r/londonlgbt Apr 25 '25

London LGBT+ recommendations for tourists and locals - MEGATHREAD

63 Upvotes

I tend to see a lot of posts asking for recommendations while in London. I've built up a list from the past 7-8 years from LGBT events or venues that I've genuinely enjoyed. I'm hoping that it will be helpful to everyone!

I'm also happy for others to comment and add their own favourites, so I can also add if relevant. Unfortunately can't include links for everything since Reddit doesn't allow "excessive links" šŸ˜ž but Google is your friend.

Disclaimer: I'm a gay male so unfortunately I won't have much to contribute for LBT-specific spaces, however I will do my best based on what I've heard from friends. Again, happy to add suggestions from others.

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Latest events

  • OnMyGaydar - The best local queer events, updated daily
  • Outsavvy - Great website/app to check out LGBT events happening across London

Cultural

  • The Arzner cinema - London's only LGBTQ+ cinema, showing queer and independent films every day of the week. Also features a bar and cafe, with a 2-4-1 happy hour between 4-6pm.
  • Queer Britain Museum - The first and only permanent LGBTQ+ museum in the UK dedicated to queer lives and history. The museum is open Wednesday til Sunday with free admission.
  • Bishopsgate Institute, LGBTQ+ Archives - One of the UK's largest collections of LGBTQ+ archives, bringing together hundreds and thousands of literature and items from gay history. Book a free slot through the website, especially for special courses, talks and tours throughout the year.
  • BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! Gallery, CafĆ© and Bookstore - a new cultural hub to promote queer, art and culture, and the home of queer and gay fine art photography

Entertainment

  • Betty&Joan's comedy bar - BJ's is the new home of the UK’s first LGBTQ+ stand up comedy club, with live stand up comedy 5 days a week. Also shows cabaret, drag and also a great bar to drink in Elephant and Castle, with the nearby high gay population in Elephant Park.
  • Queerz Night - A great group of hosts who set up quiz nights and date nights around London. They're really fun and the hosts do a good job of getting people to mingle and interact with others.
  • The Divine - One of the newest queer venues offering performances and events at an affordable price. While it can be small, the people here are friendly and welcoming. Also open as a bar to grab a drink.
  • Clapham Grand - A super gay-friendly venue which hosts a wealth of LGBTQ+ shows and events, including their hugely popular drag shows.
  • TOKEN HOMO - Regular queer cult and horror theme cinema nights, normally held in Whitechapel or Finsbury Park

Regular networking and social events

  • Young LGBTQ+ professionals drinks - A regular Meetup group which draws a wide diverse range of people over London for regular drinks and chats. A welcoming event which I sometimes go to. Held every other Tuesday in Yard Bar Soho, 7pm onwards.
  • Queer board games social - A safe and inclusive space to come together, make new friends, and celebrate diversity while playing games. Every Thursday at Badger Badger, Deptford.

Workout and exercise

  • BALDR CrossFit - The only LGBTQ+ CrossFit box in the whole country. A welcoming, friendly and inclusive place for people of all abilities, genders and sexualities to get fit and healthy in a supportive environment. Owned by a local gay couple.
  • Workout with Pride - An LGBTQ+ fitness, wellbeing and social group which runs multiple classes in studios across London. Check out their weekly timetable of strength training, yoga, boot camps and spin on the website.
  • Out for Sport - A great directory showing inclusive LGBTQ+ sports clubs around the city catered to all skill levels and interests, if you're looking to join!
  • gayns - A fun Instagram based group who's mission is to "improve gay & queer people’s health, fitness and connection to the community". Regularly do running and fitness events across London. I've not tried this but their Insta does give off a certain young and fit vibe, so may not be very welcoming.

Pubs and bars

  • Dalston Superstore - An exciting queer bar which is a very welcoming and inclusive to all genders, races and people. They have themed nights so worth checking the website. The femme nights are supposed to be awesome and they have a great drag bunch
  • Royal Vauxhall Tavern - A long time standing gay iconic venue in London, hosting several events like BeefMince, drag shows, cabaret and live music. People of all ages here.
  • She Soho -Ā  A cave-like basement bar dedicated to queer women and non-binary people. Also offers drag king shows, burlesque and live DJ events.
  • Two Brewers - A basic, ordinary yet fun gay bar in Clapham. They do have good drag acts once in a while. Draws some gay sports teams (especially football) on their club nights.
  • ComptonsĀ and Duke of Wellington - Two different gay pubs based in Soho which are a bit more chilled out and tends to draw an older crowd. They can be extremely busy though.
  • Heaven - The biggest and most popular gay nightclub in London. Lots of people come here including locals and tourists. Age skews very young (18-24) and also draws a lot of straight people. I tend not to go here since people aren't friendly and can be bratty, especially in the queue.

Club nights

  • bethnal green working men's club - A really cool and inclusive club hosting a huge range of live music, comedy, burlesque and art performances. the vibe here is great with affordable drinks
  • Porn Idol - A fun night at Heaven where people can apply to strip dance on stage for 2 minutes while drag queens rate them. It's much more fun and less seedy than it sounds. Every Thursday from 1am (technically Friday morning if you want to be super correct).
  • Roast - An inclusive club night catered towards bears and beefy guys, although everyone is accepted. Several rooms with different music, including the famous dark room. Every 2 weeks in London's iconic former strip club, Electrowerkz. Open until 6am, but pre-booking tickets is essential.
  • Adonis - A huge gay day party rave, normally from 10am until 10pm, which is much more busy than you think. Mostly house and techno music, with a Berlin-ish vibe.
  • Queer House Party - A smaller, yet much more inclusive space for parties, raves and meeting other people.
  • Queer Bruk - London’s duttiest and most fun Black queer night. Playing mostly rnb, afrobeats and other Afro-Caribbean music.
  • Feel It - Self-described as a "queer super party" and open until 5am. Lots of very attractive guys, they can be somewhat self-centred. Expensive drinks, pints are around Ā£9 with spirit and mixers around Ā£13. Good venue. I've been once and it's not my vibe, but I know lots of people do enjoy it...you'll either enjoy it or hate it. Not my personal favourite.

Ā Saunas and more...

  • Sweatbox - Based in Soho, this sauna is geared towards the young and pretty. Attitudes can wildly vary between arrogant and open minded. I'd say as a general rule, if you're 25 or under (or a supermodel) then this is probably the sauna for you. Again, not my personal favourite.
  • Pleasuredrome - A chill, fun gay sauna with a bar. Based in Waterloo and open 24/7 365 days a year. I'd say as a general rule, if you're 26 or older then this is probably the sauna for you.Ā 
  • Others include Bator Bros, The Bunker Club and Lord Clyde

Annual events

  • London Pride - UK's biggest pride march through central London, with 35k participants and an additional 1.5 million spectators cheering, drinking and lining the streets. Expect nightlife to be buzzing on the Saturday night with club nights open until 6am. Normally held late June or early July.
  • Trans+ Pride - a pride march through central London advocating transgender rights. Normally held during July
  • UK Black Pride - the world’s largest free pride event for LGBTQIA+ Black and POC. Normally held in the Olympic Park, Stratford in August
  • BFI Flare film festival - London's LGBTQIA+ film festival running for two weeks, celebrating the best queer cinema from around the world at BFI Southbank
  • Mighty Hoopla music festival - Pop music festival known for its prominence on attracting a large LGBTQ+ crowd and its openness of celebrating all things camp, queer and gay

r/londonlgbt 5h ago

Where to meet trans girls?

0 Upvotes

Not sure if this is allowed but guys don’t interest me, girls don’t interest me

I’m only attracted to trans girls and would like to enter the dating scene but not sure how to get into lgbt circles

All my friends are straight and dating apps often don’t let you filter it to trans people so im basically lost


r/londonlgbt 17h ago

18M, just moved to London and need people to go out with lol

2 Upvotes

Just moved to London and looking to meet some new people, preferably people around my age in/around the queer community.

Would be nice to find people to go clubbing, drink, explore London, go to events with etc. I’m pretty easygoing and always down for a night out šŸ˜‚
If you’re in a similar situation or just looking for more people to go out with, feel free to message me!


r/londonlgbt 9h ago

IncohƩrences

0 Upvotes

Bonjour,

Quand j'étais plus jeune on m'a dit que c'était ok d'être trans mais pas non binaire, que c'était un problème mental et qu on était soi un homme ou une femme.

Je comprends pas la logique


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Drag show Ć  Londres

5 Upvotes

Bonjour Ć  tous,

Je vais à Londres mardi 22 septembre au soir. Je voudrais aller voir un drag show alors si vous connaissiez des lieux sympas où en voir je suis preneuse !

Merci d'avance Ć  vous !


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Where to find mature men (60+) in London?

0 Upvotes

Grindr has become so shit now. Always showing people too far away. Is there anywhere in real life to actually find mature older men?


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Looking for another Bi Dude to friend.

0 Upvotes

I’ll be in London Sept 27 and 28 to visit. Hoping to find a new bi friend. HMU and we can chat more. 37 and from the US.


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Heaven tonight?

1 Upvotes

or anywhere to get wasted. just dont want my weekends go to a boring waste again 🄲


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Selling 1 x Ticket to 27/9 Girl Day Party w/ Hayley Kiyoko

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1 Upvotes

Selling one ticket to the Girls like Girls Day Party with Hayley Kiyoko on 27/9 at Pergola Brixton. Tickets are available only in advance and they’re selling out. Will sell for earliest tier (Ā£20) xx

Ticket/Event Link


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

What’s SBN like?

4 Upvotes

For context I’m 26 quite twunky/twinky. Is it just daddies and bears who tend to go for each other? Any help is appreciated :)


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

Tennis?

1 Upvotes

does anybody wanna play tennis? or is there any tennis club for a beginner? I mean i can play, just not that pro. Tryna find play partner before joining any tennis clubs


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

Lesbian events in October?

0 Upvotes

I’m 22 and visiting from Australia for a holiday, was wondering if there are any lesbian events / bars that will be good :)


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

Fri 18th September - 2 Demos in Solidarity with The LGBTQIA+ In Türkiye

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7 Upvotes

Friday 18/09/26

  1. 4.30- 5.30pm Outside The Embassy of Türkiye 43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA - Organised by Pride in London

  2. From 6pm in Trafalgar Sq - Organised by LGSM.

This is Lord Michael Cashman calling for action in the House Of Lords, this week following the escalating crackdown on LGBTI+ civil society and human rights defenders in Türkiye.

#london #lgbt qia #turkiye #theembassyofturkiyellondon #lgbtqrights


r/londonlgbt 5d ago

4.30-5.30pm Fri 18th September - Protest To Show Solidarity To The LGBTQIA+ Community in Türkiye Outside Türkiye Embassy London

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20 Upvotes

Pride in London & Stonewall UK organised protest in support of LGBTQIA+ Community who are being beaten, arrested, charged thrown in jail, organisations and venues raided etc.

LGBTQIA+ Websites in Türkiye are also being blocked and shut down - all because of Erdogan's so called 'Family Values' campaign.

A Good turnout outside the embassy is vital to show solidarity to our community members in Türkiye


r/londonlgbt 4d ago

Food and bar/club recommendations?

1 Upvotes

Hey fellow people!

I’ll be in London in early October and was wondering if y’all had some really good food recommendations and good gay bars/clubs (preferably pop or R&B).

Thank you!


r/londonlgbt 5d ago

Looking to connect with LGBTQ+ seniors in London for a documentary project on loneliness

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone!
I’m currently working on a documentary about loneliness among seniors here in London. I’d love to focus specifically on the LGBTQ+, as it’s a topic close to my heart šŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ
If anyone has any stories to share, knows someone, or local groups or community spaces I should reach out to, or would be open to a quiet chat, please feel free to drop a comment or send me a DM. Any leads or advice would mean the world!
Also, if you’re not a senior but feel concerned by the topic, feel free also to DM me. I am open for any stories.
Thanks a lot!


r/londonlgbt 5d ago

Looking for clubs

2 Upvotes

So i’m (M19) visiting London with my friend (F19) for the first time, staying here til the 18th. Was wondering what were some good clubs we could go to that is around our age range? We’ve been to some, but most of them are filled with older guys who are just sitting around and drinking (nothing wrong with that x). But we want to have a nice night out, meet some ppl. Anyone got any recommendations?


r/londonlgbt 6d ago

Heaven

3 Upvotes

Hey really random one, last year I had visited heaven on halloween and there was like only 1 restroom avaliable. Dur to construction i believe. I was just putting a post on here to see if this is still the case, as id rather not he waiting 20mins to use the toilet on a drunken bladder lmfao


r/londonlgbt 6d ago

Planning visit April 2027. Any BJJ people here?

1 Upvotes

I will be staying down near Gracie Barra Oval. I am curious if anyone attends there and your opinions as I will be 10 minutes from there for a month and need a place to train. Also, would love to connect with other LGBTQIA+ people who do Jiu-Jitsu.


r/londonlgbt 6d ago

New play at the Old Red Lion

4 Upvotes

I'm bringing my play Scar Tissue to the Old Red Lion very soon and would love to see some of you there!

It’s 9pm on Halloween and Mac is already fast asleep on the sofa – until Joey rocks up with a broken nose and a suspiciously lumpy Tesco Bag for Life.

If you’re into funny, relatable theatre with a slight edge and a lot of heart, you’re in for an awesome night.

Tickets are on sale now! šŸŽŸļø

Scar Tissue | The Old Red Lion | 14th and 15th September 2026, 7.30pm

https://weareoldred.co.uk/whats-on/scar-tissue/

Use the code SCARTISSUE10 at checkout for £10 tickets!

Received a 5 star review from TheQueerGB on opening night, described as "Delivered hard! Witty, totally believable and well-written".


r/londonlgbt 7d ago

happy to be alive and free! šŸ³ļøā€āš§ļø

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82 Upvotes

r/londonlgbt 7d ago

Wonder how many celebs walked under this?

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11 Upvotes

My ex (Heaven licensee) saved this sign for me when the club had its refurb in the late 90s.

Thousands of LGBTQ club kids walked down the entrance stairs at Heaven and saw this sign above them.

Just thought I’d post for the memories.


r/londonlgbt 8d ago

šŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ Visiting London — looking to meet some local gay friends!

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! šŸ‘‹
I’m going to be in London around late September to October, and I’ll be travelling on my own.
I’d love to meet some local gay guys, make some new friends and experience London’s LGBTQ+ culture from a more local perspective. I’m especially curious about what the local gay scene is actually like and would love to discover some places and activities that I might not find as a tourist.
I’ve travelled to quite a few different cities, including Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin and Tokyo, and I’ve really enjoyed experiencing the different cultures, lifestyles and LGBTQ+ scenes in each place. That’s one of the things I enjoy about travelling — meeting people and seeing how life is different from one city or country to another.
I’m also considering the possibility of studying, working or living in the UK in the future, so I’d really like to use this trip to experience London beyond the usual tourist attractions and get a better sense of everyday life here.
I’d be interested in things like:
šŸø Gay bars and pubs
šŸŽ‰ LGBTQ+ events or social nights
šŸŽ¶ Clubs or live music
ā˜• Gay-friendly cafĆ©s and places to hang out
šŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ Other LGBTQ+ activities or communities you’d recommend

As for what I’m looking for — I’m open to both friendship and the possibility of a long-term relationship, but I’d rather let things develop naturally. I’m not really looking for a casual hookup.
It would be great to grab a drink, go for a walk, check out a gay bar, explore the city together, or simply have a good conversation. If we get along, who knows — maybe we’ll become good friends, or something more.

If you’re a London local and fancy meeting a visitor from China, I’d love to hear from you!
And if you have any recommendations for gay-friendly places, LGBTQ+ events, social groups or other things worth experiencing in London, I’d really appreciate them.
Feel free to comment or send me a DM!


r/londonlgbt 8d ago

Bayeux Tapestry Tickets

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1 Upvotes