Gay London

Where to stay in London

London is a vast city, so location matters. For nightlife, Soho is the most central choice, with bars, shops and theatres on your doorstep. Hotels here are often smaller and busier, but the convenience is unbeatable. Vauxhall is another option, especially for clubbers who want late nights without a long ride home. East London offers boutique stays and a creative vibe. If sightseeing is your focus, areas near Covent Garden or the South Bank give easy access to attractions. Whatever the budget, London has hotels and apartments that fit every type of trip.

London gay nightlife

The main gay area is Soho in central London, between the main shopping streets on the one side, and the theaters at West End on the other.

The main gay street is Old Compton Street and the area surrounding it. This is a very lively area, with all sorts of bars, restaurants and coffee places. 

A good place for end of afternoon or early evening drinks is Rupert Street, with a popular happy hour. Later at night young guys go to , the masculine guys to Comptons of Soho, the fashionable to Circa. 

In the past the UK had strict early closing times. That rule is gone for years, but still many places in Soho have to close early (around midnight) because of their permits.

London used to have a very large gay club scene. Property developers 'stole' a lot of the club buildings and transformed them into apartments. Fortunately there are still club nights left.

The most famous is G-A-Y at Heaven.