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So you identify as LGBTQ+ and you are considering or already planning a relocation to London. For people from all walks of life, moving countries is generally a big, scary step into the unknown. But fear not, we’re a relocation agency that has got you covered – especially if your biggest question is ‘what are the best places to live in London for LGBTQ+ expats?’!
The Best Places to Live in London for LGBTQ+ Expats
London is one of the most multicultural and tolerant cities in Europe and we have zero hesitation in excitedly recommending it to you. We were recently voted the 10th most gay-friendly city in the world by www.NomadicBoys.com. They also voted London the 3rd gayest city in Europe. Thanks, we’ll take that.
And a little-known fact is that we have the highest number of Grindr users out of any city in the world, so if you are a single LGBTQ+ expat relocating to London, you probably won’t be for long!
What you’ll learn in this quick guide:
- London’s LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods
- London’s LGBTQ+ nightlife
- London’s LGBTQ+ cultural events
- FAQs
As a metropolis of the arts, business, and design, London has a long queer history with gay bars dating back to the 1700s and the Soho area which was reputedly the first gay district in Europe. London has also been home to countless internationally renowned gay icons: Alan Turing, Oscar Wilde, Sir Elton John, George Michael, Boy George and Freddie Mercury – to name but a few. All of whom pushed sexual boundaries and raised the profile of queer people in society, marching and protesting for what makes London one of the most exciting and inclusive destinations for LGBTQ+ people in the world.
Gay areas in London
London is a city of 8m people and hundreds of different neighbourhoods, so how do you begin to find the best gaybourhood for you – the area where you’ll be amongst the most like-minded people? You’ll be fine in pretty much any neighbourhood in London, but some areas are much closer to all the action than others.
Here’s a summary of the main gay areas in London in terms of nightlife and activities:
1. Central London – the social hub
Central London is the proud home of Soho and Old Compton Street – the slightly touristy hub of London’s queer life. Since the 1700s, its queer venues – pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatre – have been the focal point of London’s LGBTQ+ community. With more gay bars than any other area in London, many of the venues here are iconic and have been around for years:
- G-A-Y Bar: One of the most famous gay bars in London, G-A-Y Bar is known for its fun, inclusive atmosphere. It also has a nearby nightclub, G-A-Y Late, which attracts a big crowd after hours.
- The Yard: A stylish and relaxed bar with a large courtyard, The Yard is popular for both pre-drinks and a more laid-back night out.
- Freedom Bar: Known for its glitzy interior and cabaret shows, Freedom offers a mix of club vibes and intimate cocktail lounge settings.
- Village Soho: One of the longest-standing gay bars in London, Village Soho offers a lively atmosphere with regular DJ sets, drag performances, and themed nights.
Other interesting Central London LGBTQ+ landmarks include:
- Gay’s the Word: Located in Bloomsbury, Gay’s the Word is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore. It has been embedded in the community since 1979 and serves as a bookstore and a meeting place for various LGBTQ+ groups and events.
- Heaven: Located near Charing Cross, Heaven has been one of London’s largest and most famous gay nightclubs since 1979. It hosts regular themed nights, including G-A-Y events, and frequently features performances by top pop artists.
The annual Pride in London festival is the city’s largest LGBTQ+ event, attracting hundreds of thousands of people every summer. The parade passes through central London, with major festivities in Trafalgar Square and Soho.
2. South London – the clubbing capital
South London has a queer history that dates back as far as Soho’s. The standout areas for the gay community are Vauxhall and Clapham.
- Vauxhall: One of London’s most popular areas for LGBTQ+ nightlife, particularly the clubs its railway arches, Vauxhall is home to some well-known venues, none more iconic than The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) – a cornerstone of the London LGBTQ+ scene since the 1980s that hosts everything from drag shows to live music and cabaret performances.
- Clapham: The ‘pink pound’ inspired the regeneration of this famous London neighbourhood. Since then, several gay bars have become institutions in the area, including The Two Brewers, which offers drag performances, cabaret nights, and DJ sets.
High on the South London cultural agenda is BFI Flare – the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world. The festival usually takes place in March at the BFI Southbank and showcases a broad spectrum of films, documentaries, and shorts that explore themes of identity, sexuality, and community.
3. East London – the hipster heaven
East London has long been home to the UK capital’s creative scene and unconventional cultures. Its gentrification this century has attracted a hipster gay community to the area, who are drawn by its alternative edge. Popular neighbourhoods in this trendy part of town include:
- Shoreditch: The LGBTQ+ scene here tends to be more alternative and artsy compared to the more mainstream Soho vibe. It attracts a broad mix of people, from creatives to professionals, offering an open and progressive space for self-expression. The area’s reputation for embracing the avant-garde and the experimental is reflected in the diversity of its gay scene.
- Dalston: A vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood, Dalston is Shoreditch’s even cooler little brother. It is known for being welcoming, edgy and hosting some of the city’s most eclectic and creative parties at venues like Dalston Superstore – a legendary queer bar and club.
- Hackney: This vibrant and inclusive area is home to a creative and diverse community. The LGBTQ+ scene in Hackney reflects this, with a range of bars, clubs, events, and cultural spaces that cater to the community. For instance, Hackney Pride 365 is an initiative by the local council that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year through talks, exhibitions, and events highlighting queer history, arts, and culture.
East London’s reputation as London’s contemporary cultural heartland is underscored by Fringe! Queer Film and Arts Fest – an annual event that floods East London’s cinemas, art galleries, pop-up venues and basement clubs with the powerful, provocative and strange.
4. North London – the chilled scene
North London’s LGBTQ+ scene may be smaller and more dispersed than other parts of London, but its mix of cultural events, nightlife, and community-focused spaces is just as impressive. From the alternative vibes of Camden to the queer arts scene in Islington, it’s a part of London where LGBTQ+ culture thrives in a more localised, intimate way. For instance, The King’s Head Theatre on Upper Street is a cultural hub for the community, hosting plays, comedy, and other performances often focused on LGBTQ+ stories.
One of the long-standing LGBTQ+ highlights of North London is the swimming ponds on Hampstead Heath, which include men-only and women-only ponds in picturesque verdant surroundings. Both have a vibrant gay community, particularly in the summer.
London’s gayest areas to live in
Before we finish our brief London gaybourhood introduction, the guys at CIA Landlords recently came up with an innovative approach to pinpointing the gayest area of London. They compiled a list of top areas by counting how many LGBTQ+ friendly flat shares there were in each borough on www.SpareRoom.com.
Their top 10 areas were:
- Waltham Forest (59 flat shares)
- Lambeth (49 flat shares)
- Hackney (48 flat shares)
- Southwark (30 flat shares)
- Islington (25 flat shares)
- Newham (24 flat shares)
- Tower Hamlets (16 flat shares)
- Camden (10 flat shares)
- Westminster (9 flat shares)
- Greenwich (8 flat shares)
While flat shares are generally for those with a smaller budget than renters, it’s a fun way to find the areas of London where the flat-share LGBTQ+ community choose to live.
If you’re unsure of what you can afford, check out our handy calculator to help work out your cost of living in London:
FAQs
- What part of London has the most LGBTQ+ bars and clubs? Located in the West End, Soho has long been the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture.
- When is Pride in London? London Pride typically takes place in July with a parade and festival in central London. It’s the biggest LGBTQ+ event in the UK, attracting hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.
- What portion of London’s population identify as gay? According to the 2021 census, 2.2% of London’s population identified as gay or lesbian, and 1.5% identified as bisexual.
Resources
How Simply London can help
So you have decided to move to London, or are considering moving to London as an LGBTQ expat?
We are here to help you make the most out of London, one of the world’s most open-minded cities you will find.
Whether you are coming on your own, with a partner, spouse, pet, and/or children, we would love to help you create a fantastic, fulfilling life in the British capital.
The Simply London relocation service is always tailored to the client’s specific needs and circumstances – and the LGBTQ+ relocation service is no different. The breadth and depth of our team’s London knowledge and experience means that whether you are coming to live in London as a queer individual, gay family or employee, we will hopefully be able to help you find the best location and home.
What we can help with in your relocation to London as an LGBTQ expat:
- Find the best place to live in London
- Find the best places to go out to in London (outside of infamous Soho)
- Make connections in the London LGBTQ community
- Answer any questions you might have, no filters needed!
Schedule a call with us today!
Article published 22nd October 2024
