rozane asked:


Amongst the copious list of trendy facilities on offer there are:

Clubs and bars

• Quebec- one of the oldest gay pubs in the capital, the establishment retains a traditional feel with original, ornate interior. With regular DJs, this popular establishment located in Marble Arch is unlikely to disappoint.

• Retro – Relatively central, the Retro Bar is a popular London gay haunt for the modern gay man looking to unwind after a busy day in the office.

• The-edge – This popular bar is complete with four disparate floors, each with a different atmosphere, catering for the hardcore clubber or those looking to chill out after a hard day at work.

Gay Cafes and Restaurants

Literally enjoy a taste of Gay London, with any of the extensive range of London gay restaurants and cafes including:

• First Out Café bar – Established in 1986, First Out prides itself on being the first lesbian and gay café-bar. With a friendly atmosphere, this relaxing restaurant is a popular establishment tucked neatly within the Capital’s West End. Complete with a creative international vegetarian menu and a generous range of tasty dishes and quality organic fair-trade coffee and pastries.

• Balans – Nestled noisily in Soho, on Old Compton Street, this restaurant is able to boast its reputation as one of the most famous winder and diner in Gay London. Moreover, with a vibrant atmosphere the Balans will never fail to satisfy the needs of any gay man.

London Gay Nightclubs

Gay London is synonymous with partying and the following provide little exception:

G-A-Y – Able to boast the reputation of London’s largest and most frequented gay club, this infamous club has recently moved locations from London’ Astoria to beneath the arches of Charing Cross station. In addition, and perhaps more excitingly, G-A-Y management have recently taken over the venue where another popular gay haunt (Heaven) is located, increasing its pink empire.

Popstarz – This awesome nightclub, located at SIN nightclub, takes place every Friday from 10pm to 4am and operates a relaxed dress code. Ideal for anybody looking for a laid back, no frills vibe, Popstarz will not disappoint. Situated in London’s Tottenham court road, this awesome weekly event has rapidly grown in popularity.

Downsides of being a gay man in London town

Despite a host of gay friendly haunts and an awesome scene surpassed by very few throughout the continent, you can still fall foul of prejudice. In the leafy suburbs of Chiswick, a gay couple have demanded an apology from the management of a local pub who had asked the pair to refrain from kissing as customers were apparently leaving in response to their behaviour.

Damien Poole, 24, and his partner James Manly, 27 visited the City Barge in Strand on the Green to be greeted with open hostility. Manly commented ‘I felt like everyone was looking at me. I just thought I’m in London not some country pub’. Displaying values from the dark ages, the City Barge management wasted little time in asking the pair to stop their public affection. The incident perhaps highlights that the dust has not yet settled for gay London.