Park Plaza Riverbank

Near Gay Nightlife, City Centre

If you are looking for somewhere to stay near the gay life of Vauxhall, then check out the Park Plaza Riverbank. Located on the south side of the River Thames, 650 m from the London Underground at Vauxhall and the neighbouring Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Park Plaza London Riverbank has free WiFi and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs. The hotel is set across the river from the Tate Britain gallery, close to Westminster. The London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are all within reach. Waterloo Station is a kilometer away, giving great access to the rest of the city and south of England. A fitness centre which features free weights, a pre-and post-workout stretching area and a range of TechnoGym weight resistance and cardiovascular machines is available at the property. Guests can also enjoy the indoor pool, sauna and steam room facilities. Every room has a EU/US power sockets, a large work desk, laptop safe, and a minibar. Some rooms have views of the River Thames and the London skyline. 24-hour room service is also available. Park Plaza London Riverbank houses the award winning and GayMapper recommended Chino Latino that serves exotic Pan-Asian dishes featuring stunning views of the River Thames.
Z Hotel Trafalgar

Z Hotel Trafalgar

Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value

A new budget option in the heart of London, Z Hotel Trafalgar provides compact, air-conditioned rooms, a bar and free WiFi. This property is located a short distance from the gay bars of Embankment and Soho, near attractions such as Lyceum Theatre, Royal Opera House and Trafalgar Square. The property is situated in the Westminster Borough district and Covent Garden is less than 1 km away. At the hotel, each room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Popular points of interest near Z Hotel Trafalgar include Savoy Theatre, Arts Theatre and The National Gallery. The nearest airport is London City Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.

Tours & Experiences in London

You could spend a month sightseeing in London and still miss half of it. Start with the Tower of London, Westminster or a Thames cruise, then explore Soho, Covent Garden or beyond. The trick is saving enough energy for London after dark.

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