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London gay neighborhood

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 collective, kinship, and drag-fuelled mayhem. Beats billiards in your local.

Once upon a second, having a lgbtq+ 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 queenly 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 celebrated G-A-Y to lesbian-centric She Soho to sing-yer-heart-out special The Karaoke Hole.

RECOMMENDED: Preserve the party going at London's best LGBTQ+ clubs.

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The Ultimate LGBTQ Mentor to London

  • LGBTQ+ language in London
  • The best lgbtq+ bars in Soho
  • The best gay bars in Vauxhall
  • The optimal gay bars in the East End
  • LGBTQ+ events and festivals
  • LGBTQ+ museums and culture
  • Where to stay in London
  • LGBTQ+ day trips
LGBTQ+ language in London
 

You’ve probably heard of slang words like butch, camp, and queen. But, little known to most, these terms come from the queer underground earth of pre-1970s London.

Back when the UK was a far less tolerant place, LGBTQ+ people used a secret language called Polari to communicate with one another. The language was a mixture of words from London cockney rhyming slang, Romani, and Italian.

Since homosexual acts were illegal, Polari enabled folx to talk safely in mixed company and identify as gender non-conforming. The language was campy and playful: Bona to vada your dolly aged eek, a usual Polari greeting, meant “Nice to watch your pretty face.” Dish meant “ass,” and bona dish meant “nice ass.”

Polari was widely spoken in the LGTBQ+ community until 1967 when homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK. Today elements of the language are common in drag cultur

What’s the best gay neighborhood in London?

For the LGBTQ+ community, London is a great place to call home. The capital of England celebrates diversity and lets everyone be who they are. The city is dotted with neighborhoods that have become protected havens for the LGBTQ+ people. But which gay neighborhood in London is right for you? This article will help you discover some of the foremost options, especially if you’re staying for a year or longer in London. We’ll highlight some of the destinations, community, and nightlife in each. 

Soho 

Soho has elongated been one of the finest gay neighborhoods in London. It’s the epicenter of LGBTQ+ society in the city. The vibrant streets here, especially around Vintage Compton Street, are lined with iconic gay bars and clubs, making it the perfect see for a night out. However, staying in a Soho flat also means enjoying the area’s rich history and diverse identity. Walking through its streets, you can feel the energy that has made it a hub for creativity and expression.

Highlights of Soho

  • Old Compton Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife and numerous LGBTQ+ bars, Old Compton Road is the lifeblood of Soho. This bustling street is l

    London Gay Travel Guide 2025

    Upcoming Events in London

    About London and its gay life

    With a population of 8 million, London is the second largest metropolis in Europe. London extends over 44 kilometers along the Thames river and has a moderate climate with its summers not too hot and the winters not too chilly.

    Throughout its history London has always been a center of attraction for different cultures and religions whether it be Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs or Buddhists. At the beginning of the 20th century, mainly Irish, Poles, Italians and Eastern European Jews came to London, while starting around 1950 the majority of immigrants comes from former British colonies such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today, the cultural, ethnic, religious and economic background of London's population is one of the most diverse worldwide.

    London has a flourishing artistic, theater and harmony scene. Just think of the West End with its numerous musical theaters or the many world-famous London-based bands and musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen with Freddie Mercury, The Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Culture Club with Teen George, the Pet Shop Boys,