Reviews of G-A-Y Bar. (Pub) in London (London).

G-A-Y Bar

498 Reviews

196 Comments

Pub

Gay bar

30 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UR, United Kingdom

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Description Map Open Hours Reviews Contact Photos

Description

Information of G-A-Y Bar, Pub in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of G-A-Y Bar

Sunday

12pm–12am

Monday

12pm–12am

Tuesday

12pm–12am

Wednesday

12pm–12am

Thursday

12pm–12am

Friday

12pm–12am

Saturday

12pm–12am

Popular times

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Thursday

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Saturday

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Reviews of G-A-Y Bar

G. W.

A very popular gay bar to visit, we popped in for little drink, to see what all the fuss is about. After a very brief wait to get in, a quick body search and then covid pass with ID- you are then in. No fee to pay. We went straight upstairs to the bar- it was alright; but crowded and the staff could have been happier. Your fellow customers are generally younger, some looked a bit too young, but that’s what you get in a gay bar. The music was good but there was around a 2 second gap between each song? Is there a DJ? Who knows. The table we used was a foldable picnic table? What is going on there? This is one of more popular gay bars in London, and it’s using furniture like that. Someone please throw some money at the problem. The toilets are downstairs, dual-gender and spacious enough. On the whole, this is fine for a cheeky drink, but it’s not the best. It’s fun, but it ain’t fancy.

G. D.

Young crowd at the original! Great music and make sure you pick up a wrist band for heaven to save you money on the door on G-A-Y nights there.

S. R.

I haven't been in a while but for anyone that has been recently. Do you need to be vaccinated to get in? I tried ringing but no answer so thought i would ask here.

A. M.

Bit of a different experience with social distancing in place. Had a fun evening though. Staff are friendly, warm and welcoming. Tables are in little social bubbles. Still a great atmosphere and enjoyable evening. Would recommend.

Awesome party place offering cheesy music, a mixed (but rather queeny) crowd and the cheapest drinks in the whole city. Great for starting a night of pure camp banter.

M. M.

The vibes and the atmosphere is amazing, no hate, just fun. It is a very 21st century disco, you will not regret going in. The music is very commercial but enough to have a good time once you are on your second beer. Furthermore, they also have the happy day, beer for just 1 pound!!! Just go in and have a good time, you will also get to know lots of people.

I love the London G-A-Y bar compared to the Manchester one. The London G-A-Y bar have friendly staff and the atmosphere is nice as well, the G-A-Y bar in Manchester has bouncers on the door that profile you and think the Manchester G-A-Y bar is an exclusive members bar for some odd reason. I used to go to this bar in Manchester when it was the Spirit bar back in the early 2000's before it was G-A-Y Manchester. I am out gay (since 1994) but was not allowed in the Manchester G-A-Y bar because the rude bouncer had already profiled me and demanded that I showed him membership for the London G-A-Y bar I frequent, I have never had membership for the London G-A-Y bar ever, I didn't even know you have to have membership to go to G-A-Y in London that's news to me. Top marks to the London G-A-Y bar. I love going here.

J. C.

Interesting experience during Covid but a great one nonetheless. One way system set up and generally adhered to, and all staff had face coverings. Proper Dancing wasn’t allowed because of covid but we were all dancing in our seats of course. Love the music here as always - the best kind of pop / cheese, with those music videos on the screens by the bar. Drinks deal on several nights (Monday to Thursday I believe) means several drinks cost only £2.50 eg pint of magners or bud light, small glass of wine and single mixer: can’t say fairer than that! Looking forward to going back soon!

R. G.

Beth is the bomb dot com Ordering drinks can take time in COVID-19 life but Beth absolutely came through for us. 🤙🏼🤙🏼

c. J.

My friend James attended and had the best night of his life! Met his future husband and got chlamydia all in one night!

R. C.

Went there for first time on 18 July 2020. Staff were very polite and friendly and social distancing was very effectively observed. Beer is cheapest in the area, but I got five shots of Sambuca and was charged £20! I could have got a bottle for much less. Won't be going there again in a hurry.

Drinks are a great price for central London. Our server Jack was absolutely exceptional, he was so friendly and made us feel so welcome. Will be coming back just to see him xxx

J. W.

Service from Jack was exceptional he made sure all our needs were met. I hadn't come out for a while so had to get used to the new rules being told to stay seated took some getting used to when all i wanted to do was walk around lol and music was a bit outdated but would definitely come back here

I have been regular visitor of this beautiful place but on 22nd June 2021 first time visited after COVID-19 season , things are bit changed but still love the place. Staff is very friendly and supportive

Super fun place to go have fun with your friends, cheap drinks as well. Most of all this night one guy was looking at us in a super creepy way and just wouldn’t move his eyes from us and just staying close and being intimidating looking at my friend and I (two girls dancing) and I told security and they escorted him out immediately! Quick response and many thanks to the security guards!

F. S.

Being going for years and seems to have always the same young crowd. Usually playing current top charts and all time favorite pop music. Nice for a little bit of dancing if you like the music, cheap on Sundays! The inside is not great just for a drink as is a bit dark but is great to kick off the night.

I think most people come here on their way to HEAVEN for the wrist band. Looking around, the majority seem to come in, get wristbands, and then turn and walk out- and I can now see why. The bar itself is very small and cramped, which is fine if that is what you are expecting. What I cannot abide were the prices, easily about a 15% premium above the local area and every drink I ordered had mixer that was flat. Will continue to come here for a wristband, won’t make the mistake of staying for more than 10 minutes again.

m. r.

Nice place, in the middle of soho, so super central, good price for cocktails

I. C.

Love this place. Music is really good, the atmosphere is great. Ideal for drinks before a crazy night out

W. W.

ehh… didn’t go inside but the outside looks cool

J. L. -. M.

I honestly don't know what all the complaints are about. This place is brilliant however the toilets at the club are better than the toilets at the bar, apart from that G-A-Y has a great vibe and atmosphere and everyone is really friendly. Last night was my first time going to a gay bar and I loved it, I'm shocked at how many other lesbians there were there.

D. B.

Nice bar. It's been there for years. 2 floors + 1 room in the basement. Music 🎶 videos on many screens Sunday to Thursday all drinks £2. Bargain At weekends just under £5 Good place to bring your friends

C. G.

This is the best place in London to go hang with friends, as it is the friendliest establishment for lesbians, gays, but also fun for straight, due to the the ambience! I was quite regular here, but not so much lately and that made me come to read the reviews on here and give my contribution with one. It is not a typical club, but the music is loud enough and you can dance as much as you like! Prices are unbeatable too!

Had great fun here! Atmosphere like a Nightclub and really chilled. Feels nice to be surrounded by people with the same interest without anyone judging! Felt safe here.

B. B.

Crowded on a Thursday night and a good place to pick up leaflets/discount entry wrist bands for the clubs later in the night. Definitely pulls a younger crowd with lots of pop, dance, and top 40 hits. Upstairs gets very crowded and sometimes requires a line to control occupancy.

If you like dancing to trashy/cheesy pop music, you will love it here. However super sticky floor! Nice layout with many floors. Good atmosphere. And standard central London drinks prices.

J. S.

Great deals on drinks for a cheap midweek out with friends. Good atmosphere if you like cheesy pop and camp music which I do so I always enjoy when I go. Not everybody's cup of tea but I always have a good time.

L. C.

Came here for my friends birthday. Had a great time! Great music, great vibe, would like more fish bowl options! They were fab!

S. B.

Loved every minute of it! What a treat, would really recommend giving a visit if in the area. Will return again some time.

v. d. l.

Well what to say here, probably my favourite place to come dance the night away in London and the first club I went to wen I first arrived. It does smell bad in here but the atmosphere is always fun!

D. C. U.

G-A-Y bar is pretty decent bar. The drinks are expensive but where in London do you find a cheap drink. The security at the door pats you down maybe a little too much but there are excellent at kicking people out who are been inappropriate. Plus they have loads of different areas for people.

s. p.

Good Fancy Dress(sic)costume shop close by is the best i can manage as i havn,t actualy been here..So y review it??? Well Maps seems to think i have because i have passed by and i do know some people that have, so its based on their comments.The main complaint,as it seems with other reviews is about the quality and price of the drinks.I have worked in a club,and know how they operate ,so as long as your clued up, theres no reason y u can,t have a good time.Sounds like the sort of place you should have a drink before u go maybe, and a little in the club itself..but not too much beforehand,as they also seem to have strict old Doormen

S. R.

I rank the GAY bar 3 stars because of the music - it plays pretty much the same every time I come back. You can expect Beyonce, destiny child, Rihanna to come on - if that’s what you like to listen to, this is the place for you, but I’d prefer if the music changed a little every now and then. Closes pretty early and then the party continues in another place that is about 20 mins walk away.

C. A.

Not very good service at all last nite!! One of the guy serving was behaving like a pure diva, dropping stuff around, dancing, making funny faces, drinking, and then the credit card machine stopped working so waiting got even longer.few times he dropped a glass or something behind the counter, didn't even bother to pick it up, the smirnoff ice I got was room temperature, my friend hadn't even finished ordering, he was already asking for the money..then he said OH WHY YOU DIDN'T ORDER ALL TOGETHER?!! Really?? Is this the kind of service standard that G A Y offers?? I understand trying to have a good time while you working but not to this level. Music is ok but ALWAYS ALWAYS the same bloody videos!!!

A. G.

Cheap drinks and really well located but it is exactly the same, day after day. No changes at all, not even in the music. They could have a dj instead of all those videoclips on the wall.

W. M.

Really fun night!! Great bartenders

B. L.

We had a really great time! The bar itself has a good vibe and easy to navigate. Everyone was super chill. ❤❤

Lots of space on two levels. Very fun environment and great staff. A little keen for tips on the card machine but otherwise faultless.

L. 1.

Brilliant atmosphere any day of the week

J. I.

If you are not from the UK I would stay away from this place. The doorman/woman are extremely racist towards Americans and Canadians and people of color. Don't let it ruin ur night and go somewhere else. Obviously the owner of this establishment has the same perspective of non tolerance. Don't spend ur money perpetuating such nasty behaviors by these people.

V. D.

Nice place to get a drink for cheap. It's just a place to drink and leave soon, not for staying too long. Staff can either be super friendly or really impolite, no in between.

S. D.

If you're young, drunk or just fancy a cheesy night out, then you'll enjoy G-A-Y - most people come here as a precursor to hitting the Soho club scene, so expect gangs of friends queuing up at the bar for shots as loud pop music plays. Great if you're in the right mood; hell if you're not.

L. C.

This is my go to bar when down in London. Always had a good night here and then on to G-A-Y Late. Staff are all lovely and £2 on selected drinks every Sunday!

P. S.

Love this place! Always had an amazing time here. Cheap drinks and great crowd of people! And the videos are fun to watch!

J. D. M.

It's a really cool bar. It's kind of small so it gets hard to navigate around it. It doesn't have a lot of places to sit. They have good upbeat music.

W. J.

Nice - safe and fun and lost none of its vibe! Good feeling if this is the future post lockdown. Go get your shake on

I was a regular here in the late '90s with a couple of friends. I loved it. It got me into ABBA. 😊

E. V.

Is the only one place in London i found, you can drink for a normal price a beer or something else, people are really nice, and the structure is so interesting! 🖤

M. T.

Very dark lack of seating hit and miss bar staff music too eat damage levels and sticky floors that being said drinks are cheap and it's open late

K. “. T.

I always have a great time here. Cheap, good music and great staff!

P. Z.

Nice place to have a good time. Good and varied music. Service can be the best or not so good, depending on your luck.

J. S.

Great for some pretty club fun , yes u queue for drinks but rather that than the place be empty

K. B.

Many years ago I went there was a great atmosphere, bar staff were friendly

A. A. P.

Usually extremely busy and has a large queue. Very cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere.

A. P.

Would've been a really nice night but the toilet staff were extremely rude and ruined the night

I. d. C.

It's amazingly cheap except for Fridays and Saturdays. You can get wristbands for g a y late. It's mainstream campy and the security can be a bit heterophobic

C. L. b.

Wonderful experience, staff so attentive to current regulations, really friendly and so welcoming.

J. P.

It was ok, younger crowd, you get your band for Heaven and a few drinks and that’s it. It’s not that expensive.

Do you think sticking your finger up someones bum then wiping it under someones nose is good. Because that is what dave farrell and jamie laughran do.

E. C.

Maybe because I went in a week day, but it wasn't full of people, actually there was only a few. The place is very big and it has two levels.

m. l.

The music and atmosphere was fun. The crowd was "ok". The prices of the drinks are good for London.

Friendly staff and good atmosphere but the music is so trashy and impossible to dance to

They have pretty nice surroundings but you will have to fall in cue to buy drinks.

h. m.

Very good drinks

c. h. l.

its a good bar in london and very different from those in Hong Kong. I met a lot of guys in this bar and they are good. We got a nice night in here

A. N.

Sexy staff there and nice friendly gay guys. But the only thing is the floor which is too sticky for the nice shoes lol

A. C.

Love this place. Feel very comfortable here with my girlfriend. had lots of fun

C. V. S.

Cheap drinks until 8pm. A decent selection of music, with a good atmosphere and friendly staff.

J. S.

Soho is the centre of the gay scene in London, with some of the best LGBT bars and clubs in town. G A Y is my pick of the best of gay Soho.

J. P. R. J.

Great music. The only problem is that it closes early. Some days the prices are really cheap.

R. V.

Love G-A-Y! It's a good place to be! Would absolutely the music to change once in a while though 😂

E. M.

Nice and unexpensive!

Always a good vibe on any day of the week 😊 this has been my favourite place to go whenever I'm in Soho

L. R.

Female security very nice one man can be rather rude but overall this bar is the best

Cheap drinks, good vibes, decent music. Its worth a visit.

N. P.

Cant wait for you to open again so I can have some fun

S. R.

Busiest bar for London gays. Pop music played very loud. Cheap on weekdays

W. H.

Cheap drinks Sunday-Thursday, good staff, music selection a little dated and repetitive.

E. X.

I lost my phone and someone found it and gave it to the security guy. People here are amazing 100%recommentd.

Love this place amazinf atmosphere and overall great people with shows and meet and greats.

m. h.

I met a really nice Bloke called Dan H. He was so gentle with me.

Love GAY, shame they play music videos rather than tracks (I.e. there are awkward silences in the tracks)

m. p.

perfect to begin to party with friends. Music a bit loud and screen tv everywhere...Or you'll like or you'll hate :)

M. R.

So much fun!!!! I bit slow for a Tuesday afternoon but still managed to hook up!

D. D.

I hate pink and the music they play here, but the crowd is incredibly diverse and joyous.

t. j.

awesome club need to visit once at least i really enjoyed with my hubby.....

J. E.

Great place, not really my thing but a polite and friendly crowd.

A. V.

Nice place, usually free to party. Good music!

J. G. R.

Nice an cheap. especially monday to thursday when there is always a beer on promotion.

T. B.

Love it

R. W.

Lot of people and a bit dated music. But good place to meet new faces.

D. A.

A nice place very spacious 3bars cheap drinks for most of the week ..

A. M.

Loved it, very friendly and shilled and they make Aperol Spritz

J. S.

I had the best time here a few years ago. Would definitely go back.

Y. B.

A nice place to dance to trashy pop music, every night of the week.

S. L.

Great atmosphere good music (for the most part)

G. C.

relly in joied dis,, gr9 starf, plain tea of G_A-Y men! i laike!!

A. K.

Nice music 🎧.and staff super friendly..I recommend everyone

G. K.

Wonderful cocktails, beautiful people and fun. I recommend it.

a. a.

Good place, great atmosphere , but service is slow

T. N.

Always busy, often cheap. Sadly all drinks served in plastic.

K. G. (.

Super cheap and fun BUT bouncers are often rude and sexist.

C. H.

Cheap drinks Sunday-Thursday. Good evening crown and camp songs for a giggle

K. W.

Cheap drinks. Crowded. Lesbian bar is downstairs, next to the loos and is a dive though.

A. G.

Very good deserved , me and my boy very appreciated this evening🏳️‍🌈

G. P. P. (.

Cheap drinks and good music. Usually young people.

N. T.

Nice crowd and music. Wish the place was a bit bigger.

S. A. D.

Loved being here! Such fun.

A. H.

Very cheap drinks on weekdays and pop music

D. H.

This place has all the beautiful people. It is L-O-V-E.

H. B.

G-A-Y it's just a black hole. Staff was friendly. But hey.

J. O.

GREAT I LOVE IT THERE. I FEEL SUPER WELCOME!!!!!!!! XX

j. h.

Always a good crack and the staff are amazing

J. P.

Great atmosphere just a little sleazy.

S. S.

Awesome 😍 overall ok if compare to others.

N. L.

I love all staff❤️❤️❤️

В. С.

Amazing evening with my best friends, kiss.

F. H.

The guys are great and helpful

L. L.

Nice club to drink and dance.

P. S.

That’s definitely the best gay bar of London !

C. M.

A cheap noisy bar, often the first stop on a night out.

J. T.

Very ugly girls there

D. H.

Very cheap drinks Monday - Thursday.

A. A.

GET £1 ENTRY WRISTBANDS FROM HEAVEN HERE!!!

L. F.

Cheap alcohol and great to goof around

B. T.

Noiiiice

C. O.

I love this more than I love my mum.

A. K.

great venue they great acts on

R. D.

So much fun!

S. S.

Hoping to be here again soon

T. M.

Good one

Great prices great atmosphere

C. G. M.

amazing experience. 10/10

s. d.

Lovely experience got a bli

R. S.

A great night out.

b. r.

Don't remember the night :)

L. H.

Had the best bumming ever

R. I.

Nice bar

M. H. i.

Very nice place I like

N. P.

Good for the younger generation.

A. M.

I LIKE places FEMALE ONLY.

D. W.

Place with a great atmosphere

A. B.

Trashiest bar in Soho.

P. U.

Nice.

M. S.

cool

D. A.

Favourite bar in London

R. A.

Excellent and Amazing

P. U.

Nice

I wanna take you to a

S. M.

Cheap drinks

M. C.

Perfect place...

A. C.

So many men!!!!

A. S.

Love this place

j. s.

I like sex

R. B.

Nice place

R. M.

Amazing place

J. T. L.

this is where your mom goes

M. L.

exciting place !!!

P. A.

The bar !!!!

M. S.

(Translated) I can only recommend. Relaxed atmosphere, great music and great cocktails. Also suitable for the elderly (Original) Kann ich nur empfehlen. Lockere Atmosphäre, klasse Musik und super Cocktails. Auch für ältere Menschen geeignet

O. R.

(Translated) Great drinks, nice music and impeccable service. (Original) Drinks ótimos, música agradável e atendimento impecável.

O. S.

(Translated) From what I was told, the owner of this bar is also the owner of the Heaven nightclub and another bar, so I did not expect less that the atmosphere was the same as in the two places that I mentioned above. The music was great (especially pop and music from the 80s, 90s ...). The drink was well priced and the people were very friendly and eager to party. (Original) Por lo que me dijeron el dueño de este bar también es el dueño de la discoteca Heaven y otro bar más asi que no esperaba menos que el ambiente fuese el mismo que hubo en los dos sitios que he citado anteriormente. La música era genial (sobre todo pop y música de los 80, 90...). La bebida estaba bien de precio y la gente era muy amigable y con muchas ganas de fiesta.

F. P.

(Translated) The place is nice, but for God's sake, there is no air conditioning there. The drink is cheap and they give pulsierinha to enter the other ballads of the chain for free. Security guards tend to think they're gods, but you can make fun of some of Beth Queen. (Original) O lugar é legal, mas pelo amor de Deus, falta um ar condicionado lá. A bebida é barata e dão pulsierinha pra entrar nas outras baladas da rede de graça. Os seguranças tendem a achar que são deuses, mas você pode zoar algumas de Beth Queen.

F. F. C.

(Translated) I had doubts about going to this bar because of some comments I read here, but finally everything was great! Varied music, super fun people, etc. I can't comment on the cocktails, I just drank beer ... (Original) tenía dudas de ir a este bar por algunos comentarios que leí aquí, pero finalmente todo fue genial! Música variada, gente súper divertida, etc. No puedo opinar de los cocktail, solo bebí cerveza...

C. R.

(Translated) Good playlist, nice people, diverse. I just didn't like the fact that to pay by credit card you have to pay at least 5 pounds. I almost ran out of my Cider! ... 😞 (Original) Boa playlist, pessoal bacana, diversificado. Só não gostei do fato de que para pagar com cartão de credito tem que pagar pelo menos 5 pounds. Quase fiquei sem minha Cider!... 😞

M. S.

(Translated) I love it, it's fun, without prejudice, good vibes, and very cheap beers for what London is! (Original) A mi me encanta, es divertido, sin prejuicios, buen rollo, y las cervezas baratísimas para lo que es Londres!

K. M.

(Translated) It is a place to have a pint of beer at a very economical price, there are two floors and a terrace for smokers, but there is not much place to sit. (Original) es un lugar donde tomarse unas pintas de cerveza a un precio muy económico, hay dos plantas y una terraza para fumadores, pero no hay mucho sitio donde sentarse.

R. T.

(Translated) Local located in the gay district of London, great for having a drink and meeting new people .. (Original) Locale situato nel quartiere gay di Londra, ottimo per bere qualcosa e conoscere nuova gente..

M. C. A.

(Translated) Amazing! One of the most fun bars, POP music, cheap drinks! (Original) Incrível! Um dos bares mais divertidos, música POP , drinks baratos!

B. s. s.

(Translated) Excellent meeting place for anyone, nice and inexpensive environment (Original) Ottimo ritrovo per chiunque, ambiente carino e poco costoso

T. M.

(Translated) Good fun, people do not take the head ... A very cool gay bar (Original) De bonne rigolade, les gens ne se prennent pas la tete ... Un bar gay bien cool

S. 8.

(Translated) Open to all, this place has branches to party later (Original) Ouvert à tous, ce lieu a des succursales pour faire la fête plus tard

j. G. D.

(Translated) There is a great waitress and attends very well (Original) Hay una camarera estupenda y atiende muy bien

R. B.

(Translated) Great for dancing to current pop music (Original) Excelente para dançar com a música pop atual

J. M. D. S.

(Translated) Super nice place, classy and nice. (Original) Super chouette endroit, classe et agréable.

A. R.

(Translated) I loved it .. when we return to London we plan to return !! (Original) ¡¡Me encanto.. cuando volvamos a Londres tenemos pensado en volver!!