Ku Bar image

Ku Bar

Restaurant Bar Gay bar Gay night club

One of the Most Reviewed Gay night clubs in London


Address

30 Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA, United Kingdom

Website

www.ku-bar.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 7437 4303

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.10 (711 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 1 PM to 3 AM
  • Thursday: 1 PM to 3 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 1 PM to 3 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 1 PM to 3 AM
  • Sunday: 1 PM to 12 AM
  • Monday: 1 PM to 3 AM
  • Tuesday: 1 PM to 3 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: staff (36) night (19) music (18) nice (16) friendly (16) club (15) time (15) service (15) great (14) London (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Harold M. 5 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    I was a regular goer before pandemic, everything was amazingly queer: the music, the atmosphere. The club downstairs with decent entrance fees: £5, and only on the busiest days, with queer and diverse music. After Covid the owners of Ku Bar took advantage of the « cost of living crisis » and increased the fee to £10. £8 for a single Gintonic. Today they still charge £10 to enter and it’s now every day of the week you have to pay for it, sadly you would see Ku Bar became a place that only tourists visiting Central can afford and they naturally don’t care whether the music and the atmosphere honours queer culture, I guess that’s why the club at night only play electronic music and not a single queer hit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chiho S. 2 years ago on Google
    We popped in to have G&T before a comedy show at Leister Square. The bar staff were very nice and helpful. We sat outside in a tent in a rather warm November evening. We’d love to to back there on Wed when they have a special show or something. A very lovely place! After we ordered a G&T each, we noticed gorgeous looking cocktails. We promised to go back to try some of them.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew P. 1 year ago on Google • 17 reviews
    I went last night after theatre. Amazing staff all round. The DJ was amazing (and hot). The bar staff nice. My biggest praise has to be for the door staff. On our way in lovely but we ended up next to an exit and the guy there was so courteous to everyone and created a really safe space. Thanks so much to you all.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Everton F. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    In my opinion… the best gay bar in London!! I went to this venue yesterday and I found: Very friendly staff! Always happy to serve. Respectful security team in the entrance. Unlike other bars… Great music/DJ Nice decor. Stylish! Very very pleasant visit. I’ll defo come back!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Soraya 2 years ago on Google
    I went there twice. Once in January 2020 and now in July again. Both times i remember the prices for drinks were kinda high. If you really want to go there to drink, you should consider bringing at least £30. The music also was a little bit too loud so we couldn’t really hear the waiter or each other without talking close to each others ears. Otherwise the atmosphere is nice, the place is clean and the Staff is friendly.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jurate B. 1 year ago on Google
    The bar was kinda ok, but the experience was truly bad, you go in to the bar, pay 10£ at the enterance to get into the club, and at the enterance a nice boy asks you if you would like a coctail before entering the club. I got a coctail and a G&T and my friend got a beer, the coctails were nice and the beer was, well... in a plastic cup. Drinkvise we had a wine glass with a meal before and afterwards, at the enterance to the club, which is outside to the bar btw, a woman pointed at us at the enterance, and a nice man came to us and said "I would advise you to sober up before entering the club" we didn't argue we just left, feeling scamed, we went to a pub in the next alley, where we had a beer (our 3rd drink of the night,) and left. If you thought we looked too drunk before entering, why did you charge us the 10£ for the club, to which we couldn't get in, it just felt wrong. Maybe it is an european thing, but it just felt wrong. Don't charge people the enterace fee to the club if you don't intend to let them in. (Posted the same evening we seemed "too drunk" to enter the club)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan W. 3 months ago on Google • 126 reviews New
    My favorite place to grab a drink in London. The staff at Ku Bar are fantastic! I have enjoyed drinks in the main bar, upstairs bar, and danced in the downstairs All three are a blast. I really enjoy the Cocktails and Cabaret on Monday nights. From cocktails on a Friday night with friends to stopping for an afternoon refresher on the weekend, Ku Bar is my go to place. The best Aperol Spritz I’ve found in London.

  • 5/5 JT J. 9 months ago on Google • 102 reviews
    Attentive, clean and great vibe. 2 pints of Prahva lager is ~£12. Stopped by for a drink whilst in town for the day. Sitting outside was great for people watching as the bar is along one of the busier foot traffic areas in Chinatown. They've just done a bit of a refurb on the inside which has freshened it up a bit too.

  • 1/5 V aus R. 1 year ago on Google
    Extremely unfriendly staff and the prices??? 15£ for the left cocktail is fairly reasonable for a touristy area. But 12£ for a glass of sparkling wine that consisted 90% of juice? Unbelievable!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 priyalji 1 year ago on Google
    I visited Ku Bar multiple times after my messy break up in April this year. The first time was by chance and after I heard from the community that's its one of the best bars to dance it out in Soho,I can confirm it's true at least from my experience of the basement club. Everyone is welcoming and staff very professional,I felt safe and secure to be truly at ease with myself even though I was a straight guy in a gay club. Once on 28th April I lost my phone in there, the manager found it and kept it safe for me,the security staff in the photo reassured me. It's also the place where I've met other cool people such as a professional dancer I gifted a jacket away to and beautiful soul called Gayathri whom I unfortunately never had the chance to meet again. All in all,I can't recommend this place enough, you'll have to experience it to really get its vibe. Thanks team for such a memorable experience,now that I'm back in KL I kept smiling about those nights and can't wait to be back in the future. Much love! Muchas Gracias! :3
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Karen B. 2 years ago on Google
    We popped in to get out of he rain today while visiting the London. Wasn’t busy so we got a seat and I went to the bar , I stood there for a while one barman was attending a customer and the other two just standing there! I was over looked when a couple came in and that is when I had to ask them if I was invisible the young man looked at me confused and I had to ask if he was serving .. he then took my order with no please or thank yous and didn’t even tell me the price of my drink just put the card machine in font of me! No wonder people don’t tip anymore if you get this service with over priced drink!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Spike M. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place, its funky and fabulous decor adds a bit of posh glam. Bar staff very attentive, friendly and professional. Good wine beer and spirit menu. Some seating outside for smokers and non smokers, great place to watch the buzz of life in this very central spot. I really enjoy bringing friends visiting London, great music and atmosphere in the club downstairs, walking distance from the underground.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Roman A. 5 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Loved the two floors. Upstairs was chic & relaxed & downstairs was fun filled dancing & sweaty. Lol but in a good way. They also make a fantastic espresso martini here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott S. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Absolutely love the venue. When I arrived I was server by the handsome Sam who served me very quickly and completed my order to how I like it without question and then I was remotely (table service) served by the delectable Grant. Will Deffo recommend and I shall return for another visit in the near future
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Eudonni M. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice little local bar. If you get the right bar tender, you’ll be happily served. The food is very hit and miss. I had the prawns and my friend had the sausage roll. The food is good. Nothing to write home about but filled a hole none-the-less. Drinks are a little on the expensive side. If you want a single drink, it’ll be a nice stopover to other venues in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gouldee G. 8 months ago on Google
    Over priced, over decorated gay bar. Stereotypically gay on steroids. I guess highest pieces on the scene pay for constant updates. Always relatively empty compared to other gay bars and the highest staff to customer ratio in town. At the time of writing and £8 a pint!! Screw the pink pound boys!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leah E. W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great friendly place! Stopped by for a cocktail before meeting some friends-- I really recommend the Flor de Jamaica-- and ended up back there later in the night. Great atmosphere, banging times, and the friendliest people working there, brilliant service, they managed to find us a space even though it was packed. Really enjoyed my time, will definitely be going back. Plus, shout out to Sammy the bouncer: what a babe!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elaine J. 1 year ago on Google
    My Friend reserved a space on the upper floor for his birthday celebrations. We were greeted so well by the team. From our arrival at the Ku bar the first impressions of the security team. Excellent courteous, welcoming. My 80 years young mother was instantly attended to. Ensuring she could walk safely into the venue, escorted her up the stairs. The security officer and the person working on that floor ensured my mother had a seat without me asking. The team were and is a credit to the Ku bar. The security officer on the upper floor noticed when we were ready to leave and ensured my mother could walk safely to the stairs and down them. Never hurrying us. The ground floor security team greeted us, ensuring again mum left safely. I say safely as it's great to see so many people returning to enjoy themselves. Great energy. The serving team were fun and we never waited long for our orders to be taken and delivered. The espresso martinis were delicious, gin & tonic’s were flowing for us too. The pizza’s the pizzas. I ordered one of each for our group and each one was of a higher standard than we were expecting. All delicious, filled with flavour and a feast for the eyes too. Cut in small enough manageable slices. Great night. Excellent employees here ensure your night is enjoyable and that you’ll want to return. The music got us up and dancing. THANK YOU
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leonel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice club. Staff are friendly and is the reason I’m always coming back to this great venue, specially because of Rahul. Always friendly, smiling, treating us as a part of the “family”. Makes me happy when I finish work and go there to have a gossip about how my day was and to know I have not just a host or a member of staff but also a person to talk when he’s not busy. He makes me feel like I’m well received always. ♥️ not to forget about the outfits. Always surprising. Love him. 😘
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tobias B. 1 year ago on Google
    Top quality venue for some drinks/night out, and the staff couldn't be kinder and more welcoming! After my first time in, I knew I had to go back again, and I've enjoyed every visit since. Rahul is especially such a warm, lovely host and you'll instantly feel so welcome and at ease. The service is brilliant, especially for the area. They do a top job of making it an enjoyable experience. Thoroughly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frazer B. 2 years ago on Google
    First gay bar I visited in London, loved it! Amazing friendly staff, strong tasty cocktails! Was a great vibe and felt really comfortable. We went on the Wednesday, loved the drag show by Vicki Vivacious! Loved it so much we came back on the Thursday for more as was visiting for a few days mid week. Staff were really helpful with first aid kit when I had an accident on the dance floor too. Will definitely be back in future London trips!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia P. 2 years ago on Google
    So first time out out in Soho/WC2 since 2021 lockdown. Cannot express how friendly staff are, ultra organised, Covid safe. Great beer and pizza. Stefano is beautiful and AMAZING!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanina G. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice bar !! Super friendly staff, always checking on you and ready to take your order. Drinks were coming really fast to the table. Also great ambiance. I highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 S2 S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice outside space for fresh air
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jessica W. 2 years ago on Google
    Drinks come fast and service was good. Neon lights, loud dance music. Smoke machine going off every 10 minutes. It's a vibe if you're seeking that. Stayed here for a little bit after midnight as most nearby pubs were closed but the bubblegum pop dance fusion music left a bit to be desired. Different vibe in COVID but definitely the closest thing to a nightclub given what you can do now. They seemed to run this well, and be strict with protocols.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Supersol 3. 1 month ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    Cute gay bar in Soho. My friends and I feel welcome every time we come here. Does Daniel still work in the cloakroom? He was always so polite and friendly but we haven't seen him in a while.

  • 5/5 Marina C. 1 month ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    A fun, central gay bar! The staff is really nice. A double rum & coke is about £13 so a bit pricier but nothing unusual for London - especially in a central location. Great time!

  • 5/5 Adam L. 3 weeks ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    Welcoming gay bar in central right next to Leicester square tube station on the edge of Chinatown. Great cocktails and wide beer selection. Reasonable prices and very friendly staff. Highly recommend!

  • 4/5 Souriz 1 month ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    I give 4 star because they used have lots of pretty boys with muscle bodies behind the bar making it a crowd pleaser, but now it change so much I don't know it's ok for a boogie with you friends if you into pop music

  • 5/5 Swadeel k. 1 month ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Thank you for the wonderful time! Rahul and every one else who was working that night xxx lots of love #TeamTeem

  • 5/5 Owen T. 6 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    I went here with my boyfriend and it was lovely. The bartenders were friendly, the door staff were lovely and the drinks were great. We also caught a drag show and it was amazing, Vicki Vivacious is absolutely hilarious and made my night. My singular only complaint would be the ambient music, it was a lot of really annoying pop stuff from the early 2010s and it felt really standard bar music, I was hoping that a gay bar would have more class when it comes to music but hey ho. Other than that, it was lovely. They are very accepting of all people, there's no discrimination based on gender identity, sexuality, race, disability etc. at least on the night I went. I would definitely go again.

  • 5/5 Haidu I. 1 month ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Had a lovely 😊 evening Saturday the bouncer was really nice and the service was super great always come to us to ask if we need something definitely we back on March from Brighton xx

  • 2/5 Cristian M. 2 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    I have just arrived to My place, out of the blue, one of the guards asked me to go outside to "talk". I was waiting in the bar to Buy a drink, the second of the night. I knew he was going to ask me to leave, it's something that happens frequently in this place. It was the 4th time I attended this club and I didnt have any problems. Id like to know what are the reasons for this behaviour. The place is awesome but I can't Say the sane about the service

  • 5/5 Kung C. 1 year ago on Google
    The best gay bar in London we've been to. The staff are very friendly and helpful. We were so welcoming there,one of staff came straight to us to get our drink order to avoid long queue! and find a seat for us all. The cocktail was really nice and reasonable price.Good atmosphere,clean and the best staff we ever met.

  • 5/5 oAl355i0o 2 years ago on Google
    Best place ever: amazing music, good drinks and super staff. If you are looking for a place to drink and dance and enjoy the night with your friends or with new ones, the Ku bar is the perfect place to go! ;)

  • 5/5 Stan T. 2 years ago on Google
    If you're looking for a cocktail bar with cool, modern decor that offers a comprehensive range of exciting cocktails, and you just happen to be in London's China Town, then the first floor cocktail bar at the Ku Bar is the place to consider. We popped in after a cinema visit and enjoyed refreshing cocktails served up by their friendly and helpful staff. And you can even sit outside and still experience excellent service!

  • 5/5 Nicholas G. 2 years ago on Google
    As usual, on Wednesday evening, I received the friendliest of service at this super bar. I am a fairly regular visitor and the staff never fail to engage and offer service in the most genuine, professional way - always welcoming, always taking a few minutes of their time to engage in conversation. They always appear to be enjoying their work which is good to see and makes the whole experience far more enjoyable from the customer perspective! Additionally, I recently had occasion to email the owner on a very minor matter and he dealt with the issue in the most efficient and charming manner. Clearly an excellent role model for his team too! Thank you as always to everybody who makes the experience of visiting the KU bar so very pleasant.

  • 2/5 Jessika Y. 2 years ago on Google
    I went to this bar recommended by friends. As soon as I arrived I instantly felt judged by the management team because I came with a group of girlfriends. We were told we were not allowed to dance once we entered the cocktail bar, which was odd as the serving team said we could enjoy ourselves and move to the music if we wanted to. When the upper levels were closing we were told we could head down to the club without having to wait by someone who worked there. However, once again the management team said we were not able to and that we have to get into a very long queue. Now, I understand that this is first world problems but after spending a considerable amount of money in this place to then be told that we couldn’t go to where we were promised it was pretty bad customer service. We were humiliated in front of the rest of the queue as we then had to leave. All in all, not a friendly experience from the management team even though we were very pleasant customers.

  • 2/5 Nzube U. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely to see friends tonight but I think some staff might need race awareness training here. Horrid flashback to a decade ago when me and my friend (POC) were, shall we say, asked weird questions at the door. On the plus side, it's a much cleaner venue now, thanks to public health requirements.

  • 5/5 Leanne M. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped here for lunch in the sunshine. Nice staff. A little pricey but the food was really nice

  • 5/5 tyrone sheehan (. 2 years ago on Google
    Was very happy with the service I’ve been On the Westend scene for 15 years But I haven’t gone to Ku bar for a very long time And I must say I’m very impressed can honestly say I will all ways use ku bar as my First choice now had a really good night last night me and my friends even though we were a little drunk all the staff were very nice and welcoming and all ways checked to see if we wanted another drink so thank you

  • 5/5 Cody H. 2 years ago on Google
    John McLean - is the best bartender/hostess I have ever met in London. I just moved here and have never felt more at home and happy than I have with him. He makes every experience at the bar as if it’s new and happy! He’s the most amazing person who existed!

  • 4/5 Rajib G. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a nice cute pub and bar. Nicely managed. Drinks a bit pricey, or may be due to NYE 2023. All the three floors are warm, cozy and gives a young, pink vibe. Door staff and bar staff are polite and courteous.

  • 5/5 Connor W. 2 years ago on Google
    Just returned from a birthday party that wound up in Ku and it was fantastic. Staff were very accommodating as we had a large group and they worked tirelessly bringing drinks and ensuring everyone there (including general clubgoers) were seen to regularly. Manager brought us some free shots as well and made sure we were enjoying ourselves, + one of our group had a little too much to drink yet bouncers were very fair and ensured we were safe once outside. Have been multiple times and will undoubtedly go again when the time comes!

  • 2/5 Boyan G. 2 years ago on Google
    I usually really enjoy myself but tonight have been made furious. Having to wait one hour l To leave my jacket. But that wasn’t the biggest issue. Being told I’m privileged because I complained having to wait an whole hour to leave my jacket and request a refund for the entry. I found the staff very rude and very non understanding. Very dissatisfied of a usually nice place. Fix your attitude to regular customers!

  • 5/5 charlie f. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an absolutely fantastic experience at Ku Bar. If you’re looking for somewhere with the classic gay bar attributes featuring great music and strong drinks you’re onto a winner with this one! Recommend the Espresso martini if you’re looking for a stable. Staff treated our group incredibly also with a special shout-out to the manager Nick. He really looked after us and gave great recommendations for where else to go in London. Really knew this stuff. Overall 10/10

  • 5/5 David G. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Ku Bar on my first night in London and ended up returning every night! Friendly and welcoming staff with a great atmosphere. Freddie met us with a warm smile and remained very attentive and went the extra mile to make sure we had an amazing night.

  • 5/5 Ben M. 2 years ago on Google
    Serena was amazing! Wonderful service and accommodationed my cousins birthdays wonderfully tonight I'm so happy! Excellent stellar service 👌

  • 5/5 holly 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing little bar, staff are all lovely. The staff instantly drew me in with the fact they had tequila. As we were told we weren't aloud to wear our balloon heart crowns inside they were very lovely and looked after them. As soon as we sat down we had a lovely gentlemen take our order letting us skip any ques. One of the best gay bars I've ever been in. Prices ain't ridiculous and it's a very relaxed vibe. Ended up getting a cuddle of all the security which was the highlight of my trip. Would highly recommend. I have already booked my next trip to the KU bar so I suggest you book yours too!

  • 5/5 Helena L. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a really cool and trendy place to have a drink, dance and have a good time, but it's also the place with the most friendly and efficient staff! We had a problem with a lost personal item on site and they were with us all the way, helpful, available and understanding. We had never experienced such customer service in a bar. It has clearly become one of our favourite places and we will definitely be returning the next time we visit London, thank you again 😍

  • 5/5 Barry-John W. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Amazing space for all, great music, Shane the bartender took care of us on a rainy Tuesday night, the warmest heart and pulled the coldest pint of Guinness. Would come back again tomorrow and every day after xx
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 canan �. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Most sexist place!! Very mean barman!! I went to the bar and asked to buy a beer and he said he couldn't sell me beer because I was drunk. It was the first time in my life. I wanted have pint. They took me out with security, and unfortunately I wasn't even drunk and they tried to talk with me about it with security. They tried to convince me that I am drunk and they were so rude. I went there because it’s a gay bar. I wasn’t expecting this sexist behaviour! When I tried to explain myself they didn’t even listen to me!!! Never never try this place because barman and the staff are so mean!!!


Call +44 20 7437 4303 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()