LISTINGS GAY & LESBIAN

Gay & Lesbian: Out and about

Bored with clubbing and want to try something different?

Jo Gardner finds out what’s on offer

While there are no shortage of gay and lesbian bars and clubs in the capital, those looking to shake their tailfeather should check out the season’s events. From comedy to musicals, cricket to drag, the summer looks set to sizzle.

Kicking off proceedings is Pride London (20 June-5 July), a two-week event celebrating what it is to be gay, lesbian or bisexual and culminating in Parade Day, which last year attracted a whopping 825,000 revellers.

Colourful fl oats make their way down Baker, Oxford and Regent Streets to Trafalgar Square. This year’s theme is fairytales, myths and legends, so expect plenty of pink, fairy dust and wands.

If your visit is later, try the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for Hot August Fringe, a full month of theatre, stand-up, music, drag and cabaret starting on 27 July.

Or if you prefer to work up more of a sweat — or you simply look good in white — try one of the Grace Cricket Club weekly meetings taking place each Sunday until September at Peter May Sports Centre near Walthamstow. Enjoy a knock-about, watch a match or take part in competitive play. Either way, make sure you protect your lunchbox! www.pridelondon.org www.rvt.org.uk www.gaycricket.org

GAY & LESBIAN BARS

ADMIRAL DUNCAN

54 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UD. Piccadilly Circus

T: 020 7437 5300.

One of London’s most famous and best-loved gay bars, the Admiral Duncan is a great place to drop in and have a pint.

BAR CODE

3-4 Archers Street, W1D 7AP.
Piccadilly Circus

T: 020 7734 3342.
www.bar-code.co.uk
Popular Soho bar with drinks offers, special events and resident DJs spinning great tunes.

EDGE

11 Soho Square, W1D 3QE. Tottenham Court Road

T: 020 7439 1313. www.edgesoho.net London’s largest gay bar is packed from early evening to the small hours. A good place to start the night before heading on to a club.

ESCAPE

8 Brewer Street, W1F 0SE.

Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus

T: 020 7734 2626.

One of London’s smallest gay bars, Escape is extremely popular with friendly regulars, mainly in the 20s-30s age category.

FIRST OUT

52 St Giles High Street, WC2H 8LH. Tottenham Court Road

T: 020 7240 8042. www.fi rstoutcafebar.com A relaxed vegetarian cafe by day, First Out becomes a pre-club watering hole at sundown. Friday night is the busiest, when the bar plays host to Girl Friday with female DJs.

FREEDOM

60-66 Wardour Street, W1D 6QB.
Piccadilly Circus

T: 020 7437 3490. www.freedombarsoho.com Freedom hosts a variety of art exhibitions, fi lm premieres and after-show parties. The ground fl oor is a popular venue during the day, while in the evenings the basement bar buzzes.

G-A-Y BAR

30 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UR. Leicester Square

T: 020 7494 2756. www.g-a-y.co.uk
G-A-Y Bar offers a lively atmosphere on three levels, with super cheesy music and pop. The ground and upper fl oors are for gays and lesbians; downstairs is for lesbians only.

KUDOS CAFE BAR

10 Adelaide Street, WC2N 4HZ.

Leicester Square/Charing Cross

T: 020 7379 4573.

Gay bar with regular DJ nights and strong links with local gay clubs, including Heaven.

ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN

372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY.
Vauxhall

T: 020 7820 1222. www.rvt.org.uk
One of London’s best-known gay bars, with something on every evening — notably the legendary Duckie night on Saturdays featuring live performances.

Revellers at Pride London

CENTRAL STATION

37 Wharfedale Road, N1 9SD.

King’s Cross
T: 020 7278 3294.
www.centralstation.co.uk
Flamboyant and arty, yet unpretentious bar with poetry readings, comedy and singing. Tuesday’s Wotever lesbian night is particularly popular.

COMPTONS

51-53 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HN.
Piccadilly Circus

T: 020 7479 7961.

This venue has lots of history. If you like
to people watch, it’s a great place to spend
a Sunday afternoon, while Saturday evenings are more upbeat.

56 W2L SUMMER 2009