Discover Retro Bar, London’s hidden alternative gay bar. A quirky, rock ‘n’ roll social hub for the queer community and music lovers.
About
Hidden down a narrow, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it alleyway near Charing Cross, Retro Bar is a legendary fixture on the London gay map. Standing on a site that has hosted a pub since the 17th century, this iconic gay bar has been a sanctuary for the alternative queer and LGBTQ+ community since the 1990s. While the glitz of Soho is just a short walk away, Retro Bar offers something entirely different: an unpretentious, rock ‘n’ roll vibe that celebrates the eccentric. As you step inside, you are greeted by star-studded gallery walls covered in portraits of legendary pop and rock icons. The soundtrack here is famously diverse—forget the mainstream chart-toppers and prepare for an eclectic mix of 80s synth-pop, indie gems, and New Romantic classics served up by one of the best jukeboxes in the city. Spanning two intimate floors, it is a favorite social hub for gay men and the wider queer family who prefer a pint and a chat over a pounding dancefloor. Whether you are visiting for their notoriously competitive pub quizzes, hilarious comedy nights, or a legendary Eurovision party, Retro Bar London feels like a secret club where everyone belongs. It is the perfect spot for travelers seeking the soulful, alternative side of the city's queer scene.