Gay bar london

G-A-Y Bar goes on sale as Soho 'loses vibrancy'

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One of central London's main LGBTQ+ bars has gone on sale with its owner saying Soho has "lost its vibrancy".

G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph said he had had to make the "tough decision" after his other venue, Heaven nightclub, was temporarily closed late last year after a member of security staff allegedly raped a woman.

He criticised Westminster City Council and the Met Police as well as local residents' groups as being too resistant to measures, such as late licences, which he said would benefit the nightlife industry.

A council spokesperson said they were proud supporters of LGBT+ businesses and the wider community in Soho and Westminster, while the Met said it understood the "complexities" that night-time venues face.

"This isn't an easy decision. To me it is more than just a bar, it's also my home - I've lived above it for over 15 years," Mr Joseph said in a statement.

He added the closure of Heaven while its licence was under

Timeline of London Bars and Clubs

The gay scene in London has always been centred around the West End, especially Soho. In the s some clubs opened up in Earls Court, where the rent was cheaper. In the s, the scene reverted back to Soho, revitalised by new style bars like The Village. Vauxhallbecame the locus of gay clubs from Included in the following timeline are bars and clubs in Earl’s Court and Vauxhall, though they are not strictly in the West End.

s

The Golden Ball (Bond's Stables, off Chancery Lane).

Jenny Greensleeves' Molly House (Durham Yard, off the Strand).[1]

Julius Caesar Taylor's Molly House (Tottenham Court Road).[2]

Plump Nelly's Molly House (St James's Square, St James's).[2]

Royal Oak Molly House (Giltspur Street, Smithfield)[2]

Three Tobacco Rolls (Covent Garden).

Mother Clap's Molly House, closed (Holborn).

s

Harlequin (Nag's Head Court, Covent Garden)

s

The White Swan, Vere Street (Vere Street)

Admiral Duncan (54 Old Compton Street, Soho)

The Hundred Guineas Club (Portland Place)

The Coleherne, gay from the s?, closed

Thu 17th July @ pm
G-A-Y PORN IDOL &#; DENALI
18s and over. Photo ID required.
G-A-Y PORN IDOL &#; DENALI Denali
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Fri 18th July @ pm
18s and over. Photo ID required.
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Sat 19th July @ pm
G-A-Y SATURDAY &#; DENALI
18s and over. Photo ID required.
G-A-Y SATURDAY &#; DENALI
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Sun 20th July @ pm
18 s and over. Photo ID required.
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NG
24hr Ticket Line:
Mon 21st July @ pm
18s and over. Photo ID required.
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Tue 22nd July @ pm
18s and over. Photo ID required.
HEAVEN
Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, GB, WC2N 6NG
Wed 23rd July @ pm
18s

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 detect 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 blackout 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.

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

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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