Admiral Duncan

If you’re looking for a quiet, subtle evening, you’ve wandered into the wrong dimension. The Admiral Duncan is a glorious corner of Soho where the beer flows freely and the "silver fox" demographic is out in full force, hunting for sport. I hadn't even finished my first sip before I became the primary target for a small battalion of older gentlemen. I haven't felt this sought after since the last time I walked into a room holding a plate of bacon. Their chat-up lines were as vintage as the pub’s history persistent, slightly confusing, but delivered with the kind of confidence you can only get from seventy years of practice. The drag show was a spectacular riot of sequins and sass. It’s the kind of high energy performance that makes you wonder how a human being can move that fast in five inch heels while hurling insults at the front row. The beer was decent, the atmosphere was electric, and I left feeling like a local celebrity. I highly recommend it to anyone provided you’re prepared to be hit on by someone who remembers the coronation and entertained by someone who looks better in a wig than you do. Five stars for the ego boost and the entertainment!

One of the best gay pubs in Soho. The bartenders are super friendly, as are the door staff. Can get busy when shows are on but otherwise it’s a super place to come for a chilled catch up and a beer. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the area too. Really special place.

As an older gay man, I've encountered some anxiety and not attempted to socialise in another gay venue for over a year. I was with friends the other night and really wanted to face my fears. I was greeted by a nice member of security outside, who did all their safety checks and that helped reassure me that it was a safe space. Even the team behind the bar were friendly but then it came to the drag performer on stage. That's where it all went wrong. Drag culture can be playful, believe me I've worked in it most of my life, but public humiliation aimed at someone’s body or appearance — especially a stranger like me — is just punching down. It says far more about them and the space than anything else. One person’s cruelty in a venue promoting a safe, welcoming environment is totally undesireable. My anxiety kicked in, I felt watched by the performer, starred at and unsafe resulting in me leaving moments later. I was so upset, it has taken me time to write this. We all are attracted to types, looks and personalities, but we all have our faults and weaknesses too. A performer in a space, should never single someone out for their own amusement. They should be made aware that everyone is insecure about something and focus on the positives to make them feel safe and welcomed - which I did not. Such a shame from a legendary venue like TAD.

Ah the Admiral D... the revered stately queen of Old Compton St. Been coming for over 15 years and have never had a bad night. Always a friendly atmosphere and the drag shows/karaoke nights are never dull. Only thing is that it’s very narrow and gets busy quickly, so can be a tad cramped.

My favourite bar in Soho by far. Always lovely people in there and the staff are unreal! I managed to lose a few of my belongings and they were so kind to keep them safe for me to collect. Not many places are so honest anymore! Thank you so much :-)