5 Legendary LGBT Venues in London

London is home to one of the World's most open and diverse metropolitan communities. Soho has been ground breaking in forging that community as a forefather to the UK's increasingly permissive laws relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transsexual people. These are 5 LGBT venues that have played their part in that reformation.

G-A-Y Bar

One of Soho's world's famous bar in London. If you're after cheap drinks and a young crowd, you've come to the right spot. Spread over three floors you can ensure you will have a good time dancing to Britany or Little Mix. And fear not, because when this door closes, another opens at G-A-Y Late. Located around the corner at 5 Goslett Yard, it offers a similar experience, but with a later licence and even louder pop songs.

Heaven

London's legendary and world famous nightclub, situated in the heart of the city, home to Live Music, G-A-Y and Popcorn. Heaven was revolutionary when it first opened in 1979. One of London's first gay superclub, it brought you acid house and Hi-NRG; a magnet for gay celebrities and mounted the most spectacular stage shows seen in club-land. Heaven is now central London's only one thousand capacity venue for live music.

Admiral Duncan

Admiral Duncan, one of Soho's famous gay bar on Old Compton Street, which has been in operation since the early 19th century. Expect a mixed crowd drinking continental beers and wines from a short list. Entertainment comes from a jukebox filled with hits from the 80s and 90s, as well as cabaret and drag acts at the weekends. There's a dancefloor too, should the enticement take you.

Yard Bar

A courtyard and loft bar on a popular Soho street that generally attracts a slightly older LGBT crowd. Downstairs you can get your Alfresco (and quite possibly Alfronso!) on, as the area boasts demure lighting and wooden banquettes. The upstairs loft bar has smart leather sofas and a balcony that's popular with smokers. So if you're after somewhere to drink and mingle, especially on a warm summer's day, then make the Yard your own.

Comptons of Soho

Comptons, an old-fashioned gay club that has been around before the likes of Village Bar and Admiral Duncan. Comptons of Soho was known for it's blacked out windows and sawdust floor décor. As time as prevailed, so as Comptons. It now has two floors, clear-glass windows and far nicer toilets! The upstairs lounge has flock wallpaper and a chandelier – a good place for a date or conversations – but the main floor is louder, darker and clubbier, and tends to be where the action is.

For more inofrmation about LGBT bars and bars in general, including the best cocktail bars, take a look at our London blog and London guide.