Gay London · Cabaret Shows

Located in-between Soho and Covent is The Phoenix Arts Club. It's been entertaining entertainers for thirty years. This is a favoured haunt of actors and theatrical types, although you don't have to be a thespian to visit. This is one of the most charming bars in central London and it's very gay-popular.

This bar was the original dressing and rehearsal rooms of The Phoenix Theatre. Laurence Olivier made his theatre debut Noel Coward's "Private Lives" in the 1930s. This place is steeped in history. Stars from the West End often take the mic and perform. There's a small cabaret area at the back.

Billed as the "UK’s LGBT+ Theatre, Bar and Cabaret Lounge", Above The Stag Theatre & Bar is a must if you're in London and you like a bit of cabaret. Some of the best performers in the country take to the stage, often engaging in highly camp theatrics.

They host all kinds of cabaret shows, including LGBT+ pantomimes - He’s Behind You among them. Check their website to see the latest shows and book a table.

Located in Embankment a short walk from Tower Hill station, Proud Cabaret is a performance venue with a 1920s vibe. It hosts a lot of drag performances. Some of the drag shows feature burlesque dancers. As well at the cabaret and bar, it also has a restaurant.

If you're looking for a night of raucous, risque fun then this is a good bet. The shows are always entertaining. Proud Cabaret also has an outlet in Brighton.

If you come to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on a Tuesday, you'll get the chance to grab a ticket to 'Bar Wotever' - a queer night of all things performance. The RVT transforms into a vibrant stage for LGBT and queer performers of all kinds. Expect a fun mix of music, cabaret, spoken word art and much more.

The audience is friendly, and mixed across ages, ethnicities, genders and sexualities, everyone is welcome. Plus there are open decks & open mic nights where everyone can be part and play their own music, read and perform. Newcomers and beginners are welcome and encouraged to take up an open mic spot.

Make sure to buy your tickets (£8) in advance, Tuesday nights usually sell out.