G-A-Y Bar image

G-A-Y Bar

Bar Gay bar

Lesbian and gay bar and club with late licence, playing pop tunes until the early hours. People often mention people, club, security, staff, friend, friends, asked, night, rude, members,


Address

30 Old Compton St, London W1D 4UR, United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 7494 2756

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

2.90 (765 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: people (19) club (19) security (15) staff (15) friend (14) friends (13) asked (12) night (11) rude (11) members (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Tiago De O. 5 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Decided to go into London to have a good night and encountered a colour blind security guard who doesn't know what the colour red looks like. Refused entry because he said I looked drunk even though I had one drink, walking straight, and speaking coherently. Never been turned away from an establishment before and after seeing the reviews I'm not surprised of the behaviour of these security guards. This establishment should be ashamed of calling themselves inclusive if they can't even train their guards properly on how to screen people. They should really consider changing their name to reflect what they really are. DO NOT GO HERE
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 J G. 4 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    Avoid at all costs! I was refused entry during opening hours, when I asked why the security lady said because the manager said so. I’m a member been coming here for years and never have received this treatment, also she was smoking as she was telling me this. When I asked for her name she said I was threatening her and she said that my membership could be revoked as she pleased. They took my picture without my consent, I was harassed, mistreated and dismissed
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Bethany C. 2 years ago on Google
    We went to this bar on Friday night and queued for 45 minutes only to be told by the bouncer that it’s ’members only’ when I questioned said bouncer as to how we obtain a membership the bouncer said we must know a manager. Please bare in mind we were only at the club a few weeks prior to this and had no problems gaining entry. The bouncer accused me of being drunk (I am living my best sober life) and physically moved me to the side. I was shocked and disgusted by the behaviour of the door staff rude and aggressive. I would NOT recommend this bar/ club to any of my friends. I would much rather get my dancey dance on at a better much more inclusive club elsewhere.
    18 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 kieron c. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is ridiculous. When I attended tonight I finally got to the front of the queue and was refused entry. When I asked why they explained it was members only tonight. When I asked what members only meant they said people that attend regularly. This is a complete lie because I have attended multiple times before and was let in by even the same member of security in the past. I was not drunk and was trying to meet my friends inside. I explained this and they completely dismissed me. Directly after they let a large group in. I had a wrist band for G-A-Y late so tried to get in there with my friends and got given the same experience. Disgusting for someone who has only just come out... I won't be attending again.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Carl N. 1 year ago on Google
    The place has an awful reputation so I normally avoid it like the plague but gave it a try anyway. Rejected while completely sober at 6pm because it's "members only". Pointed to my mates who were inside already and didn't have "membership". She told me I had a bad attitude. Been going out in the area for years and never had an issue but overly zealous power-tripping bouncers will always find something to manufacture conflict over. I really wonder about the abilities of managers who employ these types of people who needlessly damage their reputation. Don't waste your time and money. Plenty of great bars just down the road.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jamie C. 2 years ago on Google
    Possibly the most unfriendly door staff I’ve ever experienced in London. Came here for my birthday with a small group as I thought it would be a safe space and we were met with so much hostility. They wouldn’t let us in despite there being no queue / not at a peak time. The lady in the fedora at the door in particular was extremely rude to several of us. Avoid at all costs, so many other amazing LGBTQ+ spots in the area
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Tamara-J �. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here with my girlfriend after a few cocktails. The whole attitude was awful. We’re told we were not allowed to enter due to “needing to go away and have a coffee” and proceeded to only let men in. We were frequent patrons at this establishment as used to feel welcome and included but not anymore. Highly disappointed. Always used to be made welcome but not today. I’ve been in worse states and let in. Seems you have to meet a quota these days.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jon L. 1 year ago on Google
    It was a terrible experience, I paid for the entrance then I went outside to look for one of my friends, and when I was trying to come in again the guy in the picture didn't let me in, I asked why? Then he started to laugh and didn't say anything and pushed me away, so because of that I took a picture of him to report him. So I think it was probably a racist action, I used to come to this place with friends from the US several times but after that terrible experience I won't do it again, so please be aware of how your security employees treat the customers I could have easily reported him to the police for violence but I didn't want to take it to the next level.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natasha S. 4 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Right after Soho Square on Compton Street Is a hidden gem Ugandan music is always playing. The vibe is beautiful and the people are lovely
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nicole U. 2 years ago on Google
    Staff at the front are not nice to people whatsoever. Just because you’re a bouncer (or that random man who is just standing there with the ear piece being rude), does not mean you can talk to everyone anyway you want. Learn to articulate your reasoning behind your decisions or improve the customer service as without customers, there is literally no business? This bar is known for this type of behaviour especially if you read earlier reviews. Thankfully I’m from the city but I cannot imagine how tourists must feel when they are excited to visit here and are faced with staff that are so rude. Do better guys! Especially for an inclusive space. You’ve got bad reviews for years for the same nonsense.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Harrison B. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Upon trying to enter, the security guard accused me of being drunk when I had only consumed one beer beforehand. I didn’t even say a word, I just walked up to him and he immediately accused me of being highly intoxicated. He asked for a second opinion on it too. I seriously cannot imagine they are in any way qualified to work the door of a club if they think a quiet, sensible and calm person was too intoxicated to enter. I would steer clear if possible - plus the vibe inside isn’t that great anyway. Try supporting another bar.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Andrew N. 2 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    I arrived to G-A-Y around 11:45pm and since they close at 1am, they gave me a wristband and told me to go to HEAVEN… I absolutely hate pulling the race card, but it really felt like they discriminate against people of color. People were flocking in groups, allowed inside. I was alone and they singled me out… Told me since I’m not a “regular” that I would not be allowed in. Then I witnessed them telling two Indian girls the same thing. If I had known it was THAT kind of establishment, I wouldn’t have wasted my time going. Told my friends about it and they’re like “omg! This is 2024, are places really still doing this??” Please don’t support this place.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Maxime D. 1 month ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    we managed to get in but the security agent is completely crazy, crazy, a person without embarrassment who searches all the pockets of his coat and takes out all the objects, worse than a search in prisons. is this really legal? strangely, in other gay bars, security guards don't do that! the security guard seems to take his role a little too seriously...
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Leanna L. 1 month ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    Would give 0 stars if I could. Used to come here 8 years ago and it was great. Went back last night and have never been so disrespected by staff in my life. The most vile female bouncer and some weird ego power trip grabbed my friend and physically shoved her to the side. When my friend mentioned that she had hurt her and asked why she handled her in that way, the female bouncer proceeded to kick us all out because my friend was "rude". When I tried to ask why we were being kicked out we were sworn at and met with aggression. PLEASE AVOID. We are a community looking for safe spaces and you will not find that here. Only aggression and rudeness.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sylwester P. 1 year ago on Google
    I am a tourist from The Netherlands and i was not aware that with the free pass I have to stay in the que. The crew just tell me after all that I can’t get to the club. Completely ignoring my apologies and not listening why I behave that way. It doesn’t give a good image to the club and I will never recommend this place to anyone. Treating me like an air is beyond human to human interaction.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chris S. 1 year ago on Google
    Me and my female friend weren’t let in, with some BS reason that we hadn’t been seen before. We tried again and got told we “weren’t members”. Yet, they hadn’t asked anyone else for memberships and didn’t address anyone by name. Just saw us out the queue. On another visit with gay couples, they advised I wasn’t coming in with them. I’m obviously straight, and my friends come in every week so no reason to say no to them. Imagine if a gay person wasn’t let into a club. As an ex barman and friend to gay people, I’d be outraged. But it’s ok when it’s against straight people, apparently. Won’t be bringing my business here ever.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Rana L. 1 month ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    I wanted to visit this bar today but it's awful, security check me through and when I made a joke it's makes me feel I'm in Singapore or India then they said we cannot allowed you because you are drunk. I simply said thank you very much but my question is here if I visit you what will be the limited drink you you will serve? How your security can be judged people with a joke? If it's matter about drunk than your bar shouldn't serve anyone more than a two drinks. Anyways I can see great feature of your and definitely I will never try to go there. #Boycott this Bar. Go to comptons as it's more friendly and safe.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Santana B. 1 month ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Honestly the most disgusted I've ever been with any club, let alone a supposedly LGBTQ+ inclusive club. The staff were extremely rude and hostile. The owner discriminates you and decides personally if you can enter based on how you look which is absolutely appalling for somewhere that's supposed to be a safe space. If he doesn't like the look of you, he'll say it's for "members and regulars" as a guise to not let you in, despite the fact there's no website and a membership for the club doesn't even exist. Please don't offer your patronage here, the Community deserves better than some balding man on a power trip.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Barbara M. 1 year ago on Google
    If I could give 0 stars I would. Very discriminating staff. They didn't want to let me in only because I was asking why they gave my friend a wristband for heaven but didn't give me one. This are the staff members that acted discriminating. We met other people that were not let in because apparently they are not "members" of the bar? Very strange
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Natalie E. 1 year ago on Google
    This club really think they are so prestige. Refused entry because we weren’t “members” it was a Wednesday night, it was quiet and they had no one else waiting to get In. Spoke to another group in a bar we met later that night and they said they were refused entry because they were a group on 8? Seems to many hurdles to jump to get into a club. Don’t bother and spend your money at other establishments who appreciate it.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Maykel C. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolute disgrace of a place ,would give it a 0 but not possible, Last night I was refused entry with 3 friends of mine form the US just because we all didn’t have some sort of membership !? What the hell ! I’ve been there a few times before just because of how fun and entertaining it can be ,also a cheap cheap place to graba a quick drink and listen to some tacky music , well now this is the impression my friends have of the place , luckily most other places did let us in no problem , I’ve lived in London for 24 years now and this is the first time I’ve encountered anything like this ! People before us were let in no questioned asked just because I supposed they were in keeping with their image and acceptance rules , we apparently looked straight and not drunk I suppose !? AVOID AT ANY COST !!!!! Just walk down the road and any of the others will let you in and much more fun and certainly cleaner and welcoming !!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Eduard R. 1 year ago on Google
    I was refused entry because I had my bar blade with me. I gave this venue a year and a half of my life when I worked there but they didn’t let me in because I had my bar blade with me. I even offered to throw it away but they said I was identified as a knife bearer. My only crime was going to the venue after my shift. Not surprised the staff couldn’t identify a hospitality worker as they’re just working for a cheap and dowdy venue. I wish the staff all the best and an evolution outside the unprofessional environment Jeremy and his lackeys create.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Gherman B. 1 year ago on Google
    You will need to wake up early if u want to enjoy This bar… They dont have a real dj its just a playlist with music for Generation Z
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gideon J. 2 months ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    The customer service and rudeness of the staff at the entrance are beyond appalling. The arrogance portrayed by the guys at the door made this place unsafe and unwelcoming. Instead of simply saying, “I'm afraid we are unsure who you are. Could we check your ID?” the manager and security guards went on to the next level of insults and racial discrimination against 2 NHS doctors and nurses who just wanted to spend 1 hour in the night with the 16 of us NHS doctors and nurses. They made us feel threatened, unsafe and discriminated against. FYI, the bar is not recommendable, and the entertainment was underwhelming.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Clarissa C. 1 year ago on Google
    Was one of the best gay club in London. Now is the worst, they keep change the rules for how can go in and when. Before pandemic was fun and inclusive, now if you are not a men or member they do not let you in. People was coming just for 2 reasons “cheap drinks and inclusive place “ now they acting like a member bar. Never again. Bye, Felicia
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Sara F. 1 year ago on Google
    The woman working in the toilets is an absolute disgrace to be working in a gay bar bathroom. She was extremely rude to my girlfriend for using “too much water” to clean the Diet Coke off of her shirt that someone split on her. Also stated “why would you be stupid enough to wear a white shirt to a club” and yelled in her face for taking paper towel to dry her hands. Honestly I’m sure there are decent people in the world who would be happy to have a job in such a happy place but she’s not one of them.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 alicia w. 1 year ago on Google
    Thing is, this wasn’t a bad club, there was just nothing special about it. We went on a Saturday as a group of 4 LGBTQ+ girls and we got let in pretty quickly around 10pm. The music was mediocre and of course drinks were expensive, but that’s expected. I did expect more girls on the club as it was 85% men and 15% women, so if you’re looking for more girls I’d strongly recommend SHE which is just down the road.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 leanne b. 1 month ago on Google • 5 reviews New
    Absolutely disgusted about my night here. Went for my friends birthday. We both have mental disabilities, and we head down to the toilet. My friend has never been and sees a sweets on the side so goes to pick one up. Some lady appears from no where and screams at my friend. When I say screams you should have heard the way she spoke to my friend. It was on another level. Absolutely disgusting, so my friend starts apologising repeatedly, and I can see tears appear in her eyes as this lady continues screaming at the top of her lungs at my friend. I say she wasnt going to take it and shes sorry. The lady continues yelling and kissing her teeth at us. My friend as I mentioned has severe anxiety etc which you could see by how she was so apologetic. The lady can she her start to cry and my friend asks me to go into the toilet to comfort her , and the lady yells again screaming NO LOOK AT THE SIGN- yelling like ive never seen anyone yell before. So I say sorry shes just upset & the lady keeps glaring and giving us dirty looks and screaming and talking about us to herself. We have already apologised repeatedly anf this lady is still screaming and being the nastiest person ive known. Absolutely disgusting at this. You don’t speak to people like this at all. I’m appalled. Yea she is stressed people may take her stuff but this was an absolute joke the way she kept yelling instead of apologising. Talking about us and giving us dirty looks. Ruined the night. My friends birthday ruined. Appalled. OH AND TO ADD… the staff saw my friend having a panic attack and asked her to move out the way of others. appalled. sort yourselves out

  • 1/5 Nathan T. 3 months ago on Google New
    The female toilet attendant who is well known for regularly trying to pressure people, especially young gay people who are often on a very limited income, into buying worthless and useless tat everytime they visit the toilet, made a far worse impression than I’ve ever got from her before. I decided to take my boyfriend who is brand new to the London gay scene to G-A-Y, mainly to show off how boring, empty and tacky it is. Upon visiting the toilet section, he happened to cough a lot, probably because of all the chemicals she uses and the deodorants and aftershaves sprayed after she sells them. As he was by the sink area where she sits on her perch waiting for victims, she decided to shout at the top of her voice “that is absolutely disgusting”, accusing him of spitting into the sink. As I exited my cubicle she turned to me and exclaimed, “go back in there”, with a pointed finger, and accused me of not flushing the toilet, another false allegation. He very quickly made his judgement about the venue after experiencing the water down drinks, the tacky music on TV screens like it’s the 1990s, the toilet attendant and the backwards door policy. I don’t think this venue is going to last much longer, and will ultimately suffer the same fate as G-A-Y Late around the corner. Also, there’s been an identical cobweb in the light hole of the ceiling just in front of the downstairs bar for over two years.

  • 1/5 Giovanna K. 1 year ago on Google
    If ur not a white cis gay don’t even come!! Came to gay bar with my girlfriend and 4 queer female friends.. we were not aloud to get in. A group of 5 male guys in front of us were easily aloud to get in, but we were told we couldn’t get in as we didn’t have membership cards, even though all the other groups were able to. A joke of a place, rude manager, rude security, and apparently very lesbofobic. Don’t think i’m ever coming back!!!

  • 1/5 Nicole S. 4 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Don’t go here. I’d give it zero if I could. Had a pretty good night in the actual venue and then had a run in with the very aggressive female bouncer as we were leaving the club.I don’t know why she took issue with us. We went in, danced, just wanted a good time and caused no trouble. Maybe there was some sort of mix up but she came right into my personal space and because I challenged her on why she had an issue with us, she grabs my arm and hauls me out of the venue. Really unnecessary since this all happened as we were leaving anyway. In addition I’m autistic so this was really quite distressing. G-A-Y would do well to invest in bouncers who are actually trained. The whole point of bouncers is to make sure people are safe and yet they’re so aggressive I don’t feel safe around them. Reading some of the other reviews, it doesn’t surprise me that many people have had issues with the bouncers. If you’re going out in London, spend your money somewhere else.
    26 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Pamela L. 4 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    ATTENTION DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE….. Unfortunately I can't give zero stars. prejudiced place. Before entering, the security guard took an item from my bag without my authorization, as it cannot be consummated. Just let me know without taking my belongings. the woman in the bathroom wasn't letting patrons upstairs use the bathroom, only the people in the club downstairs could. considering that it only had that bathroom. she screamed at anyone who wanted to use it. I went into one and then asked my partner to wear what I was wearing so she wouldn't freak out again and she freaked out, telling us to leave and not come back. It was a big problem, because not even my mother yells at me and who is she to yell. before that bass party she had a fake smile and asked users for money. Now that there's that ballad (it didn't before) it's become powerful and rude. She was like that with everyone. First time I see a gay place that isn't included. I don't recommend it to anyone, it's a dark and prejudiced place. Don't go to that place. ATTENTION, Don't go to this little place. ATTENTION DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. ATTENTION DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE. Lucky for me I don't drink. imagine a drunk person is that woman shouting and accusing us like that. She tries to embarrass you. she kicked a girl out for no reason and she didn't use the bathroom
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Frankie H. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    I wish I could give no stars. An absolute embarrassment of an establishment. Accuses patrons of things they literally haven’t done and then throws them out without any proof and no chance to ask what’s going on so we can try and understand. All while smirking, laughing with each other and acting like their gods gift to humanity and looking down their noses at you, honestly never ever encountered staff in ANY establishment I’ve visited who are all on such a power trip. On top of all of this, we were told to STOP SINGING. IN A CLUB?!! Tell me how that works. Every single staff member we encountered were rude to no end. Tried to order a drink and got eye rolls, sighs and tuts like it’s not their job???? We went out to celebrate my partners birthday and have a fun time, it ended with us sat on the pavement consoling them because they were made to feel like they were the worst person in the world and that they’d committed the worst atrocity known to man, and genuinely, they didn’t do literally anything. Horrible, awful place.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 David T. 6 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Apparently after 6pm on a Tuesday night, are for “regulars” only. While the venue itself, from the doorway, was half full. Was told by a security guard to stand back behind an arbitrary line, with no context as to what was going on. This place acts like it’s of a posh variety, but in reality it’s a regulars only club for those who are known by staff. NOT FOR VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS OR OUTSIDE LONDON. Way better bars and clubs can be found all over town.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Marni F. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Considering the gay community is ‘inclusive,’ I have never felt so humiliated. The manager and door staff are the most disgusting people. Quite literally look you up and down and decide if you’re allowed in. It’s 2024, I can’t believe this is even a thing. The group in front of us got let in but when it came to me and my queer friends they said ‘members only.’ Which I know is a lie as I was speaking to the group in front who did not have membership at all. Much more gay friendly venues in London around so do avoid!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍


Call +44 20 7494 2756 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


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

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