Best gay clubs in London: the most exciting gay parties!

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of gallivanting across the world as two gays it’s this: no matter where you are, there’s nothing quite like the gay scene of London for a gay night out. We’ve danced till dawn in the gay clubs of Bangkok, vogued our way through the gay bars of New York, and sipped many a questionable cocktail in the gay scene of Berlin.

But London? London is on another level!

Every time we return, it’s the same story. We tell ourselves we’ll be sensible. A quiet dinner, maybe one drink… And yet, without fail, we find ourselves at 4 AM, shirtless, covered in glitter, passionately declaring our love for a stranger in a jockstrap while clutching a kebab like it’s the love of our lives. Classic.

London’s gay scene is legendary for a reason. The city has everything from underground raves to iconic drag-filled cabarets, steamy bear dens to circuit-party extravaganzas. And because we love you, we’ve rounded up the absolute best gay clubs and queer parties in London.

So, grab your fans, strap on your harness, and let's dive into the best gay clubs and parties in London. Just don’t blame us for the hangover/comedown. We've split this article into three parts: (1) gay parties that happen consistently every weekend; (2) parties that take place fortnightly/monthly; and (3) less frequent events that happen a few times a year.

HEADS UP: always bring a physical ID with you as most clubs are required to take copies of it for safety reasons. Most of these clubs will refuse entry if you don't have ID with you!

Where is the gay scene in London?

Ah, Soho, our first love and London’s original gay playground. Back in the day (yes, we’re old enough to say that), this was the beating heart of the city’s queer nightlife. Nights out revolved around G-A-Y Astoria, where we screamed along to pop anthems under a glitter-drenched ceiling, and Shadow Lounge, the go-to for anyone who wanted to feel just a tad bougie. But like many things we hold dear (RIP affordable rent), Soho’s gay scene has been a victim of gentrification, with rising costs forcing many iconic gay bars in London to close their doors.

That said, Old Compton Street still holds its ground. Places like Comptons, Village, The Yard, Circa, and Rupert Street continue to fly the rainbow flag proudly, keeping the spirit of Soho alive. 

But the real action? It’s spread out now. Vauxhall stepped up as the new queer clubbing mecca, thanks to legendary spots like Beyond and Union, where the music is loud, the nights are long, and the shirts are… optional at best.

Nowadays, London’s gay scene is more scattered, thriving in places like East London, with its artsy, alternative vibes, and Elephant & Castle, home to some of the city’s most exciting queer raves. The good news? No matter what kind of night out you’re after, London still delivers, just in a more spread-out, adventure-worthy way. You’ll also want to hit up our guide to the best gay drag clubs in London.

Weekly gay clubs in London

#1 FEEL IT (all welcome)

The thing about Feel It is that it’s not just a club night, it’s an experience. The energy in the room is electric from the second you walk in, a sweaty, pulsating crowd already lost in the music. The DJs are top-tier, serving up a mix of house, techno, and deep, hypnotic beats that make it physically impossible to stand still. 

Seby and I had big plans to leave early once, but every time we tried, another track pulled us back in. Next thing we knew, the sun was coming up.

The layout of Omeara club adds to the magic: multiple rooms, hidden corners, and a terrace where you can take a breather (or engage in some light flirting before diving back into the madness). It’s the kind of place where you go expecting a casual night out and end up making new best friends, temporary boyfriends, and possibly a few life decisions you’ll question in the morning…

By the time the night hits full throttle, you’ll be drenched, euphoric, and wondering why you ever thought you’d be home by midnight.

Tickets: On the door but keep an eye on the Feel It Insta Stories on the day of the event for details of signing up to their Guestlist.
Where: Omeara Club in Borough.
When: Every Friday from 10:30 PM – 5 AM (last entry 3 AM).

#2 BEYOND (all welcome)

If Vauxhall is the Vatican of gay clubbing, then the Beyond gay club is the Pope in a harness.

For years, this has been the place to go when you’re not quite ready to call it a night. The parties here start when most normal people are asleep—aka Saturday night into Sunday morning and beyond (literally). This is not a club for the weak. You will sweat. You will dance. You may question your entire life at sunrise while someone named Javier whispers sweet nothings into your ear.

Beyond isn’t just a party; it’s a London institution, the spiritual home of big-room house beats, laser shows, and muscular men in suspiciously tight shorts. We once went “just to check it out” and ended up leaving 12 hours later, still clutching an energy drink and wondering if we’d transcended into another realm.

At one point, Seby and I thought we’d cracked the code: arrive “early,” take it easy, and leave before sunrise like responsible adults. Cut to 8 AM, and we’re still on the dance floor, shirtless, delirious, and emotionally invested in a DJ drop that felt like a religious experience.

Tickets: At the door but sign up for the Beyond Membership Card for free entry before 1 AM, queue jump, and first dibs on pre-sale tickets.
Where: Beyond Club, Vauxhall.
When: Every Saturday evening, well into Sunday afternoon

#3 GAY HEAVEN (all welcome)

Yes, it’s the go-to for fresh-out-the-closet queer kids and students, but let’s be real, Heaven is an institution. Going strong since 1979, it’s a rite of passage for every gay in London. If there’s one place that truly defined my early coming out gay years in London, it’s this legendary, sticky-floored, pop-fueled institution. Seby and I have danced, screamed, and (let’s be honest) dramatically stormed out of here more times than I can count.

I still remember my very first night at Heaven. I was young, naïve, and full of hope (read: vodka Red Bulls). One minute, I was nervously clutching my G-A-Y discount wristband like a Wonka golden ticket, the next, I was in a sea of shirtless twinks, dodging drag queens on roller skates, and watching a stranger perform a full-blown interpretive dance to Britney’s Toxic on stage. It was pure chaos. It was perfect.

Back then, it felt like every gay in London ended up here at some point in the night. You’d start with a “quiet drink” on Old Compton Street, swear you were not going out, and then… Bam! You’d wake up at 6 AM with a broken phone, a pocket full of glitter, and absolutely no memory of where your shirt went…

Tickets: Available at the door or online. Pro tip: grab a discount wristband from G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street before heading over, it’ll save you some coin for more drinks.
Where: Under The Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, London.
When: Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each night has a different vibe, so check the GAY Heaven website and Heaven LGBT Club Instagram for the latest lineup.

#4 DALSTON SUPERSTORE (all welcome)

If there’s one place in London that Seby and I always end up at when we claim we’re “just going for one drink”, it’s Dalston Superstore. This East London queer pleasure palace is part bar, part club, part chaotic fever dream—and we mean that in the best way possible.

Walking into Dalston Superstore feels like stepping into a gay multiverse. Upstairs, you’ll find a vibey café-by-day, bar-by-night setup, where people sip espresso martinis while debating whether they should start an OnlyFans. Downstairs? A full-blown queer rave cave, where DJs serve everything from filthy techno to nostalgic 90s pop.

One of our most questionable memories here? A spontaneous 2 AM vogue-off with a drag queen that ended with Seby dramatically dropping into the splits (don’t ask him to repeat this, his knees are still recovering).

The best part? It’s always a mixed bag of fabulousness. One night, it’s a sweaty, shirtless rave, the next, a campy cabaret where you’ll lock eyes with a stranger over a tequila shot and think, ‘Is this love?’ (It’s not. But it’s fun.)

Tickets: At the door or via the Dalston Superstore website depending on the event.
Where: Dalston, Hackney, East London.
When: Every day has something happening so check the Dalston Superstore Instagram for the latest.

#5 SBN & NBN Sunday (men only)

Sunday is typically a day for recovery, brunch, and questionable life choices—and SBN & NBN at Union in Vauxhall fully embraces all three. Hosted by the infamous Jamie HP events, this is one of London’s longest-running and most notorious naked parties, drawing in a crowd of men who prefer their Sunday sessions with fewer mimosas and more minimal clothing.

Taking over Union Club in Vauxhall, SBN (‘Stark Bollock Naked’) kicks off at 2 PM, inviting guests to strip down completely, followed by NBN (‘Near Bollock Naked’) at 5 PM, where the dress code loosens just a little (think jockstraps and skimpy underwear). The club itself is a labyrinth of dark corners, intimate spaces, and a dance floor that pulses with house beats while the crowd – a mix of seasoned regulars and wide-eyed newcomers, embraces the freedom of the afternoon.

Some arrive planning to “just check it out”, only to find themselves hours later, swaying under the club’s red neon glow, surrounded by the undressed and unbothered, wondering how their Sunday took such an unexpected turn. And if you think you’ll be out before sunset, you’re kidding yourself…Union has a way of keeping you there longer than you intended.

Tickets: At the door and include a choice of free Viagra or poppers.
Where: Union Club in Vauxhall
When: Every Sunday from 2-10pm

#6 HORSE MEAT DISCO (all welcome)

If Beyond is for the hardcore clubbers, then Horse Meat Disco is for those who want their Sunday night served with a side of sequins, funk, and unfiltered joy. Held every Sunday at Eagle London, this is a night where disco isn’t just played, it’s worshipped.

Stepping into Eagle feels like entering a time capsule where Studio 54 never closed, Donna Summer never stopped singing, and everyone came ready to dance. The club itself is an intimate, no-frills venue with a pumping sound system, a sweaty dance floor packed with grooving bodies, and a relaxed outdoor terrace for when you need to cool off. The music? A euphoric blend of disco, funk, and soulful house. 

By midnight, the dance floor is a glorious sea of sweat, mustaches, and unbuttoned shirts, and if you’re not already belting along to a Chaka Khan track with a stranger you just met in the smoking area, you’re doing it wrong. 

This isn’t a night for standing at the bar pretending to be cool. You will dance. You will sweat. You will realize that any plans for a sensible Sunday went out the window the moment you walked through the door.

Tickets: At the door or online via Eagle’s website.
Where: Eagle, Vauxhall.
When: Every Sunday, 8 PM – 3 AM.

Fortnightly/monthly gay parties in London

#1 Roast (men-only)

If you’ve ever woken up on a Monday morning thinking, “Wow, I made great life choices this weekend”, then clearly, you’ve never been to Roast.

Housed in a sprawling 19th-century industrial warehouse, Roast is a full-throttle sensory overload: pounding beats, dimly lit corners, and a darkroom that’s seen more drama than a Netflix thriller! The venue feels like a giant maze, with each turn leading to a new room pumping out a different vibe. One minute, you’re lost in a deep techno set, the next, you’re screaming along to a pop banger in the dedicated pop room, living your best chaotic lives.

Seby and I went in thinking we’d pace ourselves – a few hours of dancing, then home at a sensible time. Cut to sunrise, and we’re still there, slightly delirious, locked in a deep discussion with a stranger about whether Kylie or Madonna is the true queen of pop. At Roast, time doesn’t just slip away, it completely ceases to exist.

Tickets sell out fast, especially for their themed events like New Year’s Eve or Torture Garden, so get yours early – we recommend at least 1 week in advance. If you get unlucky and it sells out on the Vice app you can opt to join the waiting list, which usually works out successfully.

Tickets: Available 2 weeks in advance via the Vice app – they often sell out!
Where: Electrowerkz, Angel, Islington.
When: Usually every two weeks – check the Roast Instagram for latest info.

#2 Adonis (everyone welcome)

Seby and I thought we’d seen it all on London’s club circuit, then we went to Adonis. Held at The Cause in the Docks, East London (Silvertown), this is where techno meets theatre, fashion meets filth, and absolutely anything goes. It’s part underground rave, part performance art, and completely unpredictable.

The club itself feels like a labyrinth of chaos, with different rooms offering everything from hard-hitting techno to unexpected, campy performances that make you question if you’ve stepped into a parallel universe.

From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with a sensory overload: flashing lights, pounding beats, and a crowd that looks like they just stepped off a fashion editorial, a Berlin dungeon, or both. DJs serve up deep, dirty house and techno, while drag queens, club kids, and muscle boys in harnesses throw shapes under a haze of smoke. There’s no pretence, no attitude, just pure, euphoric, hedonistic energy.

One minute, you’re deep in the music. The next, you start questioning reality and find yourself halfway between a dancefloor epiphany and a full-blown fever dream that you won’t want to leave.

Tickets: On their website and at the door if not sold out.
Where: The Cause Club in Silvertown, East London.
When: Usually once a month on Saturdays – check the Adonis Instagram for the latest info.

#3 Hard On (men only)

If the name didn’t already give it away, let’s be clear, this is not your average gay night out!

Seby and I first braved Hard On out of pure curiosity (okay, and maybe a little thirst). What we found was London’s ultimate dance-meets-f3tish party, where leather, latex, and a healthy disregard for modesty reign supreme. The music? Dark, filthy techno. The dress code? Strict! If you’re not wearing rubber, leather, sports gear, or nothing at all, you’re overdressed.

Now, if you’re the type who blushes at the word, ‘darkroom’, this may not be the scene for you. But if you’re ready to fully embrace your inner hedonist, Hard On delivers. Dancefloor bangers, live performances, cruising areas, and a crowd that’s 100% here for a good time.

Seby, being the shy and demure one (his words, not mine), once spent an entire night pretending to be deeply invested in the DJ set…only to later admit he’d been watching a six-man situation unfold across the room. Welcome to Hard On.

One thing’s for sure—whether you’re here to party, play, or both, you’ll leave with a story. Just don’t expect to leave in the same outfit you arrived in!

Tickets: Online via the Hard On website.
Where: Union Club, Vauxhall.
When: Every third Saturday of the month – check the Hard On website or the Hard On Instagram for details of the next event.

#4 Horse Fair (men only)

If Hard On and Trough had a baby, raised it on filthy techno and even filthier behavior, and then sent it off to live in an underground bunker in King’s Cross, Horse Fair would be the result!

This is not a party for the shy and retiring. Horse Fair is men-only, high-energy, and absolutely unapologetic about what it is: a full-throttle, no-limits, anything-goes rager. 

When you purchase your ticket, you have 3 options: Mare, Stallion, or Stable Lad, each with its own set of rules.

Mares are the submissives, arriving early, stripped, restrained, and hooded by the Stable Lads, whose job is to look after them throughout the night. Stable Boys wear sports gear. Stallions are the tops who arrive later, dressed however they want, although most will be naked. The Stallions then choose a Mare and take them to a corner to have their way with them before returning them to the Stable Lads who will clean/prep them, ready for the next Stallion. Stable Lads can join in the fun if they want.

Tickets: Online on the OutSavvy website.
Where: The Underground Club in Kings Cross.
When: Every first Saturday of the month – check the Jamie Events website for details of the next event.

#5 Queer House Party (everyone welcome)

If House of Gucci was about a queer underground rave, it would be Queer House Party.

Run by activist DJs and absolute icons, this is a proper queer party with a purpose: it’s inclusive, political, and absolutely wild. They throw their events in various East London venues, so every party has a unique feel. One month, you’re dancing in a grungy warehouse; the next, you’re voguing in an art gallery.

The music? House, techno, pop bangers, and some unexpected curveballs. The crowd? Full of creative, fabulous weirdos (our favorite kind). The energy? Electric.

Our last Queer House Party experience involved a drag king performing in roller skates, a random Madonna lip-sync battle, and an emotional moment on the dance floor where Seby swore he’d “never had this much fun in his life” (he was three tequilas deep, but still).

You never quite know what you’re walking into at Queer House Party, and that’s exactly what makes it magic. The best part? It’s deliberately accessible, DIY, and unapologetically political. Whether they’re raising funds for LGBTQ+ causes or turning a sweaty warehouse into a queer utopia, this isn’t just a party, it’s a movement!

Tickets: On their website or OutSavvy.
Where: Various East London venues like Margate Arts Club.
When: Monthly—check the Queer House Party Instagram for updates.

Gay parties that happen a few times a year

#1 Trough (men only)

Trough is where you go when you want filthy beats, filthy vibes, and (let’s be real) just filthy everything. Held at Union in Vauxhall, it’s a men-only, anything-goes situation where darkrooms, fetish gear, and hedonism are the dress code.

Seby and I once tried to play it cool and just “check out the vibe” (classic rookie mistake). We lasted ten minutes before realizing we were way overdressed and had two choices: embrace the chaos or head for the exit. Let’s just say, we didn’t leave early.

What makes Trough different from other parties is the absolute commitment to debauchery…no half-measures here. By the time the night hits full swing, shirts are a distant memory, and any attempt at subtlety is utterly pointless.

We’ve seen guys walk in looking shy and hesitant, only to re-emerge two hours later, fully liberated, a little sweatier, and with a newfound confidence they definitely didn’t have at the start of the night. There’s something about Trough that str1ps away more than just your clothes – it peels back your inhibitions and throws you straight into the deep end!

Tickets: Online via TicketTailor via the link on the Trough website.
Where: Union Club, Vauxhall.
When: A few times a year—check the Trough London Instagram for updates.

#2 Recon (men only)

If London’s gay f3tish scene had a crown jewel, it would be Recon. This is the party for the men who like their nights dark, sweaty, and wrapped in leather, rubber, or absolutely nothing at all.

Whether you’re into latex, harnesses, or just some cheeky people-darkroom-watching, Recon is an experience, one that you won’t forget (or maybe you will, depending on how wild your night gets).

We’ve had many friends disappear into the depths of a Recon night, only to re-emerge the next day looking both exhausted and spiritually fulfilled, like they just completed some kind of leather-clad pilgrimage. One mate described it as “a fever dream of harnesses, techno, and very enthusiastic eye contact.” Another swore they only went to “check out the vibe” and somehow ended up on stage, being worshipped like some sort of latex deity.

Recon is based on the f3tish dating app which also hosts events around the world, especially at large Pride events or more niche events like Darklands in Antwerp in Feb/March. Check out the Recon Events Section of their website as well as the Recon News Instagram for the latest info.

Tickets: Online via the Dice app.
Where: Various locations like Fabric (Farringdon) or Beyond (Vauxhall).
When: Twice a year (usually in July & December).

#3 Love Muscle xx (everyone welcome)

Take a sweaty gay rave, inject it with the spirit of a disco warehouse party, and you’ve got Love Muscle.

Held at Electric Brixton, this is where the house and disco gays come out to play. It’s funky, fabulous, and gloriously unfiltered, with a crowd that’s too lost in the music to care about anything else. The vibe is pure, hedonistic joy, where one minute you’re fist-pumping to a filthy house track, and the next, you’re screaming the words to a disco anthem in unison with a stranger you just met in the smoking area.

Love Muscle nights are rare and precious, happening only a few times a year, usually on big party weekends like Easter or Pride. If you see a Love Muscle event pop up, do not hesitate, get your ticket immediately!

Seby once tried to “take it easy” at a Love Muscle party. Cut to 5 AM, and he was fully voguing on stage, shirtless and euphoric. At this point, we’ve accepted that Love Muscle doesn’t just throw a party, it possesses you!

Expect thumping beats, sweaty hugs, and a dance floor so electric that Monday will feel like a distant problem.

Tickets: Online via Skiddle – find the link on the Love Muscle xx Instagram.
Where: Electric Brixton.
When: A few times a year – check the Love Muscle xx Facebook page for the latest.

#4 WE PARTY

If glitter, muscles, and euphoric house music had a baby, it would be WE Party. This is circuit party madness on steroids: a sensory overload of pounding beats, jaw-dropping visuals, and men so sculpted you’d swear they were CGI!

Seby and I have always been curious about circuit parties. Could we survive the shirtless, sweat-drenched, arms-in-the-air extravaganza that is WE Party? Would we be emotionally prepared for the sheer level of production – the gogo dancers, the aerial performers, the LED walls flashing at seizure-inducing speeds? Would Seby resist the urge to befriend every man in a harness?

Held a few times a year in massive London venues, WE Party is a spectacle. A place where tech-house beats pulse through your soul, your feet never stop moving. At some point, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the dance floor, fully invested in a laser show, convinced you’ve reached a higher state of existence.

If you’ve never done a circuit party before, this is the one to start with. Just remember to hydrate, pace yourself, and prepare to wake up in a pile of confetti!

Tickets: Via Skiddle – follow the link on the WE Party London Instagram.
Where: Various locations – check the We Party Facebook page for the latest.
When: A few times a year during big events like London Pride.

#5 Queer Bruk (everyone welcome)

Finally, a rave where the music isn’t just house, house, and more house!

Queer Bruk is London’s biggest Black queer rave, and trust me when I say, the vibes are next-level. If you’re tired of hearing the same 4/4 beat on repeat for six hours, this is where you need to be. Expect Afrobeats, dancehall, R&B, soca, and pure, unfiltered energy.

The first time Seby and I went, we showed up thinking we were ready. We were not ready. The DJ was spinning wall-to-wall bangers, the crowd was actually dancing (not just two-stepping like they’re waiting in line for a drink), and everyone looked drop-dead gorgeous.

It’s not just about the music, it’s about culture, community, and unapologetic joy. The dance floor is a sea of movement, with waistlines rolling to dancehall rhythms, R&B lovers belting out lyrics like it’s karaoke, and soca fans whining like carnival never ended.

At one point, Seby and I found ourselves accidentally dragged into a dance circle, and let’s just say… we were not the stars of the show. But that’s the beauty of Queer Bruk…it’s a space to let go, celebrate, and just feel the music.

Tickets: Online via Eventbrite.
Where: Colours Hoxton (but sometimes other locations).
When: Several times a year – check the Queer Bruk Instagram for updates.

#6 Pink Glove Disco (everyone welcome)

For all the gays who grew up screaming along to The Smiths instead of Britney, this one’s for you.

Pink Glove Disco is London’s iconic queer indie night, and yes, it’s as fabulous as it sounds. It’s basically a homo-alt wonderland where Pulp, New Order, Blondie, and Bowie soundtrack a night of sweaty, joyful mayhem.

Seby and I went expecting a cute, chill night, but what we got was pure, unhinged, 2000s indie sleaze nostalgia. We danced, we cried, we lost our voices screaming along to “Common People”… and yes, we absolutely judged the people who left before the encore – rookie mistake!

This isn’t your average club night, it’s a time capsule of messy, glorious indie nights out. The crowd? A mix of alt-queers, die-hard music lovers, and those who still have an emotional attachment to their Converse All-Stars. At some point in the night, you’ll find yourself spilling your drink while dramatically singing along to a song that shaped your teenage years. And honestly, that’s the whole point.

The party happens randomly throughout the year, so keep an eye out, because when it does, you need to be there!

Tickets: Online via the OutSavvy app – follow the link on the Pink Glove Instagram.
Where: Unit 58, Tottenham (North London).
When: A few times a year – check the Pink Glove Disco Facebook page for the latest.

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For more inspiration:

• Check out our guide to the best gay theatres in London
• As well as our full guide to experiencing London gay Pride
• Don't forget our London gay sightseeing highlights for all the city's queer must-sees
• If you're heading north, here's our Scotland gay travel guide
• As well as all our favorite gay hotels in Scotland