oliden
9 Oct 2015
WhereIs.Gay review
Bars
White Swan
Limehouse gay bar and club with drag, DJs and East End character
London, UK
2.8
69 reviewsAbout White Swan
The White Swan is a long-running gay bar and club on Commercial Road in Limehouse. For decades it has provided East London with an unpretentious LGBTQ+ night out, drawing local regulars alongside visitors from across the capital. The venue combines several bars with space for dancing and a changing programme of karaoke, drag, DJs and themed pop or club nights. The atmosphere depends on the event: some evenings feel like a neighbourhood gay bar, while bigger Saturday parties use more of the building and run late. The Old Ship is nearby if you want to combine two different East End queer venues. Check the current programme before travelling because not every part of the venue opens for every event. The late-night format may involve door checks and valid photo ID.
What to expect
Expect an energetic, old-school East London gay venue rather than a polished Soho lounge. Event nights range from karaoke and drag to full club sessions.
Vibes
Good to know
Practical tips before you visit
Check which bars and floors are open for the night's event
Valid photo ID and last-entry rules may apply
The Old Ship LGBTQ+ pub is also nearby in Limehouse
Gallery
Location
White Swan
White Swan, Commercial Road, London, UK
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WhereIs.Gay rating
4.0
69 reviews
Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Yelp.
Rating by source
- WhereIs.Gay3.4
- Yelp4.0
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18 Jun 2026
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19 Apr 2025
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1 Feb 2026
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Listing details
- Last updated
- 12 September 2026
- Listed in
- London › United Kingdom
- Data from
- WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp
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