Sink a cocktail in one of London’s finest LGBTQ+ bars and pubs and you’ll be drinking in more than just some watered down booze: these spots are LGBTQ+ landmarks in their own right, places where you can find community, kinship, and drag-fuelled mayhem. Beats billiards in your local.
Once upon a time, having a gay old time in London meant hotfooting it straight to Soho. But now, the city’s queer centre of gravity has shifted east, with edgier spots pulling crowds to Dalston when night falls, while some of the city’s most storied LGBTQ+ venues have taken up residence in Vauxhall. So whether you’re after a drag brunch, a burlesque show or just a quiet pint, here’s a comprehensive list of the capital’s gay and queer-friendly bars and pubs, from the legendary G-A-Y to lesbian-centric She Soho to sing-yer-heart-out special The Karaoke Hole.
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