4 Best Bars in London, England

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Toby Orton

The pace with which London bars and clubs go in and out of fashion is mind-boggling. New trends, likewise, emerge all time. In one somewhat recent development, the dreaded velvet rope has been usurped by the doorbell-ringing mystique of members-only drinking clubs. Some of the city's most talked-about nightlife spots these days are those attached to some of the best restaurants and hotels—no wonder, when you consider the increased popularity of London cuisine in international circles. Moreover, the gay scene in London is still going strong. One constant of the nightlife here is variety. The understated glamour of north London's Primrose Hill, which makes movie stars feel so at ease, might be considered dull by the übertrendy club goers of London's East End. Likewise, the price of a pint in Chelsea would be considered blasphemous by the musicians and poets of multicultural Peckham.

Whatever your pleasure, however your whim turns come evening, chances are you'll find what you're looking for in London's ever-changing arena of activity and invention.

Heaven

Covent Garden Fodor's choice

Offering arguably the best light show on any London dance floor, London's first and most famous gay club Heaven is unpretentious, loud, and lively, with a labyrinth of rooms, bars, and live music parlors. Set under the arches behind Charing Cross railway station and going strong since 1979, on Thursday through Saturday night it's all about the G-A-Y club and comedy nights. Check in advance about live performances—they can take place any night of the week. If you go to just one gay club in London, Heaven should be it.

KOKO

Camden Town Fodor's choice

Once known as the Camden Palace, this legendary venue has lush red decor and gilt-trimmed boxes that recall its past as a Victorian theater, but now is the home of packed dance nights featuring everything from funky house, Afrobeat, and electronica to club classics and indie, in addition to concerts on the big stage. Headliners who have performed "secret" gigs here include Madonna, Prince, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Amy Winehouse, while recent gigs range from Jalen Ngonda to the Buzzcocks. A renovation following a 2020 fire has added a four-story extension to the original theater and two adjoining buildings, incorporating a good Italian-theme café/pizzeria. A membership gets you access to a cocktail bar in the large roof dome, a summer rooftop bar, an intimate jazz and blues bar, and a recording studio.

fabric

City of London

This sprawling subterranean club opposite Smithfield Meat Market is a firm fixture on the London scene and is regularly voted one of the top clubs in the world. The "fabriclive" series hosts drum and bass, dubstep, and hip-hop crews and live acts on Friday; international big-name DJs play slow, sexy bass lines and cutting-edge music on Saturday. The devastating sound system ensures that bass riffs vibrate through your entire body. Get there early to avoid a lengthy line, and don't wear a suit. Expect a mainly young crowd.

Dance Club
77A Charterhouse St., London, EC1M 6HJ, England
020-7336–8898
www.fabriclondon.com

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She Soho

Soho

This female-focused basement club, part of the popular Ku group of LGBTQ+ venues, is a standout on the Soho scene. It welcomes a mostly lesbian and nonbinary LGBTQ+ crowd for informal cocktails early in the evening, followed by dancing—of the pop and house variety—later on. The vibe is fun, open, and positive, especially on the last Thursday of each month when She Soho hosts London's only drag-king open-mike night. Just note that unaccompanied men are not allowed.