London's best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs after Heaven nightclub and G-A-Y shut

The closure of some of London's most popular LGBTQ+ clubs has caused outpourings of sadness and frustration in recent months. G-A-Y and Heaven have both closed their doors recently, the latter shut after being slapped with a 28-day ban following an alleged rape in November.

G-A-Y Late in Soho closed at the end of 2023, after owner Jeremy Joseph (who also owns Heaven) claiming it was partly due to a spike in attacks on customers and staff heading to and from the venue.

However, there are still plenty of incredible LGTBQ+ places to go in the capital, from chilled out pubs to drag show performances and everything in between. We've put together a list of London's best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, which you can see below.

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Royal Vauxhall Tavern

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been known as an LGTBQ+ cabaret venue for decades. The building is more than a century old, and is now one of the city's leading cabaret, performance and club venues for LGBTQ+ people.

The venue has also been proud to take a stand in causes it believes in - it was one of two huge venues that didn't show the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 final in May to protest Israel's inclusion in the competition. However, earlier this year, the landlords announced they would be leaving the business.

They said in a statement: "After 20 years of stabilising and growing The RVT, it is with a very heavy heart, John and I have made the decision that we are not the right people to continue running The RVT."

However, remaining owner James Cronin said: "Wishing you all the best James and John. I hope we can use this opportunity to take some steps towards a future where the RVT is protected for the long term benefit of the LGBTQIA+ community."

Expect flamboyant drag performances, burlesque shows and the Christmas panto 'Wolfed' coming up at the end of November.

Dalston Superstore

East London is home to many great LGBTQ+ pubs and bars, but Dalston Superstore is one that has an extra sparkle. It promises a proper community feel and is even open during the day, so you can pop in for a coffee and a catch up before coming back for something stronger in the evening.

It's a hub for music-lovers and both Honey Dijon and The Blessed Madonna have played the venue recently. As well as this, the Drag Brunch is very popular and will often be filled with people who've only left Club Tantrum or Femme Fraiche just hours earlier.

She Soho

She Soho is located in a basement in Central London and is dedicated to queer women and non-binary people. Events include karaoke, live burlesque shows and DJ sets.

People love the venue, sharing on Instagram: "There’s a reason why She has crowd coming back multiple times a month and even weekly: because it’s such a safe space for queer woman, trans people and nb’s."

Ku Bar & Club

Ku Bar & Club is one of London's biggest LGBTQ+ venues and is regular voted as one of the best in the city. It's located in Central London, near Chinatown, so it's a bit pricier than some of the other venues on this list, but it's still a great night out with a dance floor playing chart hits with a downstairs club playing pop and dance remixes.

Expect drag queen nights, happy hour deals and live DJ sessions every weekend.

The Two Brewers

Expect a long queue to get in on a Saturday night, but don't let it stop you. It's a very popular LGBTQ+ venue in Clapham and offers drag shows, quizzes and club nights.

The venue is open 365 days a year - even Christmas Day. But for the rest of the year, come for live DJ nights, Ru Paul's Drag Race viewing parties and acting classes for LGBTQ+ people.

West Five Bar

West Five Bar & Club in Ealing has been a stalwart of the West London LGBTQ+ clubbing scene for more than 25 years. It’s a proper, old-fashioned gay pub with a pool table, a grand piano and loads of loyal punters.

There are plenty of things on offer, including live DJ sets, Drag Race viewing parties and bottomless cocktails.

What did we miss? Let us know what bars and clubs you'd put on this list in the comments below.

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