G-A-Y Bar
The UK's Largest Gay and Lesbian PartyAverage Reviews
About
Pop dance bar with a young group split over three floors with an outside terrace.
Reviews
Based on 732 reviews
Christine Illidge
13:48 08 May 23
This place used to be the gem of Soho. Now it's a joke. The door staff think they're more important than they are and need educating. They're prejudice and make rules up as they go along. When I read health reports saying they had issues because pumps hadn't been cleaned for at least 5 years, I felt sick. Definitely better places to go than this place who's upper management leave it to savages to man the doors.Aron Szyls
16:10 18 Feb 23
Very nice place to spend time, especially before 10pm as then it gets a bit too busy Fridays and Saturdays. Music is cool 🤙 people are relaxed 😎 employees are fab 😊 prices are very reasonable depending on the day of the week. Sometimes people get too drunk and create mess but we all know that it happens everywhere.Robert Fairburn
09:46 22 Jan 23
AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE NOT EVEN WORTH WALKING TO, TO CHECK OUT.Disgusting bouncers, terrible attitudes. My friends were allowed in and they are non members, there is no membership for GAY, if they say this to you they are discriminating against you based on how you look.Chances are they're rejecting you because you look too straight or you look to old or you aren't their vibe. I stood around for a while asking people behind in the queue if they had membership, none of them do, it doesn't exist. Id give them 0 stars if I could but I doubt it'd matter they won't be able to read this review anyway as they shared the joint IQ of a smashed up grape.Yiqing Wang
09:33 17 Dec 22
I am very sad how this place has become so discriminatory. I have always advocated for this place because its fun and inclusive environment- at least a few years before. Now it all changed. The bouncer is refusing people in solely based on who he wants to refuse, giving BS reason on membership and regular. I have been to this place many times and in fact have introduced all my gay friends about this place as well. But last night I was refused to enter on absolutely no good reason and they tried to film me and threatened me that I’ll be banned from all their clubs when I tried to argue and stand on my ground. This place is a disgrace to LGBTQ community’s core value - being equal.Clarissa Codalonga
14:55 12 Nov 22
Was one of the best gay club in London.Now is the worst, they keep change the rules for how can go in and when.Before pandemic was fun and inclusive, now if you are not a men or member they do not let you in.People was coming just for 2 reasons “cheap drinks and inclusive place “ now they acting like a member bar.Never again.Bye, FeliciaJon Lienad
22:27 31 Oct 22
It was a terrible experience, I paid for the entrance then I went outside to look for one of my friends, and when I was trying to come in again the guy in the picture didn't let me in, I asked why? Then he started to laugh and didn't say anything and pushed me away, so because of that I took a picture of him to report him. So I think it was probably a racist action, I used to come to this place with friends from the US several times but after that terrible experience I won't do it again, so please be aware of how your security employees treat the customers I could have easily reported him to the police for violence but I didn't want to take it to the next level.Maykel Cazorla
13:41 30 Oct 22
An absolute disgrace of a place ,would give it a 0 but not possible, Last night I was refused entry with 3 friends of mine form the US just because we all didn’t have some sort of membership !? What the hell ! I’ve been there a few times before just because of how fun and entertaining it can be ,also a cheap cheap place to graba a quick drink and listen to some tacky music , well now this is the impression my friends have of the place , luckily most other places did let us in no problem , I’ve lived in London for 24 years now and this is the first time I’ve encountered anything like this ! People before us were let in no questioned asked just because I supposed they were in keeping with their image and acceptance rules , we apparently looked straight and not drunk I suppose !?AVOID AT ANY COST !!!!!Just walk down the road and any of the others will let you in and much more fun and certainly cleaner and welcoming !!Barbara Motzer
21:59 21 Oct 22
If I could give 0 stars I would. Very discriminating staff. They didn't want to let me in only because I was asking why they gave my friend a wristband for heaven but didn't give me one. This are the staff members that acted discriminating. We met other people that were not let in because apparently they are not "members" of the bar? Very strangeCarl Nolan
12:47 04 Sep 22
The place has an awful reputation so I normally avoid it like the plague but gave it a try anyway. Rejected while completely sober at 6pm because it's "members only". Pointed to my mates who were inside already and didn't have "membership". She told me I had a bad attitude.Been going out in the area for years and never had an issue but overly zealous power-tripping bouncers will always find something to manufacture conflict over. I really wonder about the abilities of managers who employ these types of people who needlessly damage their reputation.Don't waste your time and money. Plenty of great bars just down the road.Natalie Eve
13:28 03 Sep 22
This club really think they are so prestige. Refused entry because we weren’t “members” it was a Wednesday night, it was quiet and they had no one else waiting to get In. Spoke to another group in a bar we met later that night and they said they were refused entry because they were a group on 8? Seems to many hurdles to jump to get into a club. Don’t bother and spend your money at other establishments who appreciate it.Sylwester Pełka
00:06 01 Sep 22
I am a tourist from The Netherlands and i was not aware that with the free pass I have to stay in the que. The crew just tell me after all that I can’t get to the club. Completely ignoring my apologies and not listening why I behave that way. It doesn’t give a good image to the club and I will never recommend this place to anyone.Treating me like an air is beyond human to human interaction.Lee Tween
12:46 22 Aug 22
Terrible. Disgustingly rude bouncers who shouldn’t be allowed to work with people. Reject people at the door for no reason. Avoid avoid avoid. Go to a more friendly and welcoming gay bar (and much better bars near by!!)alicia wroblewska
07:39 22 Aug 22
Thing is, this wasn’t a bad club, there was just nothing special about it. We went on a Saturday as a group of 4 LGBTQ+ girls and we got let in pretty quickly around 10pm. The music was mediocre and of course drinks were expensive, but that’s expected. I did expect more girls on the club as it was 85% men and 15% women, so if you’re looking for more girls I’d strongly recommend SHE which is just down the road.Eduard Rodcast
23:21 28 Jul 22
I was refused entry because I had my bar blade with me.I gave this venue a year and a half of my life when I worked there but they didn’t let me in because I had my bar blade with me. I even offered to throw it away but they said I was identified as a knife bearer. My only crime was going to the venue after my shift.Not surprised the staff couldn’t identify a hospitality worker as they’re just working for a cheap and dowdy venue.I wish the staff all the best and an evolution outside the unprofessional environment Jeremy and his lackeys create.Roccovon Vena
23:34 12 Jul 22
I went today today to ask fir a job, and no one really helped me.The guys at the bar they were like... What I'm asking......The manager try to say that he couldn't take my cv, and i should send it thought thw website, as i tried, but on the website doesn't appear any email....... friendly and nice is just the security lady at the entrance..... For the 😴😴😴Kya B
11:48 11 Jul 22
I left my phone here Friday night and I’ve been trying to call multiple times and they won’t pick up the phone. They also kicked my friend out for wearing flip flops despite originally letting her in.Jett A.
14:46 08 Jul 22
Rude and filthy. Absolutely rude and discriminatory. The door staff are absolutely unprofessional and don't listen to the customers, blatantly ignore you...Sara FitzPatrick
21:38 01 Jul 22
The woman working in the toilets is an absolute disgrace to be working in a gay bar bathroom. She was extremely rude to my girlfriend for using “too much water” to clean the Diet Coke off of her shirt that someone split on her. Also stated “why would you be stupid enough to wear a white shirt to a club” and yelled in her face for taking paper towel to dry her hands. Honestly I’m sure there are decent people in the world who would be happy to have a job in such a happy place but she’s not one of them.Raisa Gossler
00:10 12 Jun 22
For an inclusive place it is a very xenophobic place!We were two friends and I in queue when one of the security guards was extremely rude and simply pulled us out of line. Without a reason! She just pushed us, both me and another friend of mine. As we don't speak English well, we didn't question much because we were shocked, but now seeing the comments we know!Liam Goldsworthy
15:21 03 Jun 22
this place is a disgrace, and lets down the LGBTQ+ community it is meant to represent and empower. turned down at the door off-peak by rude and dismissive staff, despite attending many a time pre-lockdown and having a great time.ownership either needs to look at these reviews and take action, or I’d be quite happy to see the place go under. take action by spending your money elsewhere, at places that welcome and represent its own community.Filippo Rappa
12:19 20 May 22
I went to ‘Heaven Club’ last night with my girlfriend. We were the first in line at opening time! and they didn't let us in saying we needed the GAY membership (?!) after a while, as they weren't asking anyone to show this mysterious membership (I don't even think there is such a thing) we realized they were asking every straight person in the queue to leave and only letting gays in.How would you feel if a club only let straight people in and asked everyone else to leave ?!This is discriminatory and most of all, ILLEGALP B
13:37 11 May 22
The rude black security woman at the door on Saturday evening needs to get a life. These sort of people are nothing and so insignificant outside of this job so being rude to people and feeling like they have power at the door gives them some sort of delusion that they are important. Just very pity, feel sorry for them actually and they have ruined this bar's reputation as well, just look at all the bad reviews, Shameful!!Gherman Bowie
22:07 04 May 22
You will need to wake up early if u want to enjoy This bar… They dont have a real dj its just a playlist with music for Generation ZO L
08:21 01 May 22
Facing the same problems as other females in the LGBTQ+ community. Been turned away multiple times on different days, whilst men are allowed to walk in without question. Told to "go away and get something to eat" and other times told that only "regular members" are allowed to get through the door (that's not actually a thing, by the way). Not inclusive at all. Be prepared to go elsewhere - you need to "look" a certain way to get in here. 👍🏼 Ladies - go to She bar across the road where you'll be welcomed as you should be.G-A-Y really needs to take a look at the door staff. It's been the same group on the door for a while now and you only have to look at the outpour of reviews recently all saying the same thing. Honestly, don't even bother giving them your custom.Alfie Bones
19:00 30 Apr 22
Members only. Used to be an inclusive space welcome to all lgbtqia+ and now most are turned away. This used to be a great night out. Sadly no more.Chris S
21:28 09 Apr 22
Me and my female friend weren’t let in, with some BS reason that we hadn’t been seen before. We tried again and got told we “weren’t members”. Yet, they hadn’t asked anyone else for memberships and didn’t address anyone by name. Just saw us out the queue.On another visit with gay couples, they advised I wasn’t coming in with them. I’m obviously straight, and my friends come in every week so no reason to say no to them.Imagine if a gay person wasn’t let into a club. As an ex barman and friend to gay people, I’d be outraged. But it’s ok when it’s against straight people, apparently. Won’t be bringing my business here ever.Tamara-jane Boyle
20:34 08 Apr 22
Went here with my girlfriend after a few cocktails. The whole attitude was awful. We’re told we were not allowed to enter due to “needing to go away and have a coffee” and proceeded to only let men in. We were frequent patrons at this establishment as used to feel welcome and included but not anymore. Highly disappointed. Always used to be made welcome but not today. I’ve been in worse states and let in. Seems you have to meet a quota these days.kieron caton
00:10 03 Apr 22
This place is ridiculous. When I attended tonight I finally got to the front of the queue and was refused entry. When I asked why they explained it was members only tonight. When I asked what members only meant they said people that attend regularly. This is a complete lie because I have attended multiple times before and was let in by even the same member of security in the past. I was not drunk and was trying to meet my friends inside. I explained this and they completely dismissed me. Directly after they let a large group in. I had a wrist band for G-A-Y late so tried to get in there with my friends and got given the same experience. Disgusting for someone who has only just come out... I won't be attending again.Anton M.
15:50 17 Mar 22
Came here with friends who are British.. I'm a yank. Was told members only BUT the Brit guys said that was bullshit. I your American I recommend you NOT...Nicole U
11:57 13 Mar 22
Staff at the front are not nice to people whatsoever. Just because you’re a bouncer (or that random man who is just standing there with the ear piece being rude), does not mean you can talk to everyone anyway you want. Learn to articulate your reasoning behind your decisions or improve the customer service as without customers, there is literally no business? This bar is known for this type of behaviour especially if you read earlier reviews. Thankfully I’m from the city but I cannot imagine how tourists must feel when they are excited to visit here and are faced with staff that are so rude. Do better guys! Especially for an inclusive space. You’ve got bad reviews for years for the same nonsense.Jamie Cartwright
20:03 06 Mar 22
Possibly the most unfriendly door staff I’ve ever experienced in London. Came here for my birthday with a small group as I thought it would be a safe space and we were met with so much hostility. They wouldn’t let us in despite there being no queue / not at a peak time. The lady in the fedora at the door in particular was extremely rude to several of us. Avoid at all costs, so many other amazing LGBTQ+ spots in the areaBethany Craig
19:48 06 Mar 22
We went to this bar on Friday night and queued for 45 minutes only to be told by the bouncer that it’s ’members only’ when I questioned said bouncer as to how we obtain a membership the bouncer said we must know a manager. Please bare in mind we were only at the club a few weeks prior to this and had no problems gaining entry. The bouncer accused me of being drunk (I am living my best sober life) and physically moved me to the side. I was shocked and disgusted by the behaviour of the door staff rude and aggressive. I would NOT recommend this bar/ club to any of my friends. I would much rather get my dancey dance on at a better much more inclusive club elsewhere.Kirstie Merritt
11:52 27 Feb 22
Lined up for almost 2 hours in the freezing cold with 3 girl friends, only to be told at the door that you need a membership to enter without any prior warning in the queue. The security staff were very rude and they let the people in who were queuing behind us even though they were not members either. Absolutely ridiculous!Stefani G
12:19 25 Feb 22
Hey all my lgbtq people, honestly go spend your money somewhere less chaotic and with nicer people. Inside smells like vomit all the time, you have to deal with the attitude of those in the queue because they got to be someone “important” for couple hours a week. They’re nobody outside that 😀Shanique Reece
16:55 16 Feb 22
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.Greg W
00:33 09 Jan 22
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.gem bailey
01:49 03 Jan 22
It should be half a star really as Jeremy Joseph hasn't made any effort to refurbish G.A.Y ,G.A.Y late or Heaven for many years.Just a lick of paint here and there but still a shell!!.It's like sitting on a park bench indoors!!!.might as well go Soho Square park lol 🤣🤣. Jeremy Joseph needs to understand that people pay good money to come out to the west end of a night and expect nice comfortable seating and surroundings ,no silly plastic cups 🤣🤣🤣.Don't give up your day job Jeremy 🤔🤔🙄🙄🙄😳😳🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣tom nova
08:08 03 Dec 21
Verry Stupid bar , fake entry regulations.Only member are soooo fake😡🤦♂️🤦♂️ , no tourist friendly , dont waste your money here , better go in another bar around .... thxNicholas
11:33 14 Nov 21
The short, skinny man (apparently called George according to another barman) was very hostile. Not sure why as I do not know him at all: either professionally or personally. All I did was ask for a drink 🤷 I just came to G-A-Y with my friends to have a fun night out.Henrique Dias
22:04 30 Oct 21
Good song, nice place to meet people but HORRIBLE customer service. Managers and Supervisors were really impolite before, changed the whole staff (nobody bares to work there long enough, bartenders or everybody else) and even worst now. When you think customer service needs to be better to retain people, this place for sure is not in that mindset.Marco
21:29 03 Oct 21
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.Emma Stratton
21:30 04 Sep 21
Came and was told I needed to be a member and when I visited recently that wasn't the case. I asked how to become a member and was told I needed to know someone with membership..How ridiculous! Was never entruscted on how to get one and was turned away! In my opinion you are turning down good customersGraeme Underwood
21:01 02 Sep 21
Who would have thought bars after being closed for so long are in a position to be picky about who they like the look of to let in… ‘members only’ and ‘regulars’ is a term they throw out there when your face doesn’t fit. I guess your revenue must be through the roof - good luck to you but I’ll go spend elsewhereZak S.
16:08 29 Aug 21
After years as airline crew and bringing fellow coworkers and recommending passengers here, tonight I was denied entry because I was "not a regular or...Liam Holmes
12:45 17 Aug 21
Amazing bars, clubs with amazing staff. Especially James who is always busy and friendly! Truly amazing member of staffJohn Q
16:32 07 Aug 21
Was here in 2017 at the Geri Halliwell gig. Had been waiting years to see her and it was worth the wait, to finally (in between "freedom" and "it's raining men") get a chance to unveil my banner "ginger lives matter, stop dying your hair blonde" and then start shouting JUDAS at the stage. It was us gingers Bob Dylan going live moment. Anyway, as i was being escorted out, i had a really good look at the property and architecture and its a really impressive building. Pity i'm barred, as i would have returned to look around in more detail. Didn't get a chance to see if they do the lotto, but the spot is well worth a look.Cem Okcu
05:09 05 Aug 21
Actually everything is very nice. I won't go there anymore because of the blond, blue-eyed man at the door. The man looks at you, if he likes it, he lets you in, if he doesn't, he doesn't. This man is not letting us in. other guards are taking us, but that man is not. We have been going there for 4 years. When we go, we go back when we see that man. We don't like that man. He asks for membership every time. We want to buy but we can't. is no longer given.Rory McAtamney
15:06 24 Jul 21
Don’t bother - seats on the street which is nice. 4 of out group ordered drinks from the bar facing the street and they arrived within 5 mins. The final two people ordered and they didn’t arrive for 18 minutes. They made excuses that the bar was busy, which it wasn’t, and that the drinks were complicated, they were a pint of lager and an Aperol spritz, hardly rocket science. Won’t be back soon.Jules Guibert
17:46 11 Jul 21
1 star because I can't put zero, the manager is a bloody m**** who will yell at you without any reason, cocktails are without alcohol even if you take a double, don't go there except if you want an experience of what is a really really bad bar.Please go rot to hell and close your bloody bar, it will makes place for new and obviously better ones (you can't do worst that this).I wish you a painful and costly closure.Best regards.Marino Mía
13:59 10 Jul 21
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.Jarrar
18:13 26 Jun 21
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 supportiveGregor Lawrence
00:31 22 Jun 21
Horrendously rude staff who made my friend cry on her cousin's birthday night out. Lied about their terrible service to us and swore at us as we left, with no legitimate reason to do so. Will never return, and will dissuade everyone I know from doing so.Ashleigh Whittaker
15:01 12 Jun 21
We were seated and then left for half an hour to be served, also while watching people who had come in half an hour after us be served first. They then offered us a free drink as an apology which was appreciated. Then when we actually got to order a round it was last orders and they overcharged us.Elisabet Ruano
10:33 07 Jun 21
We were with my friends last Sunday. One of my friends hasn't have the NHS app and the security guard didn't let us in, even downloading the app afterwards. The experience was awful and really bad customer service.Tom
19:57 02 Jun 21
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.Isaac Cuevas
01:45 10 Jan 21
I love this place. I love the music! It’s ideal for any day of the week, specially on Sundays!Scott Brunswick
12:13 06 Dec 20
Loved every minute of it! What a treat, would really recommend giving a visit if in the area. Will return again some time.Josh Wiggan
13:28 25 Oct 20
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 hereRosie
20:05 29 Sep 20
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 xxxJemma Carew
23:20 07 Sep 20
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!Adam DeWitt-Bukater
08:07 06 Sep 20
We had a wonderful evening in the village. Staff are friendly, warm and welcoming. The bar is adhering to social distancing so there was a little queue to get in. You get served at your table so no queuing at the bar. Still a fun atmosphere. Would recommend.Mitch E.
09:48 09 Nov 19
I had such a great time at this bar! The endless screens of music videos were my favorite and I couldn't get enough. Two doubles (vodka/soda and gin/tonic)...Rita J.
15:04 06 Jul 19
The bar has two floors. We went there Friday night. The music was great and the drinks were are reasonably priced! It got crowded after 8 or 9 pm. The...Christopher L.
19:17 21 Apr 19
Came here on a Friday night around 9:30! We didn't have to wait too long - maybe around 5 minutes and the bouncers were pretty friendly. Inside, it's...
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