r/londonlgbt Apr 25 '25

London LGBT+ recommendations for tourists and locals - MEGATHREAD

64 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" 😞 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, Café 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 -  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.
  • Comptons 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 £9 with spirit and mixers around £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.

 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. 
  • 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 13h ago

Meta Ads

1 Upvotes

Has anyone found any better ways to reach LGBT audiences on meta ads since they removed so many ‘interests’ now it’s impossible


r/londonlgbt 14h ago

Hi 19m was supposed to be going out in London on Saturday with a mate whose dropped out. Anyone up for a night out. Happy with most music although the heavier the better imo.

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1 Upvotes

r/londonlgbt 15h ago

London Tattoo Artist

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1 Upvotes

Hey Guys!

I’m a gay tattoo artist that recently moved to London from Ireland and just wanted to share some of my work to hopefully find some lovely new clients.

I’m based in South West and take all my bookings over on instagram (Abbott.Tattoos)! Feel free to message me over there with any questions.

Thank you for any support x

Sam


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

How hard is it to get into Heaven nightclub?

4 Upvotes

I am going for the first time with friends for a birthday thing- we’re pulling up around 11 so hopefully the lines will be short ish. I am gay but im afraid i don’t look gay enough that they’ll let me in (im quite femme). I’ve seen horror stories about bouncers turning away women who they deem as looking too straight- how often does this actually happen? If so, any tips on how to look as gay as possible…..?


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

London mates

0 Upvotes

Hey guys, really open mid twenties guy here looking to expand my circle. Into all sorts... I am based in North London.

Drop me a DM or reply here if you wanna hang out sometime....


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

22 AMAB/Non Binary

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, lam a 22 y/o queer individual who would appreciate expanding their queer circle and/or making more friends in general.

Unfortunately, my apologies, this might sound self-centered, but a part of the reason for the same is me being mentally at an abysmally low point. Ever since I completed my MSc, I have been struggling to find a job in this job market.

Things have gotten to the point where l am being asked to come back home - a beautiful place but extremely conservative. I would lose all sense of identity that I gained upon arriving in London.

I am not asking for any sympathy x, I apologise if this post reflects the same, but I shall appreciate people who are grounded and keep me humbled as well.

My interests are: gym (well, I am not very consistent), music (i used to "review" albums upon listening), finance/economics (my preferred career avenues)

Thank you and I hope everyone is having a lovely bank holiday :)


r/londonlgbt 1d ago

Solo trip to London (24-26 Oct) – False Idols @ Drumsheds + looking for gay bar/nightlife recs!

2 Upvotes

Hey! 34yo gay guy visiting from Portugal, going solo to False Idols at Drumsheds on Oct 24th. Anyone else heading there and want to meet up?

Also, open to recommendations for good gay bars or after-parties to check out once the festival wraps up. Drop a DM!


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

The Big Queer Picnic

3 Upvotes

Hi!!! I'm18nb, and planning on attending the big queer picnic held in Victoria Park this Saturday, and I'm just looking for some cool people who are going to be there as well, preferably between the ages of 18-20 because I don't really fancy going by myself xx

If you're interested, feel free to comment or send me a message!!!


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

A guide of London clubs for somebody who never been to one?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been leaving in London for a while now but never been to any of the clubs there are here. Granted, I am also somebody who dosen’t go clubbing that often as I am more of an introvert but would like to go out one evening.

I am 28M, average looking.


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

21m needing mates

2 Upvotes

hey everyone xx i’m m21 looking to move to london this year to do my masters. hoping to get to know some people to build a gay friend network and make some good mates. i like the gym, going out clubbing, being outside and random sports, music, movies, and whatever else thats good fun. happy to get to chat to anyone to begin with too. drop me a message!


r/londonlgbt 2d ago

New UK Queer/LGBTQ+ Penpal service

1 Upvotes

Hello,

Thanks for reading my post. I suppose this is both a request for feedback and, admittedly, an advertisement!

The Pink Post Box is a UK-based pen pal matching service created exclusively for Queer/LGBTQ+ letter writing enthusiasts. The reason I have created it is because I wanted a service that help facilitate platonic Queer friendships, and encourage pen-to-paper, in an instant, digital age.

I have no desire to turn this into a business. However, I do envision expanding the website and its services in the future, potentially including things such as an elderly befriending service, Queer Christmas cards, and other LGBT+ projects.

Whatever direction it eventually takes, its core will always be about Queer friendship, community and charity. I am gay myself and the only person running the site, so I will ensure this values remain true and at the heart of The Pink Post Box.

Regarding the membership fee, this is intended both to help deter trolls and to cover the costs of running the website. If the project ever reaches a point where there is excess profit, this would eb donated to an LGBTQ+ charity and I'd like the charity to be chosen by the members.

I wouldgenuinely appreciate any advice or feedback. And, of course, if the idea appeals to you, please sign up.

Thank you!

Here is the website for reference: https://www.thepinkpostbox.com/


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

New to London

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32 Upvotes

Hey! I’m 25, from Aus and pretty new to London. I’d love to meet some people and make friends.
I’ve been struggling a bit with adjusting and feeling quite lonely, to the point where I’ve even thought about going home. I’d really love to get out more, explore London, grab drinks/food and meet some genuine people.
If you’re also looking for friends or fancy hanging out, feel free to message me 😊


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

18M in London looking to meet more LGBT friends :)

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm 18 and based in London, and lately I've realised I'd really like to meet more LGBT people and build a bigger social circle.

I'm into quite a random mix of things 😂 I do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and compete, I'm really interested in fitness and sports science/biomechanics, and I also like fashion, makeup, tattoos, philosophy and just learning about random things.

I've got friends already, but I'd love to meet more people who I can actually go out and do things with — whether that's getting food, exploring London, going to events, training together, having a chill day, or just talking nonsense online.

I'm also starting university soon, so I feel like it's a good time to put myself out there and meet some new people before then.

I'd particularly love to meet other LGBT guys around my age, but I'm happy to talk to anyone LGBT who's looking for new friends too. I'm not really looking for anything specific just hoping to find some people I click with and see where the friendships go :)

Feel free to comment or message me if you think we'd get along!


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

How do I find out if I'm actually Bi?

2 Upvotes

I'm a 23 y/o female living in London. I have been experiencing some things for the past 2 years, and I think I have not been giving these experiences enough credit. The experiences in question - I occasionally find some women quite attractive and feel aroused, but it happens so rarely (2-3 times so far); I never took it seriously. Or just sometimes, I wish my partner has female parts while we are making out/ having sex (dk how to write that nicely). On discussing this with my boyfriend, he nudged me to discover if my attraction has any basis. However, I find the idea of this exploration a little scary because:

1) I don't know how I can validate my attraction

2) I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend for 4.5 years, and am quite happy. I don't know what this could mean? I'm unsure how I can explore my sexuality while still retaining what I have with him.

Again I'm not scared of being bisexual, just scared about how I can explore and validate my experiences.

Any advice for me?


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

Rocky horror tonight at the Arzner Cinema

2 Upvotes

I don't suppose anyone has a last minute spare for this event please?


r/londonlgbt 3d ago

WLQP 6th Birthday Street Party on Sunday

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2 Upvotes

Hi all,

For anyone looking for a fabulous day of fun and entertainment on this Bank Holiday Sunday, everyone is welcome to join us at West London Queer Project for a FREE street party celebrating our 6th birthday!

Claire Richards from Steps will be our headline performer, but we have an incredible line up throughout the whole day.

The celebrations kick off from 12:00 to 14:00 with a vibrant programme for families and children.

From 14:00 onwards, the main stage bursts to life with non-stop live entertainment from some incredible Kings, Queens and LGBTQ talent.

Last year over 4,000 people joined us and it would be amazing to see as many of you as possible to celebrate West London and the wonderful local queer community.

For the street party we’ll be closing down the road at Old Market Place, Chiswick (W4). And the closet tube station is Turnham Green.

More details at WLQP.org


r/londonlgbt 4d ago

G A Y & Heaven

2 Upvotes

I am visiting in the very near future.
I love electronic music and have been to 1000s of parties and probably more than 100 clubs.
How is the above club, in your opinion?
Crowd?
Music?
Best day?
Dos and don'ts?
All information is appreciated.
XO


r/londonlgbt 4d ago

Pup and Master

1 Upvotes

So those guys in pup master relationships or situationship how did you meet? Are there any socials in London or do you just go to fetish events?


r/londonlgbt 5d ago

What’s freaky in London this weekend?

4 Upvotes

Any freaky fun suggestions?😈


r/londonlgbt 5d ago

Anyone fancy going porn idol tonight in heaven? I’m M22

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7 Upvotes

r/londonlgbt 5d ago

Tales From The Fort Pub

2 Upvotes

We are working on a book project compiling real life experiences and stories from this much missed London boozer. The closest thing we have to how sleazy it was is probably the Central Station pub in Kings Cross on a Sunday but this was definitely up a notch. We would love to hear your memories. Please DM us here.


r/londonlgbt 6d ago

I really hate groups that make you feel unwelcome after you paid to be there.

22 Upvotes

Paid to go to a LGBT swimming thing and I didn’t know who the organiser was and no one was really mingling or came out of their clique to say hi.

It was a small group and the area wasn’t busy.

I tried my best but I couldn’t hack those kind of vibes so I left.

It makes me want to be a hermit. I’d rather be a hermit than a beg.

Sometimes I’m happy to talk to strangers from scratch but sometimes I expect there to be a sort of easygoing organiser to help break the ice.

I was having a rough day and I made myself go to this event thinking I’d meet some cool people but it was the opposite.

I tried speaking to someone but because of my nerves or my nerves affecting the conversation- I felt like I was coming across really intense and got in my head too much. So I just said I’m guna go and the girl was trying to be easygoing and said about going into the water but I just didn’t feel welcome or like I could talk to anyone else and I didn’t want to latch onto her/ make her feel bad, so I just left.

I have ADHD and it doesn’t make you a social butterfly all the time, I’d say it makes it very hard to connect with others.

Anyways I’m really disappointed in the ‘community’ lately for these things.