This post has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can create a post or quiz. Try making your own!

Posted on Dec 7, 2015

Why Gay Clubs In London Are Simply The Best

You don't have to be queer even in the slightest to enjoy a great gay night out in the big city (although it does help). More and more straight folk are discovering the fun to be had in gayer nooks and crannies of London, and there's good reason for it.

by maddierulesyay

Community Contributor

ohmagif.com / Via ohmagif.com

I'm not saying that the people in straight clubs are unfriendly in the slightest, but there is a certain energy in gay clubs you just don't get with their straight counterparts. Maybe it's the fact that as soon as you arrive you're bound to see at least three men twerking relentlessly and without a care, or maybe it's the sound of your favourite Madonna song being played, which you simply won't get to hear in somewhere like XOYO. Also, as a women, it does feel pretty good to have a man compliment you on how you look, knowing he doesn't have any prior inclinations, (unless he's bisexual, in which case GET ON THAT).

The great thing about London is that not all of it's gay clubs are the stereotypes that are portrayed on mainstream TV or in films. Although the most popular places like Heaven or G-A-Y are arguably catered more towards the gay white male which is the most accepted form of queer culture to the wider world, London holds a realm of more alternative scenes that cater to a wide variety of LGBT life.

Bar Wotever in Vauxhall speaks for itself. It's a place where everyone who falls outside of the binary, cisgender world gets together to enjoy live performances which challenge the boundaries of gender and sexuality. It is a place open to everyone and, as stated in their manifesto, they "firmly discriminate against discriminators". Bar Wotever is a safe space with a great sense of humour and whoever or "wotever" you are, you will be welcomed with open arms.

It's well known that men dominate the gay scene in most places (just like they dominate everything else), but if you're a queer lady London does have a lot to offer. Ku Bar in Soho does an exclusive women's only called Ruby Tuesday, which, although a little cramped and perhaps with a few too many mirrors in the venue, is probably one of the best club nights available for women only. (NB: Ku Bar is a small venue and when you stuff a lot of queer women into a tiny space there's bound to be drama/crying/lot's of sex in the bathroom, so be warned and come mentally prepared).

Another good women's only venue is She Bar, also in Soho. Definitely a more intimate and *classier* venue than a lot of other gay bars in London, it's somewhere you need a bit of extra cash, but in return you will be treated to refreshing cocktails and a great atmosphere. It's somewhere you would bring a girl on a first date, or better yet, somewhere you can bring your overprotective parents to show them that not all gay bars are filled with male go-go dancers and cocaine.

It would be impossible to go through every LGBT venue available in London without this post exceeding the word limit, but honourable mentions that are worth visiting are definitely Dalston Superstore (for a more alternative night out), The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which has now become a Grade II listed building, and the once great lesbian club, CandyBar, which has since deceased....*sobs uncontrollably*.

London is notorious for being expensive, but the reality is it's only expensive if you make it. Avoid going to Heaven on a Saturday night if you're trying to save a few pounds, instead if you want a great night out without crying over your bank statement the next day, try G-A-Y late, which is free entry with a flyer and from Sunday-Thursday drinks are £1.70, which is kind of amazing for a club in central.