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King's Arms
Bars

King's Arms

Soho's long-running gay bear pub with karaoke, DJs and quizzes

London, UK
4.3
775 reviews

Neighbourhood

London

Category

Bars

Vibe

Gay pub, Bear bar +6

Official website

About King's Arms

The King's Arms is a long-running gay pub on Poland Street, a few minutes from Old Compton Street and especially popular with London's bear community. Known simply as the KA to many regulars, it combines an old-school pub feel with a proudly queer identity. The calendar mixes Bearaoke, quizzes, bingo, cabaret and weekend DJs playing disco, house and pop. Even on quieter nights, the appeal is sociable rather than sleek: come for a pint, talk to people and expect a crowd that often skews towards bears, cubs, admirers and friends while welcoming the wider LGBTQ+ community. The venue becomes busy around major events and weekend nights. Check the latest programme if Bearaoke or a particular DJ is the reason for your visit, and arrive earlier if you want space to settle in.

What to expect

Expect a friendly, traditional gay pub and a crowd with strong bear-community roots. Event nights are lively and participatory rather than polished club shows.

Vibes

Good to know about King's Arms

Practical tips before you visit

Bearaoke has been running for more than 25 years, but confirm the current night and time
The pub is on Poland Street, not Old Compton Street
Weekend DJs and event timings vary

Photos of King's Arms

Venue photos and gallery images for King's Arms in London.

Location

King's Arms

Kings Arms London, Poland Street, West End, London, UK

Get directions

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King's Armsreviews & ratings

Read ratings and recent reviews of King's Arms in London from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIs.Gay where available.

4.6

775 reviews

Overall rating across Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    4.3
  • Google Maps
    4.6

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Kai Khatib
Kai Khatib

6 months ago

I visited this place twice. The first time it was my first visit and the bar was rather quiet, just a normal day. I had a drink while waiting for a friend and everything was fine. The second time was not a pleasant experience for me. The karaoke was extremely loud and since the place is quite small, the noise level was overwhelming. I couldn't stay longer than about five minutes. also didn't feel very welcomed by one of the bartenders when I ordered a drink. The interaction felt unfriendly to me. I'm not expecting staff to be my friends, but basic politeness is always appreciated. The younger staff member, however, was smiling and seemed much more friendly. Unfortunately, based on this experience I personally would not return.

Review from Google Maps

Roland Galgóczi
Roland Galgóczi

a month ago

We had a fantastic time here and the bar is really cool.

Review from Google Maps

djd95
djd95

2 months ago

The best place in London - staff are the best, atmosphere is always very homely and the quiz on Tuesday with Alex is the highlight of each week! Would give over 5 stars if I could!

Review from Google Maps

Adam Kadmon
Adam Kadmon

a month ago

Service was great, attentive and kind. Otherwise, aloof crowd, not very friendly, plenty of self-absorbed, not a single smile exchanged.

Review from Google Maps

Mark Lucht
Mark Lucht

5 months ago

Love going here. Feels like my home bar away from home. Always great service. Definitely go on a Sunday for Bearaoke. You won't be dissappointed.

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Listed in
London › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google