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Retro Bar
Bars

Retro Bar

London, UK
4.2
697 reviews

Neighbourhood

London

Category

Bars

Vibe

Cocktails, Karaoke +3

Official website

About Retro Bar

Nestled in a cozy alley off the Strand, Retro Bar is a vibrant gem in London's gay scene. A quintessential indie bar, it's a place where the spirit of inclusivity and diversity is not just celebrated but actively fostered. Open from noon to 11pm on weekdays and 2-11pm on weekends, its doors welcome a diverse crowd eager to enjoy a casual, laid-back atmosphere. The Retro Bar's charm lies in its nostalgic aura, where the walls are adorned with iconic photos of gay legends, from Boy George to Beth Ditto, creating a visual feast that tells a story of the community's rich history. This visual journey is complemented by the sounds of Blondie and Bowie, among others, emanating from the jukebox, setting a backdrop of classic tunes that resonate with visitors of all ages. With its upstairs bar offering a quieter, more intimate setting, it's an ideal spot for a date or a relaxed evening. Although this area is not open every night, when it is, it adds an extra layer of versatility to the bar's already welcoming ambiance. Retro Bar stands out as a place where everyone on the gay spectrum can find a sense of belonging. Its blend of historical reverence, musical nostalgia, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic slice of London's gay culture

Vibes

Gallery

Location

Retro Bar

Retro Bar, George Court, London, UK

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WhereIs.Gay rating

4.6

697 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    4.2
  • Google Maps
    4.6

Featured Google Maps reviews

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

Katarzyna Berk
Katarzyna Berk

7 months ago

The venue managed to accommodate me with a 48 hour notice for a 25 people booking and absolutely saved my birthday! Everyone was absolutely wonderful and I honestly cannot thank them enough for being so sweet, I even got a bingo shout out! Cannot recommend more if you’re looking for a space to host or just have a couple drinks with friends.

Review from Google Maps

P O London
P O London

10 months ago

Tooked down an alleyway off the Strand is this amazing bar set over two floors with music themed walls and atmospheric lighting. Incredible friendly crowd, peaceful by day.

Review from Google Maps

Emily Deane
Emily Deane

4 months ago

I cannot thank Retro bar enough for being such an amazing venue for an event they hosted last year. At relatively short notice, they let me know I could use the top floor for an evening in December to host a friends theatrical show. It was quite a chaotic event and they did an amazing job to help us set the space up, seat all of our friends, make sure the tech was working and serve drinks. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and we could not have asked for a more perfect venue. They went above and beyond to help us make it work and we are all really grateful! Thanks Retro and sorry this review is so late!

Review from Google Maps

Beckett LeClair
Beckett LeClair

4 months ago

Super cozy and welcoming bar with nice theming. Good beer on tap!

Review from Google Maps

Jacob
Jacob

10 months ago

The ground floor space was more packed and had no available seats and the music was very loud, but the upstairs area was much more chill and you can easily talk to the people around you — perfect if you want a change of atmosphere either way round. It was also quite quick to get a drink despite it being a Saturday night and the prices were better than many bars in soho and central London. This bar overall is so pretty I love the colour pink they had going on, and there is a gender neutral toilet. The lighting was perfect and I felt very safe and comfortable, I definitely recommend!!

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
27 January 2024
Listed in
London › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google