London’s queer bar scene is more than a collection of nightlife spots—it’s a patchwork of safe spaces where stories unfold, identities are celebrated, and the drinks often come with a side of drag, disco, or defiant charm. Here’s a curated pick of ten bars that capture the full color and character of queer London, each one a gathering place where community matters as much as cocktails.

The Karaoke Hole 

This isn’t your average karaoke bar. Beneath Dalston's surface, The Karaoke Hole offers campy chaos and drag-powered singalongs where you're just as likely to duet with a queen as you are to belt your heart out to Cher. It’s part stage, part party, all heart.

Source: Visit Gay London

The Yard 

Tucked behind the bustle of central London, The Yard offers a calm escape with its courtyard setting and loft lounge upstairs. It’s the rare kind of bar that works just as well for date nights as it does for spontaneous after-work drinks with queer friends.

Source: Gay London - GayCities

Dalston Superstore 

A cornerstone of East London’s queer nightlife, Dalston Superstore is a day-to-night venue packed with energy. Drag brunches upstairs give way to basement club nights with genre-defying DJs and a free-spirited, mixed crowd.

Source: Dalston Superstore

The Retro Bar 

Down a quiet alley near the Strand lies one of London’s best-kept queer secrets. Vintage posters, indie anthems on the jukebox, and a warmly inclusive atmosphere make The Retro Bar a nostalgic, low-key favorite among LGBTQ+ locals.

Source: The Retro Bar

Ku Bar 

With its sleek design, chart-hitting playlists, and multiple levels for drinking and dancing, Ku Bar draws a youthful crowd every night of the week. Its central location and inclusive vibe make it a lively mainstay for queer Londoners.

Source: Chinatown London

The Divine 

Emerging from the closure of a beloved venue, The Divine carries forward the torch with a dynamic space for both performance and casual cocktails. It’s unapologetically queer, with programming that pushes boundaries while staying true to its roots.

Source: Londonist

She Soho 

A vital space for queer women and non-binary folk, She Soho doesn’t just serve drinks—it curates community. Expect quiz nights, karaoke, and DJ sets in an intimate setting where being yourself is the only requirement.

Source: Diva Magazine

Friendly Society 

Barbie dolls dangle from the ceiling, movies play across the walls, and the atmosphere is playfully surreal. This offbeat bar welcomes everyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, blending camp, cocktails, and creativity in a way that’s uniquely London.

Source: Carol Hayes Management

The City of Quebec 

London’s oldest gay pub keeps things classic, with a loyal crowd, relaxed upstairs lounge, and disco-hued basement. It’s unpretentious and grounded, ideal for conversation, comfort, and the occasional flirt with retro charm.

Source: Facebook

Goldie Saloon 

A cozy, inclusive hangout under an East London art space, Goldie Saloon leans into its queer identity with a curated drinks list and a living-room feel. It’s stylish but welcoming, and a favorite among East London’s lesbian and FLINTA community.

Source: The Art Newspaper

The beauty of London’s LGBTQ+ bars lies in their diversity—some are loud and legendary, others are intimate and underground. But all of them are more than drinking spots; they’re the beating heart of a city that celebrates queerness not just during Pride, but every single night. Whether you're out for glitter, grit, or genuine connection, these ten spaces remind us what it means to belong.