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The Windsor Castle
Now under new management, the Windsor Castle is a hive of activity, with entertainment of one variety or another seven nights a week. You'll find the management and staff very welcoming, and anything ...
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Recommendations

Bars, Pubs & Drinking

From karaoke to cabaret, swish and modern to traditional and homely, London is packed with bars and pubs of all descriptions. We've listed our favourite gay bars, gay pubs and mixed venues. There's something for all - gay or lesbian!


		Rex Cinema + Bar A hidden gem of a venue set in the heart of Soho, this plush bar, club and cinema is a decadent yet laid back venue with a 1930s feel. 21 Rupert Street Soho, London, W1V 7FE 020 7287 0102 click for details


		The Windsor Castle There's something on every night of the week (from karaoke to bingo to mud wrestling!), the Windsor Castle is a very worthwhile five minute walk from Hounslow West tube station. 152 Bath Road Hounslow, London, TW3 3ET 020 8577 6590 click for details


		Ego @ Southern Pride South London late night bar come club for gay men with entertainment and club nights throughout the week - karaoke, strippers and cruise nights. 82 Norwood High Street, West Norwood, London, SE27 9NW 020 8761 5200


Gielgud Theatre		The theatre that saw Harry Potter get naked as Daniel Radcliffe starred in Equus. Right in the heart of Soho... handy for the bars, and as you'd expect, all rather sumptuous and lovely. Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR


		Stonewalls Lewisham gay bar and club with a regular serving of top cabaret and party nights. Modern interia with plasma screens and great sound and lighting systems and often opens late. Welcomes gay guys and lesbians and their friends (unless restrictions apply to specific events). 286 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6JZ


		Bistrotheque Fine dining restaurant that also features cabaret room and bar. Regular entertainment in the form of live music and comedy. Diners get a discount on cabaret tickets. 23-27 Wadeson Street, London, E2 9DR


		Barcode Soho Established Soho Scene bar with plenty of nightly action of all descriptions, from comedy to themed nights to just plain old happy hour drinking! 3-4 Archer Street, London, W1D 7AP 0207 734 3342


		Blush Bar Friendly bar, popular with a local lesbian crowd with plenty of entertainment on a regular basis. Also does a cracking Sunday roast with veggie options. 8 Cazenove Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16 6BD 020 7923 9202


		Central Station Central Station is a mix of personalities on different levels. A cabaret bar plays host to big names on the gay cabaret circuit, whilst there is a sports bar and roof terrace offer a more sedate drinking experience upstairs. Meanwhile, down in the bowels something entirely different lurks with dress code, fetish and sportwear evening prevail. 37 Wharfdale Road Kings Cross, London, N1 9SE 020 7278 3294


The Stag Inn		Countless trains are missed by foolhardy gay commuters who pop into the Stag for one. This put is open late with entertainment and cabaret a few nights a week. 15, Bressenden Place,, London, SW1E 5DD 020 7828 7287


		Ku Bar & Club Due to popular demand, Ku made the move to larger premises... still as popular as ever with a younger gay male crowd. And when the bar shuts, head for the basement to carry on partying at KuKlub. 30 Lisle Street Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7BA 0207 437 4303


Friendly Society		Cosy basement bar in Soho. 79 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QB 0207 434 3805


		G-A-Y Late Late night version of it's successful sister bar, G-A-Y Bar. Some nights are members' nights, so be sure to sign up for membership. Regular drinks offers and swish surroundings. Is it a bar, is it a club? You decide! 5 Goslett Yard, Soho, WC2H 0EA 020 7734 9858


Eagle London		Eagle London hosts a range of fabulously outrageous nights with the ever popular Horse Meat Disco taking the crown as one of the most out there Sunday evenings in London. 349 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5QY 020 7793 0903


		The Two Brewers This South London bar/club/entertainment venue has long been a feature of London's gay scene. A big bar area with club dance floor to the rear, there's something on every night to keep you occupied! The Cabaret Bar has recently been named The Phil Starr Cabaret Bar in tribute to the late and very great artiste who started it all at The Two Brewers. 114 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UJ 020 7498 4971


		Shadow Lounge A stylish concept, this is a venue that oozes charisma. As a members-only lounge club, there is a genuine air of exclusivity (naturally) - demonstrated by the number of celebs and the city's movers and shakers it lures through its doors. 5 Brewer Street, London, W1R 3FN (020) 7287 7988


		Freedom Café-Bar Hip and trendy gay bar in Soho with a polysexual feel. 60-66 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TA (020) 7734 0071


Halfway to Heaven		Traditional gay boozer, near Heaven - funnily enough! 7 Duncannon Street, London, WC2 4JF 0207 321 2791


		Southopia Popular South London private members' club for gay women and their male guests. With events throughout the week (except Monday when closed) Southopia is also open late on Fridays and Saturdays. A special menu for dining is available on Sundays. 146-148 Newington Butts, London, SE11 4RN 020 7735 5306


		Escape Gay video dance bar in the heart of Soho. 8 Brewer Street, London, W1R 3FP 0207 734 2626


		The Quebec The oldest gay bar in London, opened in 1946, it remains a popular place for men of all ages to socialise and be thoroughly entertained. A programme of karaoke, cabaret and special events throughout the week, it's no wonder it's still going strong! 12 Old Quebec St Marble Arch, London, W1H 7AF 0871 984 2888


		MA1 Bar Men-only cruise sessions based at Central Station. Not for the faint hearted. Check their website for information on what's on when - strictly over 18's only. Runs Tuesday to Sunday with some afternoon sessions. Central Staton, 37 Wharfdale Road, London, N1 9SE


The Yard		Great bar with an open air courtyard, ground level bar and loft bar upstairs. Popular with after work drinkers and mainly gay male crowd. 57 Rupert Street, Soho,, London, W1V 7HN 0871 223 2505


		Edward VI This friendly Islington gay bar offers and warm welcome, along with heated beer garden. Watch out for beer and shot specials at weekends, and there's a party atmosphere with live DJ on Saturday nights. Watch out for events during the week, including the weekly quiz night. 25 Bromfield Street,, London, N1 0PZ 0207 704 0745


		Admiral Duncan The Admiral Duncan stands tall as a focus for Soho's gay community... friendly and welcoming whatever the weather. 54 Old Compton Street, London, W1V 5TA 0207 437 5300


		RVT : The Royal Vauxhall Tavern At the heart of Vauxhall's world-class gay scene, this historic venue is now open seven nights a week and serves up a daily delight of comedy, clubbing and entertainment. 372 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5HY 020 7820 1222


		Box Bar Award winning bar cafe near Covent Garden that by day is a relaxed space to lunch or chill out and by night becomes a buzzing bar that's well placed to start off your evening. 32-34 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9HA 0207 240 5828


Infinity		Infinity is the new name of the brand new club that was once the legendary Bromptons. 294 Old Brompton Road (Corner of Old Brompton Road/Warwick Road), London, SW5 9JF


		Kazbar Popular bar on the Clapham High Street that sees clubber flocking to before their big night out. A blend of camp and cool with outside seating for warmer climes. 50 Clapham High Street, London, SW4 7UL 020 7622 0070


Duke of Wellington		There's something very warm about the Duke of Wellington. Maybe it's the lighting, or the crowd or the barstaff... and maybe the fact that you can hold a conversation in here without having to shout also helps. 77 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QA 0207 439 1274


		The White Swan This is gay pubbing and clubbing in the more traditional sense, with regular cabaret and strippers. Attracting a friendly crowd of East End lads and City boys. 556, Commercial Road,, London, E14 7JD 020 7780 9870


		Barcode Vauxhall BraWith the signature masculine design of it's Soho counterpart, Barcode Vauxhall burst onto the burgeoning gay scene in Vauxhall just a few years ago. Arranged under the railway arches, there are two bars and a dancefloor with nightly DJ action and regular drinks deals. Arch 69 Goding Street, Vauxhall, London, SE11 5AW 0207 582 4180


		Village Soho An original feature on Soho's gay scene, this sleek and airy bar is a great place to start (or continue) your big night out. 81 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QD 0207 434 2124


The Black Horse		East End gay pub with regular entertainment and cabaret. 168 Mile End Road Stepney Green, London, E1 4LJ 020 7790 1684


		Trash Palace If you're more pop, trash and grunge than handbags and pumped muscles, then you're gonna fall in love with Trash Palace. 11 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6PG (020) 7734 0522


The Coleherne		Once gay London revolved around Earl's Court, with The Coleherne reigning as Leather Queen supreme. Things might be slightly less manic, the Coleherne is still busy and cruisy. Corner of Old Brompton Road/Coleherne Road, Earls Court,, London, SW5 9JA 020 7244 5951


		The Vauxhall Griffin A traditional style pub attracting a mixed crowd with regular events, DJs and live entertainment and weekly quiz. Jukebox, pool table and games machines allow you to amuse yourself and food served on weekday lunch times and Tuesday evenings. Sunday roasts from 2pm - 5pm. 8 Wyvil Road Vauxhall, London, SW8 2TH 020 7622 0222


		G-A-Y Bar Swanky video bar in Compton Street, and pre-club bar to the G-A-Y clubbing events on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays. Queue-jump and advance tickets available here. 30 Old Compton Street, London, W1V 5PD 0207 494 2756


		Rush Smart restaurant and cocktail bar that hosts occasional gay nights. 25 Frith Street,, London, W1D 5LB 07956 529649


		Geisha Gay bar promising glamour, seduction and style. 75 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0NE


		Kings Arms London's premier bear bar - for bears, cubs and their friends. Special nights held over the weekend when the bar is open until 1am. Poland Street,, London, W1F 8QJ 020 7734 5907


		The Green Bright and contemporary bar, cafe and restaurant in the heart of fashionable Islington. 74 Upper Street,, London, N1 0NY 0207 226 8895


		The George Great little bar in the west, west of London with a charming little beer garden and regular entertainment. Watch out for their special fundraising events and barbecues in the Summer! 114 Twickenham Road, Isleworth, London, TW7 7DJ 020 8560 1456


Rupert St Bar		Uber trendy Soho drinking hole for fashionable gay men. Rupert Street,, London, W1D 6DR 020 7734 5614


KW4 (King William IV)		Recently renovated traditional style gay pub in the heart of Hampstead. 77 Hampstead High Street,, London, NW3 1RE 0207 435 5747


		George & Dragon Traditional gay pub with plenty of character, friendly crowd and regular cabaret and entertainment at the weekend. Open late throughout the week and even later at the weekend. 2 Blackheath Hill Greenwich, London, SE10 8DE 020 8691 3764


		The Edge Right on the corner of Soho Square you'll find one of the more unusual bars in Soho... four floors, each with a small bar and each with a different atmosphere. 11 Soho Square, London, W1D 3QE 0207 439 1313


		79cxr 79CXR has been throwing open her unpretentious doors for over a decade, and throughout has managed to keep her feet firmly on the ground. 79 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0NE (020) 7734 0769


		Kudos Modern bar split over two levels with a relaxed, sociable feel. Great meeting place during the day or at the start of your night out. Open until around midnight - slightly earlier on Sundays. 10 Adelaide Street, London, WC2N 4HZ 0207 379 4573


		Comptons of Soho Comptons is a bit of a tale of two halves. Downstairs, a large traditional bar looks out onto the bustling Old Compton Street through large windows. Upstairs is the newly added Soho Club Lounge - a veritable feast of gentlemanly decor with a slighly camp twist. 51-53 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 6HN (020) 7479 7961


		The Oak Bar North London venue, popular with gay girls, with a variety of club nights and plenty going on during the week. 79 Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, London, N16 9BU 020 7354 2791


Retro Bar		Unpretentious gay bar, popular with the alternative crowd. Friendly and welcoming staff, including guv'nor, Wendy, who is a star in her own right! 2 George Court,, London, WC2N 6HH 020 7321 2811


		The Black Cap A North London institution by way of gay pubbing, clubbing and entertainment. This is where the cabaret artistes of today cut their teeth on the circuit and still return! A gay complex in its own right, The Black Cap features a bar with roof terrace and club with cabaret stage. 171 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JY 0207 4850538


		The Powder Monkey Recently refurbished bar spread over three levels with swish design and friendly atmosphere. Popular with the locals and visitors alike and was warmly welcomed after the closure of The Gloucester. Plenty going on with regular entertainment, DJs and karaoke. 22 King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HU 020 8293 5928