MORE: Find all of .uk's Pride coverage right hereĪnd we’ve got some great names on board to help us, too. This year marks 50 years of Pride, so it seems only fitting that .uk goes above and beyond in our ongoing LGBTQ+ support, through a wealth of content that not only celebrates all things Pride, but also share stories, take time to reflect and raises awareness for the community this Pride Month.
London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, tells .uk: ‘Lockdown closures, restrictions, supply chain and staffing issues have hit the industry hard, following years of struggling to survive due to the impact of rising rents and business rates.’ ‘Those wanting to provide a safe space for queer women and non-binary folk must be dedicated to the cause, and passionate that a space like ours needs to exist, which we are.’Ĭost appears to be the main factor, with existing struggles exacerbated by the events of the last two years. ‘This could be down to many factors, but the costs of running a venue in the centre of London are not something to underestimate! Tina tells .uk: ‘Over the years, I’ve seen a few lesbian bars close in the local area. In fact, there was a 60% decrease in LGBT+ spaces between 20. They’re still standing, but many nearby venues have closed in recent decades. Otherwise nothing too special.SHE Soho on Old Compton Street is London’s only permanent lesbian venue (Picture: Wikimedia Commons) Staff has always been pretty friendly to me and drink prices are ok. It's better earlier in the night but then gets too crowded. Not a lot of seats though so you'll typically end up standing. Down to earth crowd that doesn't get too rowdy. Be aware - lots of cigarette smoke.ĭuke of Wellington - pub/bar. Drinks are overpriced though and you need to get there early to get one of the good tables. They usually play pop type music but it's more of a sit and talk type of place. Yard Bar - fun place with an open courtyard and large upstairs area. Good if you're looking to chill, people watch and grab a pint. They also have a club in Chinatown.Ĭomptons - it's an institution but definitely skews older and whiter. If you're starting out your night, this is a great lounge type place to grab a quick drink with friends. Ku Bar - there's multiple locations but the one on Frith St is the most chill. DJ plays everything from new wave to jazz to hip hop. Really good drinks and the music is the best. Ridley Road Market Bar - not technically gay, but it always has a lgbtq crowd.
More of a sit down and have cocktails with friends type of place. Drinks are strong and people are friendly. Drinks are cheap and music is more varied.ĭalston Superstore - this is a cafe style bar that's very queer. Like most places in the east, it skews more queer and more diverse. Gets hot and sweaty but is definitely a fun night out. Generally a fairly mixed crowd but remember, you're still in Clapham. And there's a larger back room that plays house/edm. It has a smaller cabaret room in the front that does drag shows and plays pop.
Two Brewers - this is the main younger spot south of the river. Typically has a drag show each night and good music. It's a mainstay of the community and a fun night out. Royal Vauxhall Tavern - more of a cabaret club, this place skew older and has more of a daddy, bear, leather crowd. It's actually two locations so if you go the location on Old Compton St earlier, you can get a wristband for Late around the corner. Cheaper than Heaven and a bit more, well.gay. G-A-Y - also has a young crowd with focus on mainstream pop music. That said, it's very central and stays open late/early. Heaven - the large mainstream young pop gay club that's mostly been co-opted by straights (think lots of hen dos and uni nights out).