LGBTQ+ guide to London

London frequently tops the list of best LGBTQ+ destinations and it’s not hard to see why. From the buzzing bars and restaurants of Soho – the city’s gay heartland – to Vauxhall’s infamous party scene and the East End’s hip hangouts, the city offers endless possibilities. Explore our guide to LGBTQ+ London for the rundown of the best neighbourhoods, hotels and events in the city.

OUT AND ABOUT

Soho

Everyone under the rainbow gravitates to Soho, from young, international gay and lesbian travellers and friends enjoying cheap drinks at G-A-Y Bar, to the regular locals at Comptons of Soho, a grand old gay pub that’s been here for almost 30 years.

Stylish gay venues Ku Bar, Village and The Green Carnation have a trendy mix of clientele while She Soho, Old Compton Street’s first ever lesbian bar, is great for live music and comedy.

For post-bar socialising, G-A-Y Late, Circa and KuKlub are fun, neon-lit choices, while a visit to G-A-Y Club at world-famous venue Heaven is essential: gay icons Madonna, Kylie and Lady Gaga have all performed here.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall in south London is the place to head for testosterone-fuelled gay nightclubs and an after-hours party scene. Home of hunky hedonism, Eagle London is known for legendary gay party nights. While the Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers unforgettable cabaret and club nights, such as the legendary Duckie, hosted every Saturday for over twenty years by LGBTQ+ royalty, Amy Lamé.

You’ll find a cool gay community hanging out in pubs, gallery spaces and dive bars throughout east London. Café-bar, art space and club Dalston Superstore is popular with east London’s LGBTQ+ community, while hot spots The Queen Adelaide and The Glory are two anything-goes spaces full of kitsch decor.

STYLISH STAYS

Hazlitt’s Hotel

Occupying an elegant row of Victorian townhouses, this boutique hotel retains the sophisticated ambience of a private gentleman’s club despite being smack bang in the middle of hedonistic Soho. Owners Peter and Douglas were personally involved in the creation and design of each of the 30 guestrooms, and their passion for interiors shines through in quirky details like character beds, marble washstands and claw-foot baths.

Travelodge London Vauxhall

A large, modern chain hotel with simple, functional en-suite rooms, Travelodge London Vauxhall is the closest hotel to Vauxhall’s gay scene. If your priority is to party then this is a smart budget option, just a two-minute walk from key venues like Royal Vauxhall Tavern and Fire.

LaLiT London

Inclusivity and diversity take centre stage at LaLiT London, a luxury five-star boutique hotel near London Bridge. As well as regular Drag Reading Hour events that teach children to be more accepting of others, the hotel also has a dedicated Pride concierge to advise guests on the best events and activities for LGBTQ+ Pride month.

The Town Hall Hotel

The Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green is one of the East End’s coolest stays. Step inside the imposing Edwardian building and you’ll find original features mixed with trendy mid-century Scandinavian interiors and award-winning restaurant The Typing Room. 

Ham Yard Hotel

Modern, trendy and full of amazing artwork, Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel is a haven in the heart of central London. You’ll love the stylish drawing room, library, spa and 1950s style bowling alley, while its cosy roof terrace bar is perfect for laid-back, pre-party drinks. 

Z Soho

Located in the centre of Soho, Z Soho is a super-modern hotel with sleek rooms surrounding a central courtyard. Minutes away from Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, the thriving LGBTQ+ community of London is right on your doorstep!

SoHostel

If you're looking for ‘style on a budget’, this hostel accommodation offers just that, all fantastically located on Soho's Dean Street! Prices vary, with options ranging from one bed in an 18-bed mixed dormitory room to six-bed, female-only dorms and private double and twin rooms with shared facilities.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

27 June 2020 | Pride London

The Pride in London festival will be virtual this year, partnering with Global Pride 2020. Global Pride is going to be the world’s biggest ever LGBTQ+ celebration, streaming 24 hours of content from Pride organisations, activists, civil society groups, politicians and world leaders.

28 June - 6 July 2020 | UK Black Pride

Founded in 2005, UK Black Pride is Europe's largest celebration for African, Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American LGBTQ+ people. This year, UK Black Pride is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign's Pride Inside celebration - a virtual series of performances, talks and workshops featuring artists, musicians, DJs, comedians, and activists. 

June 2020 | Fringe! Queer Art & Film Fest

Fringe! Queer Art & Film Fest is a film and arts festival born out of London's queer creative scene. The event this year moves online with a series of queer content, reading lists, and a virtual hub space. 

2021 dates TBC | Winter Pride

A new date on London’s LGBTQ+ calendar, Winter Pride is a more cultural offering that its summer sibling. Aiming to celebrate diversity through creativity, this social enterprise includes an art competition and a humanitarian award as well as parties hosted by London gay clubs such as East Bloc.

Explore our other LGBTQ+ city guides