How to Plan a Queer Bar Crawl in London: Routes and Late Licences

Planning a queer bar crawl in London isn’t just about hopping from one spot to another-it’s about finding spaces where you feel seen, safe, and celebrated. With over 100 LGBTQ+-friendly venues across the city, and many staying open past 2 a.m., the options can feel overwhelming. But with the right route and a little know-how, you can turn a night out into something unforgettable. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you real, up-to-date routes, licensed hours, and hidden gems that actually welcome queer people-not just tolerate them.

Start in Soho: The Heart of London’s Queer Scene

Soho is where it all begins. The area around Soho Square and Berwick Street has been the epicenter of London’s queer nightlife since the 1970s. Start at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), even though it’s technically just outside Soho in Vauxhall-it’s worth the 15-minute walk. RVT is a legendary drag venue with cabaret shows every night and a crowd that’s 80% queer. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the first show starts at 9 p.m. The drinks are cheap, the energy is electric, and the dance floor fills by 10:30 p.m.

From RVT, head north to The Royal Standard on Wardour Street. This is your classic queer pub-no gimmicks, just real people, strong gin and tonics, and a back room that turns into a karaoke den after midnight. It’s one of the few places where you can still have a quiet conversation over a pint and still feel completely at home. Their late licence runs until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, which is rare for a pub this size.

Move to Soho’s Underground Clubs

After a few drinks and maybe a drag lip-sync, it’s time to move deeper into Soho. Walk two blocks to Bar 22 on Dean Street. This place doesn’t look like much from the outside-a small door with a neon rainbow sign-but inside, it’s a sweaty, glitter-filled basement with DJs spinning house, disco, and queer anthems. No cover charge, no dress code, no gatekeepers. It’s open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and the crowd is mostly 20s to 40s, mixed gender, and totally unbothered by labels.

Next stop: Wiltons-yes, the same Wiltons that’s been around since 1742. It’s a historic gay bar that survived the AIDS crisis and the rise of apps. The vibe here is older, quieter, and more intimate. Think velvet booths, jazz on the stereo, and cocktails made with real vermouth. It closes at 1 a.m. on weekdays but stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends. If you’re looking for a moment to catch your breath, this is it.

Hit the Late-Night Dance Halls

By 1 a.m., you’re ready to move. Head to Phoenix on Old Compton Street. It’s one of the largest queer clubs in London, with three rooms: one for techno, one for pop, and one for drag shows. The main room has a 3 a.m. late licence, and the dance floor doesn’t empty until 4 a.m. on weekends. The crowd here is diverse-trans, non-binary, cis, gay, straight allies-and everyone’s there for the music, not the Instagram pose.

If you’re still going strong at 3 a.m., take a 10-minute cab ride to Club Kali in the East End. It’s not in Soho, but it’s worth it. Club Kali is a queer-owned space that started as a basement party and grew into a full club. They host themed nights-think “Lesbian Disco,” “Trans Night Out,” or “Non-Binary Ballroom”-and their late licence runs until 4 a.m. every Friday and Saturday. The sound system is top-tier, the lighting is low, and the staff remembers your name.

Know the Late Licence Rules

London’s late licences aren’t the same everywhere. Some bars get permission to stay open until 3 a.m., others only until 2 a.m. It depends on the local council, the venue’s history, and whether they’ve had noise complaints. Most queer venues in Soho and Vauxhall have 3 a.m. licences because they’ve been around long enough to earn trust. But newer spots-like pop-ups or temporary bars-might only have 2 a.m. licences.

Here’s the rule of thumb: if a place has a sign that says “Licensed until 3 a.m.” on the door, it’s legal. If it doesn’t, assume 2 a.m. And never assume a bar will stay open past 4 a.m.-only a handful of clubs in London have 4 a.m. licences, and they’re usually in East London or Southwark. Club Kali, The Glory, and The Eagle are among the few that do.

Plan Your Route Like a Pro

Don’t just wing it. Map out your crawl before you leave. Use Google Maps or Citymapper to check walking times. Most of these venues are within 10-15 minutes of each other on foot. Here’s a tested route:

1. 7-9 p.m. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (Vauxhall)
2. 9:30-11 p.m. The Royal Standard (Soho)
3. 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Bar 22 (Soho)
4. 1-1:45 a.m. Wiltons (Soho)
5. 2-3:30 a.m. Phoenix (Soho)
6. 3:30-4:30 a.m. Club Kali (East End)

This route gives you time to drink, dance, and rest. Skip the last stop if you’re tired. You don’t need to hit every venue. Quality over quantity.

Avoid the Pitfalls

Not every bar that says “gay” or “queer” is actually welcoming. Some are tourist traps with overpriced drinks and no real community. Avoid places like London Gay Pride Bar on Shaftesbury Avenue-it’s a chain, has no character, and closes at midnight. Same with Bar 55-it’s loud, crowded, and the staff doesn’t know the difference between a drag queen and a costume party.

Also, don’t rely on apps like Grindr or Tinder to find your next stop. Those apps are for hookups, not bar recommendations. Use Instagram hashtags like #QueerLondon or #LondonLGBTQ to find real reviews from locals. Follow accounts like @lgbtqlondon or @queerlondonlife-they post weekly updates on events, closures, and new openings.

What to Bring

- Cash. Some queer bars, especially smaller ones, don’t take cards after midnight.

- A valid ID. Even if you look 25, they’ll check. London is strict.

- Comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.

- A small bag. Big backpacks aren’t allowed in most clubs.

- A friend. Never go alone. Even if you’re confident, safety matters.

When to Go

Weekends are packed. If you want space to breathe, go on a Thursday or Friday. Sundays are quiet but still alive-some bars have “Queer Sunday” events with live music and drag brunches. Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays unless you’re going to a specific event. Most places close early or have no shows.

Also, check the calendar. London Pride is in June, but there are smaller events all year-Trans Day of Visibility in March, Bi Visibility Day in September, and the annual London LGBTQ+ Film Festival in November. Many bars host special nights around these dates.

Final Tip: Be Respectful

Queer spaces are hard-won. They were built by people who fought for the right to exist. Don’t treat them like a theme park. Say thank you to the bartenders. Don’t take photos of drag performers without asking. Don’t assume someone’s pronouns. If you’re not sure, just ask: “What are your pronouns?” It’s that simple.

London’s queer nightlife isn’t about being the loudest or the trendiest. It’s about finding your people. And if you follow this route, you will.