THEGAYUK

Category: Scene

  • 5 gay date ideas in London this weekend 16-17 September

    Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…

    London Queer Fashion show

    £10.50 – £26.25

    Okay, not quite the weekend, but on Wednesday 20th, in Hackney, the London Queer Fashion Show will be showcasing the most exciting designs and ideas from some of London’s brightest young stars. LQFS exhibits the greatest new talent, the people who know that gender exists beyond the binary, that clothing does not exist in male and female forms. The designers who are moving fashion forward to inspire and empower our city and society. LQFS gives visibility to the diversity within our community, helping to break down gender norms and show that the queer community follows no rules.

    From 6:00 PM at the Hackney Showroom – tickets are from £21.00 

    Drag Queen Brunch

    £££

    The Ivy Soho Brasserie will be hosting a Drag Queen Brunch on Sunday 17 September in celebration of London’s Fashion Week. Between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, guests will be greeted and hosted by two fabulous drag queens – Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix – to ignite their brunching experience.

    The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s brunch menu will feature an array of The Ivy Collection classic dishes such as chicken Milanese, hot buttermilk pancakes and the melting chocolate bombe. Tiffaney Wells and Adora Dix will be the Maître D’ for the day and will ensure an experience with vibrant entertainment to excite and engage guests throughout their meal.

    Consumers can book The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s Drag Queen Brunch online or over the phone at 0203 301 1166.

     

    Kardashian Dash

    Free 

    London, UK – 13 September 2017 – E! Entertainment Television – NBCUniversal International Network’s (NBCUIN) channel dedicated to pop culture – is celebrating 10 years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians by giving fans an immersive experience of the show with the launch of a FREE two day event – “E! Celebrates 10 Years of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”
    Opening its doors at London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery on 22-23rd September, the event brings to life everything you know and love about television’s longest running docu-series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, over two days of unmissable experiences including: ultimate selfie opportunities, make-up masterclasses and more, to ensure that ultimate E! fans are “Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”  The event is an absolute must for all super-fans of the show.  FREE tickets for the exclusive event are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis from www.seetickets.com/go/kuwtk

    King’s Head Theatre

    £22.50

    London is very fortunate to have a theatre like the King’s Head because of its repertoire of gay-themed shows. And now it’s in the middle of presenting its LGBT Festival with the showcase of a new play called Outlaws to In-Laws.

    Outlaws to In-Laws attempts, successfully, to depict the experiences of gay men over the last seven decades. And while it’s a subject that would be daunting for any theatre, or playwright, involved, the seven playwrights who wrote the seven shows that cover seven decades of gay life do their darnedest to both entertain and educate the audience.

    Outlaws to In-Laws is now playing at The King’s Head Theatre until September 23.

     

    Go shopping for Vintage Gear

    Free

    The famed retro market, Dusty Fingers Market is Hitting Dalston and is going canalside for one weekend. Make your way to Hertford Road, Haggerston to get your mitts on some vintage gear.

    Find out more

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cornwall’s only full time gay bar is about to close unless it can be rescued

    Cornwall’s only full-time LGBT+ venue is set to close unless a new buyer can be found.

    A gay bar in Cornwall has become the latest LGBT+ venue to close. Deja Vu’s owners Steve and Chris decided to put the venue on the market. They took over the bar from Bar Qdos just two years ago. They opened the venue after a large renovation for Cornwall pride in August 2015.

    The couple vowed to keep the venue open as long as it was sustainable, which it was, but when Cornwall Pride – and its associated events moved from Truro to Newquay it was the “final nail” in the coffin for Deja Vu.

    There are no LGBT+ club is Newquay.

    It was revealed that money raised from the footfall that Cornwall Pride would create for the venue helped the owners pay for its building insurance, music license. However, because of the Pride’s move, those costs are now being met out the pockets of the owners.

    The couple has put the business on sale for just under £40,000.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK, Chris said,

    “When (we) opened the bar it was for the LGBTQ community and the bar would stay open as long as it paid for itself and with Cornwall pride and special events throughout the year this was the case.

    “The final nail in the coffin was the relocation of Cornwall pride from Truro the capital of Cornwall to the seaside resort of Newquay ensured the bar to lose a large chunk of income from this one night. The income from this one night normally pays for the insurance buildings and contents and public liability along with the PRS music licence for the year.

    “But due to the relocation of pride we are going to have to pay these out of our own pocket so the time has come to sell up”.

     

     

  • 9 gay date ideas in London this weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…

    Keep it Kings Cross

    Free (before 10 PM) + drinks

    Fancy seeing some traditional drag head on over to Central Station in Kings Cross – a camp little haven awaits you as drag queen Lizzy Drip takes to the stage at 10:30 PM. There’s free entry before 10:00 PM and £5 after. The Kings Cross area once had a buzzing gay scene, with a number of nights or venues, and although the area is being redeveloped with expensive restaurants, hipster hangouts and extortionate housing costs, Central Station remains an uncomplicated, honest, fairly priced option. Hell, you can still get a glass of white for £3.70! Serves food. 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9SD, 020 7278 3294

    Blooming great pre-drinks

    Free + drinks

    If you’re looking for something a little different to drag, then visit the underground, uber cool New Bloomsbury Set. Great prices and a 10-minute walk from Central Station – the perfect jump off before you head off clubbing…

    Go East

    Free + drinks

    For something a little edgier venture to Shoreditch – where the only label that matters is: “attitude free”. Take in the sights and sounds at Homodrop, the camp as f*ck disco at Dalston Superstore. And it’s free to get in. 117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB. 

    Pick Up The Soap

    £££

    Of course, if you fancy something a little more sexy and soapy, try the Foam Party at Sweatbox in Soho. The party is never ending with a 24-hour pass costing £17 or a 48-hour pass costing £19. 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN.

    Temping Tate

    Free

    Get lost in the epic Tate Modern gallery and marvel at the sheer scale of the Turbine room.

    Be a cultured gay and head off to the Tate Modern on the ever so romantic South Bank. Take the walk from Embankment Station – cross the footbridge – walk past the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre – and hold hands. No one will blink an eye lid. It’s all very chill.  There are plenty of exhibitions on at the Tate Modern including, Voices and Media Networks. You must, of course, whilst you’re there, go and see Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.

    The Thames

    Free

    Whilst you’re out and about around the Thames, artist Jason Bruges has created a light installation to shine on the Sea Containers building – a little further up from the Tate Modern. The design of the lighting reflects the water quality – according to the Thames water data. The display is a permanent fixture to help spread awareness about the quality of water in the Thames.

     A bite in Soho

    £££

    Some New York cool right in the centre of London. Grab a cocktail and relax.

    The gay epicentre of London is in Soho – this is where the highest number of LGBT+ spaces exist. However, for food, you should check out Dirty Bones on Denman Street – right next to the Piccadilly Theatre. Dirty Bones the restaurant categorises itself as New York comfort food and cocktails, well it’s that and more.

    Car Boot Sale

    £

    Will you be able to pick up a bargain at the Kings Cross car boot? From 10 AM on both Saturday and Sunday.

    I mean it’s definitely an unusual idea for a date… but if you’ve got a new BF this might be the perfect place to really discover what kind of guy he really is… They say you can tell a lot about a man by what he’s got in his basket – so to speak. There’s a car boot in Kings Cross, in Granary Square, from 10 AM and on Sunday from 10 AM. Just £5 to get in.

     

    Skinny Dipping?

    £2 (day ticket)

    Located in North London is the Hampstead Heath Ponds, three large freshwater swimming ponds that are popular for same sex and mixed couples alike. For centuries people have been coming to the ponds for a relaxing dip in the waters. Catch the last of the summer heat and take your partner to the ponds and have some wet fun. Let your playful side come out while enjoying an athletic dip. You must wear trunks in the water… but you know… once you’re in… who could possibly tell if you quickly slipped them off!

     

     

     

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Anvil

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Anvil

    A rather sleazy bar within the Shipwrights Arms in Tooley Street.

    Description from Nigel (Thank you)

    The Anvil which used to be a  rather sleazy bar within the Shipwrights Arms in Tooley Street, London Bridge  (the pub is still there but long since gone straight). The upstairs had a dark cruising area and I distinctly remember the biker nights which were held every Thursday evening.

    I think it opened in the late 80s and only lasted a few years…we often went on a pub crawl between the Anvil, The Coleherne, The London Apprentice then lastly The Block!

     

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

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  • Two Brewers’ manager is a multi-award winner thanks to tireless efforts for the community

    Boss of the Two Brewers in Clapham, Jimmy Smith, has received two of the highest community accolades in recognition of 25 years supporting the LGBT+ community and is up for a 2017 award hat trick adding Great British Best Managed Pub to the honours.

    Having managed almost every prestigious LGBT gay cabaret bar over the last three decades with huge community spirit, it was a surprise only to the humble operator himself when he was called out at the Pride annual dinner last week to be commemorated for outstanding support of the LGBT+ community in London over 25 years.

    Pride London Co-Chair Michael Salter-Church MBE gave Jimmy the honour just a week after the Mayoress of Lambeth had awarded him the ‘Lambeth Coat of Arms’, on the 25th anniversary day of Jimmy joining current employers Stonegate Pub Company.

    “It was the most bizarre experience,” said Jimmy. “I was sat at the event as I do every year, listening to a narrative on this year’s winner and about five minutes in, it dawned on me that they might be talking about me!”

    Also recognising Jimmy’s achievements, Stonegate had entered the Two Brewers into the Great British Pub Awards for Best Managed Pub, and last week got the news that they had been shortlisted in the final six with the chance of taking the title after a final round of judging in August.

    “Talk about an insane two weeks!” added Jimmy.

    But it’s not just awarded adding to the insanity. In the last two weeks alone, Jimmy has raised almost £10,000 for Pride London, Grenfell Tower victims and other local charities totalling £25,000 donated this year, with thousands more in previous years.

    The support isn’t just fundraising with Jimmy chief organiser and advisor to anyone who asks for his support including the Kings Cross Steelers, founded 1995 as the first ever gay inclusive rugby union club; Best Bar None – last year a winner in recognition for his contribution to a safe late night economy; and London Titans Football Club, one of the biggest and most successful LGBT football teams in the United Kingdom.

    If Jimmy does beat all other UK pubs to take Best Managed Pub, the one thing that is guaranteed is dancing in the streets, a huge amount of laughter, and sensational cabaret with every member of the London LGBT+ community celebrating.

    The Great British Pub awards will be presented on 7th September at the London Hilton on Park Lane in London.

  • Is London’s LGBT scene anti-disability?

    Activists are planning to chain themselves to gay bars by September unless their demands for action are met.

    LGBT+ Disability activists are planning a “Disability Queer Riot” in London because not one single gay bar in London is fully accessible, they allege.

    The group have made demands that include,

    • Equality over profit – LGBT+ venues just stop pretending you are not under to be accessible – you know you should be – are you doing everything you can?
    • Access 4 All – we’ll chain ourselves to the steps by September if you don’t make an explicit statement of your intentions
    • MORE TALK LESS ACTION! LGBT+ FREEDOM FOR ALL!

    The group are planning to meet trainee lawyer, Josh, who is also a Queer Tours of London – A Mince Through time’ guide, on the 15th July in Soho Square to demonstrate in central London. The organisers have said they’ll chain themselves to steps unless bars make an “explicit statement of intentions”

    Josh Hepple, said,

    “LGBT+ venues just stop pretending you are not under to be accessible – you know you should be – are you doing everything you can? We demand ‘Equality over profit’ and ‘Access 4 All’ – we’ll chain ourselves to the steps by September if you don’t make an explicit statement of your intentions.” 

    Kevin Wilson said,

    ”Have you ever been somewhere that you wanted to visit but told that you can’t because of accessibility, health and safety or sorry if you come in you can’t get to the toilet or the classic it’s too busy. Well, I for one often get almost all of these answers when trying to access gay bars and clubs on the London LGBT+ scene, occasions I’m with friends and they are allowed to get in and I’m now posing an issue. For those that has disabled facilities the toilets are often used as store rooms or too small. I just can’t win. This gives disabled LGBT+ plus people the impression as to not out seemingly the venues are not aware of intersectionality I’m black, gay, disabled but most of all I’m a human being with the same desires as those who are able bodied. I just have to do things in an orderly fashion”.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Gay Bars Closed: The Lost LGBT Scene Project

    Gay Bars Closed: The Lost LGBT Scene Project

    Logging the gay bars closed and other LGBT+ venues that have closed in London and across the UK

    We’ve created this archive to remember and pay tribute to the gay bars and LGBT+ spaces that have closed. There’s no denying that the scene went through a heydey back in the 80s and 90s but as technology and other factors have slowly become essential in connecting the LGBT+ community, since the 00’s, many bars have fallen by the wayside.

    At one time the LGBT bar was one of our only safe spaces. It was where many of us could feel at home, be ourselves and with people who understood our journey. They were and still continue to be a hugely important part of our community.

    The Edge was a gay bar that closed in London

    We’re looking for your contributions to make this an essential archive of the LGBT scene in the UK. If you have memories, photos or even stories of some of the venues listed please click on it and add your content in the comment section. We will then add these to the main article.

    Although this list currently only has London gay bars closed listed at the moment, we’re keen to expand to include the rest of the UK. Please use the comment section below to draw our attention to closed bars in your area.

    Got a venue or memories to add? Click here.

    Gay Bars Closed (124)

    (Click on the name to go to the venue’s page)

    1. 3 Monkey: Greenwich
    2. The Angel: a cabaret bar in Stratford.
    3. The Anvil: rather sleazy bar within the Shipwrights Arms in Tooley Street
    4. Artful Dodger: in Highbury and Islington.
    5. The Backstreet: London’s longest running fetish and leather club 1985-2022.
    6. The Bar: a large style cafe bar in Shoreditch.
    7. Bar Aquda: on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden.
    8. Barcode Vauxhall: cruisy bar in Albert Embankment. 1996 – 2015
    9. Barcode: a dancey bar in Soho which late 00s.
    10. Bar Fusion: in Islington.
    11. Bar Titania: Was on Charing Cross Road on the site of the old Ku Bar next to Manbar/CXR. Closed 2016.
    12. The Birdcage: A traditional friendly pub in Chiswick which closed in 2006.
    13. The Black Cap: legendary North London drag bar and club which closed in 2015. 1965 – 2015
    14. The Black Horse: East end gay bar near Stepney Green.
    15. Blackout: an Art Deco style cocktail bar on Molton Street
    16. The Blush Bar: a lesbian bar in Stoke Newington. 1997 – 2015.
    17. The Boltons: Corner of Earls Court Rd & Brompton Rd
    18. The Box: relaxed cafe on Seven Dials near Covent Garden.
    19. Brewery Tap: a friendly local gay bar in Stockwell
    20. Brewers Tap: Walthamstow 
    21. The Britannia: a different themed night every night in Leytonstone
    22. Brief Encounters
    23. The British Prince: An intimate east end boozer near Limehouse
    24. Bromptons: Big and cruisy was once part of the now-defunct Earl’s Court gay scene. Is now being turned into flats. 1984 – 2008.
    25. Buzz Bar: Bar in Clapham Junction
    26. Cafe Au-Reole: gay bar set on two floors, was part of the Earl’s Court gay scene.
    27. Central Station, Walthamstow: gay bar with nightly entertainment in Walthamstow.
    28. Candy Bar: London’s number one Lesbian bar – had a brief reopening, but closed again in 2014. 1996 – 2014
    29. Catch 22: short-lived gay bar in Wood Green, the most northern gay bar in London.
    30. The Cellar Bar, Charing Cross
    31. Citrus Grove: Fridays only in Gipsy Hill.
    32. The Champion: long-running and unpretentious in Notting Hill.
    33. Copacabana: Disco bar in Earls Court closed in the late 90s
    34. Cock: a traditional pub in Kennington which closed in 2005.
    35. Cock and Comfort: large gay boozer in Bethnal Green
    36. The Coleherne: bar which tried to rebrand in 2008 becoming the Pembroke. It was London’s oldest gay bar until its closure.
    37. The Coronet: described as a stylish east-end bar, near Stratford, now apartments
    38. Compass: Islington
    39. Crews: Central London, on St. Martin’s Lane. Read a story about why Crews was opened.
    40. Crown and Anchor: a gay and mixed pub in Bromley North. Closed in 2006 and reopened as a non-gay bar and told customers who were looking for a gay bar to go to Stonewall bar in Lewisham – also now closed.
    41. David Warriors A Bar: for men with attitude – men only in Southwark
    42. Due South: in Stoke Newington
    43. Dukes: a gay bar which was very popular with bears in Vauxhall It now operates as Eagle London, which is still a gay venue.
    44. The Duke of Clarence: Lesbian bar on Rotherfield Street, just off Essex Road, Islington.
    45. The Duke of Wellington: mixed and friendly bar in Islington.
    46. Edge, The: 4 Storey gay bar perched on the edge of Soho Square.
    47. Embassy, The
    48. Escape: Popular dance bar with student night in Soho, closed in 2014. 1998 – 2014.
    49. Fallen Angel: Islington. Bar with rooms upstairs where support groups would meet. Has now been turned into flats.
    50. Flag, The, Finsbury Park
    51. The Fort: a cruisy gay bar in Elephant and Castle. Was reported closed in August 2011. 1997 – 2011.
    52. First Out Cafe Bar: legendary gay venue lasted 25 years before closing in 2011. 1986 – 2011.
    53. The George Music Bar: Cosy bar in Isleworth.
    54. Goose and Carrot: a gay-friendly mixed pub in Croydon
    55. Gladstone Arms: gay bar in Borough which had regular themed nights.
    56. Gloucester, The: Gay bar featured in Beautiful Thing
    57. The Green: Swanky, an upmarket bar on Upper Street, Islington. 2007 – 2012.
    58. The Green Carnation: Upper market wine bar on the edge of Soho. Closed in 2015.
    59. The Green Man: Traditional and mixed in Harlesden.
    60. George And Dragon: in Shoreditch was forced to close after a dramatic price hike in its lease.
    61. Golden Lion, Kings Cross
    62. The Halfway House: described as east London’s friendly gay bar in Bethnal Green.
    63. Harpoon Louis:  The bar upstairs, Harpoon Louie’s (later Harpo’s and later still Banana Max), was until the late 1980s among the most popular gay bars in London. It is now a Wagamama restaurant. Above the Copa in Earls Court Road, it was the largest gay bar in London, on 3 levels with an extensive garden. Opened in 1983 and closed in 1997 (thanks to John for the info)
    64. The Hoist: cruise and sex venue for guys in Vauxhall. Closed in January 2017 after 21 years in business
    65. The Horns: cruise bar at London Bridge.
    66. Jacomos
    67. The Joiner’s Arms: Long established LGBT space which closed in January 2015 1997 – 2015
    68. Jonathan’s
    69. The Jubilee Tavern
    70. Two8Six: Was a pub formerly known as Stonewalls, it closed in 2012. The 1960s – 2012
    71. Kazbar: Announced it would close at the end of 2016. Was one of two gay bars in Clapham, the other being The Two Brewers.
    72. Kensington Roof Gardens: had a gay night on Sundays.
    73. King Edward IV: in Islington closed in 2011. 1966 – 2011
    74. Kudos
    75. Leinster, The: The pub opened in 1998 and closed in 2005 on two floors, a traditional gay pub for the “Chelsea crowd” The pub which was on the corner of Ossington St has since been demolished. (Thanks to John for the info)
    76. Limelight, On Charing Cross Road, near the Palace Theatre. Was a Sunday night evening event.
    77. The Little Apple: traditional gay pub closed in 2014. 1993 – 2014
    78. Lo-Profile: a gay bar started by the dating site, Gaydar, closed in 2013.
    79. London Apprentice: Old Street, North London
    80. Lower Ground: a basement bar in West Hampstead.
    81. Lounge: iconic lesbian night which closed and then reopens and then closed again.
    82. Macbeth, The: gay run pub near Old Street.
    83. Madame Jo Jos: famed Drag venue which closed in 2014. 1966 – 2014
    84. Manbar: the bar that went on to replace CRX79 on Tottenham Court Road.
    85. The Market Tavern: Islington.
    86. Molly Moggs: a friendly and brash central London pub, famous for its larger than life drag queens, karaoke and friendly staff. One of the oldest LGBT pubs in the UK.  Molly Moggs has now reopened. Update 2019 It is now closed and reopened as another bar, which isn’t LGBT.
    87. The Navy Arms: a Friendly pub in Deptford.
    88. Nelson’s Head: a traditional pub in Horatio Street. 2007 – 2015.
    89. The Oak: lesbian bar in Manor House. 1994 – 2013
    90. Old Ship: East-end gay pub near Old Street. (UPDATE) It’s now under new management and isn’t “gay” anymore, but gay-friendly – and has drag acts.
    91. The Orange: Described as a large boys’ space, with themes every night.
    92. The Outback Bar: next to Buzz Bar, also closed in Clapham Junction.
    93. Penny Farthing: A favourite Hammersmith hangout.
    94. Piano Bar
    95. Play Pit: A sleazy barroom cruisy bar in Kings Cross
    96. Profile: a cafe and bar opened by dating gurus Gaydar, closed in 2013 along with the sale of their radio station Gaydar Radio. 2007 – 2013.
    97. Prohibition Cafe Bar: gay owned, gay-friendly pub in Streatham.
    98. Princess Of Wales: Friendly gay bar in Woolwich.
    99. Queens Arms: closed in the early 2000s and turned into flats. It was a smart, upmarket pub.
    100. Queens Arms: a homely pub in Hounslow Central.
    101. Queens Head: Chelsea gay/straight pub that was unable to negotiate a new lease due to increased costs in 2016.
    102. Ram, The: Islington with legendary party nights.
    103. Rocket: Two bars in one, in Acton.
    104. Roebuck: a bar situated in Rennell Street, later called Bar Phoenix which was eventually demolished.
    105. Rose and Crown: Greenwich
    106. Red Stiletto: in Vauxhall.
    107. Racecourse: The a friendly mixed pub in Crouch End.
    108. Route 73: traditional gay bar in Stoke Newington.
    109. Rush Bar: a lesbian bar which closed in the mid-2000s.
    110. Salisbury: St Martins Lane, WC1 (yes it is still there, but now straight).
      This was pub frequented by actors and gay men in the 1950/60s becoming completely gay in the 1970s. It ceased trading as a gay pub in 1985 with the opening of a new gay bar across the road (Brief Encounter).  It was featured in the film “Victim” with leading gay actor Dirk Bogarde. The film made in 1961 told the story of the culture of blackmail in the gay community.
      The film set in motion the legalisation of homosexuality in 1967. (thanks to John for the info)
    111. The Salmon, in Islington
    112. Shadow Lounge: A members dance club/bar that allowed guest listing announced it was to shut in September 2016.
    113. Skinners Arms: a Traditional gay pub in Oval.
    114. Soho’s Strippers
    115. Southopia: a lesbian bar in Kennington.
    116. The Spiral Staircase, a gay bar on Shoreditch Highstreet
    117. SW9: a stylish cafe bar in Brixton.
    118. The Stag
    119. Star And Garter: a traditional pub in Bromley. 2006 – 2014.
    120. Stokey Stop: a lesbian bar in Stoke Newington
    121. West Central
    122. White Horse: a mixed pub on the Westferry DLR.
    123. Woolwich Infant: Plumstead
    124. Y Bar: On Essex Road in Islington.
    125. 79CXR: manly bar on Tottenham Court Road. 1994 -2015

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Gay Clubs Closed (43)

    1. Adams Club: In Leicester Sq.
    2. Area: Dance club in Albert Embankment 2006 – 2014
    3. Atelier at The End: Weekly lounge-style event near Tottenham Court Road.
    4. Bangs Nightclub on Charing Cross Road in the 70s
    5. Benjy’s 2000: a Sunday night club night for gay men, near Mile End.
    6. The Block: A Bromley by Bow dress code, cruisy club night.
    7. Catacombs: A bar in Earl’s Court, which never sold alcohol. Read a story from the Catacombs.
    8. Coco Latte: every Friday night at the Chocolate Bar.
    9. Club V: a popular gay indie night every other Saturday in Islington.
    10. Club Kali: at the Dome, a bi-monthly Bhangra bash in N19.
    11. Club Tranvesties: A Stepney night for “TVs/ TSs” every Sunday near Aldgate East
    12. Chaguaramas Club: Neal St, closed in 1970
    13. Crash: late-night club from 10.30 in Vauxhall. Closed in 2007. It now operates as Union, which is still a gay event.
    14. Dorian Club off Kings Road in Chelsea in the 70s
    15. DTPM
    16. El Sombrero: (Yours or Mine) Kensington High Street
    17. Extreme: Sunday afternoon clubbing from 1 PM till 9 PM.
    18. FF was at Turnmills
    19. Fist: described as a “sleaze pit” with a strictly enforced dress code.
    20. G-A-Y: at the Astoria: 1993 – 2008 Moved to Heaven.
    21. Gay Tea Dance: at the Limelight on Shaftesbury Ave.
    22. Ghetto: Cult Soho dance club with a mixed clientele of club freaks, artists and international A-listers.  Legendary nights included NagNagNag, Misshapes and The Cock (thanks to LWellsted).  2001 – 2008
    23. Le Foyer: A club in Soho in 70s
    24. Long Yang Club: a gay night for Southeast Asians.
    25. The Masquerade club: On Earl’s Court Road
    26. Napoleon: A club on Bond street
    27. Off The Hook: at Velvet – mixed Monday night club.
    28. The Phoenix: clubbing on Saturdays near Oxford Circus.
    29. Popstarz: mixed club night which used to be held in Kings Cross closed in November 2014.
    30. Reflections: an intimate gay night in Stratford.
    31. Reflex: attitude-free clubbing in Kingston Upon Thames.
    32. Sadie Masie: at the now-defunct London Lesbian and Gay Centre in Cow Cross Street, Farringdon. (Thanks to John)
    33. Shadow Lounge: A members club in the heart of Soho famous for its light-up dance floor and VIP sections. Closed 2016.
    34. Silks Club: A club in Shepherd’s Bush shopping centre
    35. Spats club in Oxford St.
    36. The Spiral: gay-friendly club near Old Street.
    37. Substation South: late night club, with different themes each night of the week in Brixton.
    38. Substation Sound-Shaft: on Hungerford Lane – cruisy late night club/bar – Thursday nights were called Twisted and Fridays were called SPUNK.
    39. Subway: Leicester Square
    40. The Lounge: described as a “gentleman’s” club with bar and restaurant.
    41. The Masquerade Club, In Earl’s Court
    42. Trade: Techno club night at Turnmills. 4 AM till 1 PM in Farringdon. Last night was held in October 2015.
    43. Trash Palace: In Soho, set over three floors down the road from Ku Bar.
    44. The Tube: Late night club and cruise bar on Saturdays was called Wigout.
    45. Turnmills: Clerkenwell
    46. Voltz: Was beneath the Roebuck in Lewisham.

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Other gay venues closed

    Biograph: A cinema where gay men went, but didn’t spend much time watching films. Read a story about a young man’s first sexual encounter at Biograph.

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Gay Saunas Closed

    Steamworks 309 – Sauna based in New Cross Closed 2014

    Chariots Shoreditch – It was London’s largest sauna but was demolished in 2016 to make way for a new development.

    Chariots Streatham – Was a sauna that was closed without warning in 2016.

    Chariots Waterloo – Was closed in 2017 to make way for a new development in the area.

    Holland Park Sauna – A sauna right in the middle of the shopping centre

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    One response to “Gay Bars Closed: The Lost LGBT Scene Project”

    1. seshort avatar
      seshort

      The Bell in Kings Cross, next to what was the Thameslink station. It’s now the Big Chill, I think. Was the place to be in the mid-80s. Everyone looked like they were in Bronski Beat – some of them were.

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Voltz, Lewisham

    Lost LGBT Scene | Voltz, Lewisham

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Voltz

    Was beneath the Roebuck in Lewisham.

    Do you know more about this venue, or have photos? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

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  • Lost LGBT Scene | Turnmills, Clerkenwell

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Turnmills

    Do you know more about this venue, or have photos? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Tube

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Tube

    Late night club and cruise bar on Saturdays was called Wigout. Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Trash Palace

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Trash Palace

    In Soho, set over three floors down the road from Ku Bar. Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!