London, hold the prostitutes please

1. 
   Reason
   

   Does anyone have any pointers for getting a taste of the gay life in London? I'm headed there on business and will have evenings free. I'm *not* looking for a hook-up, but I would like to get a taste of what gay life in London is like.

   I visited London on business about 5 or 6 years ago, and was a little disappointed. The guidebooks pointed me to a gay area near the theater district, but it was small and seemed very crowded with just regular people. It didn't feel very gay at all. To top it off, I was looking into the window of one of the gay trinket shops, and a john came up and tried to offer me time with some female prostitutes! I wasn't sure what was more offensive -- that he couldn't recognize my gay fabulousness, or that he thought I needed to pay for sex.

   Are there any bars or cafes which are fun and non-intimidating for a visitor like me?

   Thanks for any suggestions you can offer!

   Posted 5 months ago #
2. 
   chrisholden09
   

   The gay area near the theater district is probably Soho. Last year, in London, I went to two gay bars in the area -- Cromptons and Barcode -- and both were fine, friendly, enjoyed myself in both. I was told of another good gay bar in Soho -- The Village, but didn't have the time to go, so can't attest to it.

   I know that there are prostitutes wandering Soho, though there is some movement toward restricting streetwalkers.

   As for the john, too bad his gaydar wasn't more acute.

   Enjoy London!

   Posted 5 months ago #
3. 
   Reason
   

   Thanks for the advice, chrisholden09! In the end, I didn't have any time for bar hopping, but I did hang out in some cafes with a local, and this time it felt much more gay. I think I just missed the right area the first time.

   It's always better to travel around with a local! That's my conclusion. :)

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 
   laion
   

   If you are looking for cool places for gay people in London, check out this place: http://www.menintouch.com/content/cities/7/london . It has a full description of the places that are worth a try there.

   Good luck.

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 
   Jamako
   

   Hey there
   in case you visit London again it is worth looking outside of Soho (although I love it there) as there is now a big gay area in Vauxhall (a 10 minute Tube ride) with bars, clubs and saunas etc. Also worth going out of town to Hampstead (The William IV) for a more relaxed atmosphere. Brighton is an hour from London by train, on the coast and officially the gayest city in Europe. Much more a gay community feel to it too. Happy travelling.

   Posted 2 months ago #
6. 
   mattskal
   

   Be sure to check out the info found at www.gaylondontravel.com.

   Posted 1 week ago #

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