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Oh What A Night: London Edition

Patrick — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:23:16 +0000

Kyle Taylor – gaytravel.com Blogger

Not only the capital of Great Britain but arguably the premier gay destination in Europe (and maybe even the world), London offers an excessive number of gay venues that touch on every niche, nerve, interest, and age of a massive and constantly growing gay community. As such, there is a seemingly never-ending stream of possibilities when it comes to “the perfect night out.” Having spent more than a year in this gay and lesbian travel capital, I’m going to give you an insider’s look at this gay destination.

Pre-Dinner Drinks: Rocket Bar (2 George Court, London WC2N 6HH) Located just off the Strand in the West End, Rocket Bar is tucked between two massive 300-year-old buildings. It has a Route 66 forgotten feel to it, which is pleasantly contrasted by all the bankers and government officials who come straight from work in their sexy suits.

Dinner: Don’t miss Gourmet Burger Kitchen (13 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NE) Yes it is America’s natural treasure, but this gem stuffs the buns with an onslaught of delicious one-of-a-kind toppings. Try the kiwiburger. It’s a religious experience.

Pre-Clubbing Drinks: Friendly Society (79 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QB) Probably the best kept secret in Soho, this gay bar is only identifiable by a tiny over-the-door inscription. Packed by 9pm, the padded walls, old barbies hanging for the ceiling, and giant goldfish tank in the center feel too cool for school. Combining an excellent “scene” with free-poured cocktails (a rarity in London) and remixed music spanning the past 50 years (think Aretha with a Timbaland backbeat), you’ll be ready to bust a serious move.

Clubbing: Popstarz at the Den (18A West Central Street, London WC1A 1JJ) Get here by 11pm, as the line starts to wind around the street any later than that. Three rooms – Indy Pop, Top 40, and Hip Hop Soul – mean every taste is met. Last Friday there was also a giant martini glass propped on stage (just left of the go-go dancer’s pole), though no sign of what it’s for. The cliental is mainly boppin’ 18-30-year-olds, and they can really dance all night, so try to keep up, and definitely move from room to room, as there are three genuinely unique scenes all going at once. With so many options in this gay club why go anywhere else?

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

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London’s Gayborhood Explosion

Patrick — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:12:24 +0000

Kyle Taylor – gaytravel.com Blogger

Just like any big city, the real charm of London lies in its multiple different neighborhoods, niches, and communities. More than any other place I have ever been, London is localized in a way that makes crossing the road feel like crossing a continent. The gay community – rather than claiming its own pocket of town – has instead built its own “gayborhood” within each of London’s own neighborhoods, meaning there is a plethora of options for the gay and lesbian travel aficionado. Here are just a few of them:

Central London (Soho & Around): Just like the broader Central London area, this part of the city is home to “Top 40” Gays. That is, they’re fabulous, they’re trendy, and they love Lady Gaga. The gay clubs almost exclusively rock the beats of whatever is on the Billboard charts, the boys and girls both wear sparkly tops and jeggings (jean leggings), and mixed cocktails are preferred over brutish beer. It’s the place to be if you’re too fabulous to function. Try Friendly Society, Village, Shadow Lounge, PopStarz, and Heaven.

The East End (Shoreditch & Around): This is the part of town where both jeans and the boys wearing them are too skinny. Hipster chic is the name of the game. Another game is to figure out who is actually gay, as the entire hipster community is so accepting, you can’t tell if they’re just friendly or want to go home with you (or both). The music here is mostly stuff you haven’t heard (because once people have heard it it’s not cool anymore) and Britney Spears (because her music is now so iconic it’s ironic). Don’t forget your cardigan, big-framed glasses, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Try Jaguar Shoes, Book Club, Star of Bethnal Green (for Unskinny Bop), and Joiner’s Arms.

South London (Vauxhall & Around): Known for opening at 3am and partying until noon, Vauxhall is home to every niche gay community you can find, from Bears and Leather to Twinks and “Straight Gays.” It may be a short trip to get there, but there will be even more people on a trip of their own once you’ve arrived. As is characteristic of London Gays, everyone will no doubt be incredibly friendly and welcoming to the gay and lesbian travel maven as long as you’ve followed the dress code. Try Hoist, Area, XXL, and Fire.

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