A fantastic London pub with an impressive collection of pop star portraits adorning the walls. The beer is good, the dukebox is on fire and there's often a lovely chatty crowd. The staff are great. My only complaint would be that their bar manager Nelson isn't single - sends a dagger through my heart everytime. But other than that an excellent establishment - and a must see for any tourists especially LGBT visitors. Afterwards you can scoot along to nearby clubs like HEAVEN or Circa (maybe not Circa) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Great bar! The staff are fantastic and super friendly. Shelia the bingo host is amazing - a great night with lots of laughs and fun. Make sure you swing by; good music, spacious ground floor and first floor bar area and you can take your drinks outside.

Very good atmosphere, they were really nice with us, is a good pub for stay with friends and drink some beers.

We stopped off for a couple of pints after work. It was quiet, but that's what we want for a chat. Good selection of beer.

I came into Retro bar because I wanted to show a friend who had never been before and our visit didn’t disappoint - lovely vibe, amazing staff in particular I would like to mention Mickey (I think that’s how you spell it) as he was very knowledgeable about the drinks. Also I think he was the manager (short dark haired handsome man with a beard) showed us the upstairs bar even though it wasn’t open yet - stellar service! X

Love love LOVE this bar! We ended up there by accident and had the best time. The service was amazing, the drinks were cheap and the music was really good. They had a jukebox where you could add songs which was really cool. Will definitely be going back😍

Another hidden gem in London, really quirky little gay pub with a free jukebox, decent selection of drinks and really friendly bar staff! Always a good crowd, only criticism is that it closes early (11pm), even on weekends!

Just look at the photographs adorning the walls, if you have lived for any of the past 50 years, you will recognise many of the people pictured here. Blondie playing at the moment, great. Staff are really keen and helpful. A great little pub!

Awesome music. Great atmosphere.

Possibly the best gay bar in town. Knocks spots off Halfway to Heaven where the staff are more interested in their phones or talking to their friends. Retro has lovely staff who make you feel welcome 😊 x

My God. Went there on the evening of 6 October 2023. The redhead with really curly hair behind the bar was exceptionally gorgeous. I want her more than life itself. She is so damn gorgeous. I was mesmerized by her.

Retro bar is London’s best kept secret. Super excited to know Camille is back on Sundays with Stephen! Great banter and atmosphere 🏳️‍🌈🍻🥂

Have been here for a while popped in for a party. Atmosphere was great the music and campery fantastic. A very friendly and welcoming bat on two levels, great as a party venue and very easy to get to from Embankment Station

Lovely friendly atmosphere. Loved rubbing shoulders with all the celebrities whose photos were hanging on the walls surrounded by all the twinkly lights. Lovely crowd. Met lots of new friends. Also cerh convenient location which was easy to find.

Fantastic welcoming place, whether you are LBGTQIA2S or not (please forgive my terminology, I'm a straight guy trying to not offend anyone). Either way the bar is brilliant, always feel comfortable there - it's a great place! If you are in the area, and want to experience real life - don't be tempted by all the easy to visit chain pubs and bars in the area - go here! You won't regret it, it's brilliant.

So glad I stepped through the doors! Fabulous little traditional pub. Great host, friendly staff, wonderful decor and twinkly lights, reasonably priced drinks. Definitely will visit again and again...and again!

Fantastic buzz to this bar. As thee name suggests the music is mainly retro. Highly recommended

Great lgbtq+ bar in central London with amazing quiz. Leslie (the manager) was the perfect host and they were very attentive with our drinks orders and customer service. A MUST for visiting the lgbtq+ scene.

Amazing atmosphere. Love the decor, especially the glorious Blue Ceiling 😍 Drinks prices are reasonable for the area. A must visit when you’re in the area ❤️

I have been waiting for Retro Bar to reopen since the beginning of lock down. I love it all - the staff, the drinks, the decoration & the quiz night with Princess Julia & Josh Quinton. A playful & welcoming vibe, a thick atmosphere & a strong pulse. The best.

Nice LGBT bar. Sometimes a strange ambience because they will not be playing music when you come in and almost never seem to play any music upstairs. But a fairly nice vibe anyway somehow, it's nice being stood outside and when they are playing music it makes a nice atmosphere. Staff are very friendly! But please please please clean your beer lines! I tried two and both I couldn't finish. It was sludge and genuinely has left me feeling pretty ill. I watched a few others being poured and it's pretty obvious what the problem is.

The Retro Bar has been my firm favourite along with many Londoners and tourists and has become my regular haunt and meeting place for our friends. Retro Bar is one of most valued and safe spaces for everyone in the LGBT community and the staff are absolutely fantastic . I love this little gem of a bar and will be coming back time and time again . The staff are some of the best of any bar , with Nelson , Mickey, Novaya and the other team members all working their socks off to ensure we have a good time . Lesley has done a great job in ensuring this bar will be around for the future generations and be a definite “place to go” for the discerning crowd, supported by Steven and the staff . Long may it continue .

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the London Retro Bar, and I must say it was an incredible experience. The staff there are truly amazing – friendly, positive, and incredibly warm. From the moment I walked in, I felt completely welcomed and comfortable. The atmosphere they create is unparalleled, and it's without a doubt the best QUEER venue in London. The staff's dedication to making every visitor feel at home is truly commendable. Their warm demeanor and welcoming attitude set the tone for a fantastic evening. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and kindness. The London Retro Bar's commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community is truly admirable. It's more than just a bar – it's a haven where people can come together, express themselves, and have a wonderful time. The positive vibes are infectious, and you can't help but leave with a smile on your face. In a city as diverse as London, the London Retro Bar stands out as a shining example of acceptance and celebration of individuality. If you're looking for a place with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, fantastic staff, and an authentic QUEER experience, this is the place to be. I can't recommend it highly enough. Kudos to the London Retro Bar for creating such an incredible space. I'll definitely be returning soon for more unforgettable evenings.

Here in London on holiday and have had some hit and miss experiences with LGBTQ+ bars - to include being actively profiled and refused admittance due to being ‘visibly intoxicated’ - I’m one year sober and they refused to back their baseless claim. To ALL the lovelies of humanity: this place has single handedly given me renewed hope! I have NEVER experienced such a warm and welcoming space for all. Ever. Even in my home country (USA). Smiles were everywhere, the entire spectrum of human existence was present and welcomed, and the experience really ushered in the new year right! THANK YOU Retro for existing!!! This is what a true queer space is supposed to be: warm, welcoming, accepting, and supportive! We will definitely be making it a point to come back next time we visit London!

A Central London haven! I’ve never had a bad night at Retro - and I really mean that. Staffed by the kindest people - happily putting up with so much post work drinks nonsense, and showing huge support for our small workplace union. Thanks for everything!

Still the best bar in London. Trends move; class is permanent. Best Jukebox; amazing staff. Kat, I hope you read this. Amazing, funny, brilliant service. After so many years it is still the most welcoming, totally cool, ace place to be. And it now has Kat. She is totally cool. Go. Don't waste your life. Play the jukebox. Live, love, flirt and hope that Kat is on the bar.

My favorite bar! Staff are great! Good selection of drinks and good music!

This is still my favourite pub in London. Visit every time I am back in the smoke. Spent a lot of my younger years here. Great atmosphere, great music, friendly and fun.

I love my little friendly local pub. Especially the friendly staff. But then this is my local local, and obviously love the posters and music policy 😉

Fun bar with great music and an excellent bar team. They have great DJs and a jukebox as well.

Simply a delightful bar. Unusually on Wednesday this week there was a most obnoxious customer who was professionally and effortlessly ushered out by the manageress and her team. I was most impressed. Aside from the unique event above this is a hidden gem and really worth a visit.

Best bar in London, amazing selection of beers and the jukebox makes it even more special. Definitely worth visiting.

Local LGTBQ+ Bar with good music, friendly staff and relaxed vibe. Fantastic Quiz nights, check their website for more details.

Lovely, friendly pub with a great atmosphere. One of our favorite spots while visiting London. The music and decor was 🔥 ❤️ 💯

My first time here, it's not easy to spot so you can easily walk past the little alley that takes you there from either side! Seems reasonable, a good crowd and drinks are priced for London so generally an ok experience.

Sorry I've taken so long to review and say thanks. Back in September my bf surprised me the day before my birthday and we came here. I knew something was up and was so nervous to come in. Your staff had blown up balloons and put a happy birthday banner on the wall. He left a cake and you came out singing happy birthday for me. I've been here a few times but not as many times as I'd like to and every time your staff are always so welcoming and friendly- there really isn't any of the pretentiousness or rudeness found at some other places in Central. That night was so lovely and thank you for everything you did. Until next time take care xx

It’s a lovely little bar and the staff are all friendly and it’s a great place to meet up for drinks and have a low key bday drinks with mates.

A great place for pre or after theater drinks.

What an absolute gem of a pub. It was like walking back 30yrs to the old school vibe and attentive service. Molly in particular was fabulous with Kyle being the calmest nicest newcomer ever! Shelia’s Sunday night drag bingo was comedy gold - what a true professional!! I rarely post review but this had to be done 😘😘😘😘

Great bar! The staff are so friendly and helpful, very quick service, lovely decal and overall great experience. Will definitely return!

Lovely bar with very welcoming and friendly staff. Reasonably priced spirits especially for London as well with a cool design and decorations of 70s/80s divas of all genres and queer artists.

What a wonderful spot! Very chill and relaxed vibes with a super welcoming environment. If I wasn’t just visiting London, I would be a regular here.

Very friendly bar staff and warm atmosphere. It's in a little side alley so easy to miss. Worth hunting it down though.

Absolutely love this place! we are an LGBTQ+ dance class based in London, and we visit Retro bar several times a week after our classes. The staff are SUPER friendly and helpful and they really go out of their way to make us feel welcome. There's a great vibe here and it has really cool, modern, upstairs area but it also has a more traditional 'pub feel' downstairs too. Drink prices are great too! Definitely a place to check out!!!