GAY BARS
The George & Dragon
A bit of a Hackney institution, The George & Dragon offers kitsch interiors and pop-chart cheese in the guise of an old-man pub.
Dalston Superstore
Opened only last year, Dalston Superstore has swiftly become known for its eclectic line ups, awesome theme nights and tongue-in-cheek events.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Entertainment entity. Some of the most enjoyable nights out on the gay calendar, with bingo, comedy, cabaret and heavily attended music events all on offer.
Green Carnation
Wilde by name, if not by nature. Walk into a greenhouse of forest-green wallpaper, velvet sofas, framed carnations and a fairly mixed and laid back crowd.
Barcode Vauxhall
Clubbing for cavemen. Lots of stainless steel and glowing blue lighting along the curved walls and deep-set bar for an intimate cave-like feeling.
The Black Cap
North London’s only real drag and cabaret venue, with a bit of a pub thrown in for good measure. Properly nasty carpeting and seriously reasonable food.
Madame JoJos
Some of the funniest and most unusual performances in London packing crowds into its shady, boudoir style interior.
Rupert Street
Café society on the street. Managing to create a street style café feel by day and vamp into a crammed push-and-shove destination spot come nightfall.
Ku Bar Frith Street
Cheap drinks on offer like at its Covent Garden sister venue, in addition to the Ku Tearooms and the annual Mr Ku-T competition.
Ku Bar Lisle Street
Cheap drinks and cheaper lays. Stylish of sorts and very young, Ku Bar offers ridiculously cheap drinks and shots.
Friendly Society
Does what it says on the tin. Fun, friendly and flirty, this intimate space is well-loved amongst younger club-kids and disco dollies looking for a pre-club drink.
The Yard
Doing it al fresco. The big outdoor space is the main attraction here, as well as the Happy Hour cocktail deals and al fresco lounging.
The Box
Muscles, spray-on tans and a sprinkling of suits are the order of the day at this Seven Dials bar, which is more café culture than banging club or boozy den.
Freedom
Recently out as ‘metrosexual’ rather than gay, offering gays and straights a sleek take on French chic, complete with chandeliers poufs.
The Quebec
Quietly known as ‘the Elephant’s Graveyard’ or ‘the morgue’ in deference to its slightly older clientele, and even older décor.
Comptons
Old guard cruise-central. One of Soho’s longest standing gay venues, Comptons looks like a traditional pub from the outside, and pretty much acts like one within.
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