Ku Bar
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Nestled in the heart of Soho's Chinatown on Lisle Street, Ku Bar stands as one of London's most iconic gay bars. Spanning three levels with a lively upstairs bar, champagne lounge, and pulsating basement club, it offers inclusive vibes, affordable drinks, and entertainment from midday into the early hours. A cornerstone of the LGBT scene for over two decades, it draws diverse crowds for dancing, cocktails, and socializing in a welcoming atmosphere.
A brief summary to Ku Bar
- 30 Lisle St, London, WC2H 7BA, GB
- +442074374303
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 1 pm-3 am
- Tuesday 1 pm-3 am
- Wednesday 1 pm-3 am
- Thursday 1 pm-3 am
- Friday 1 pm-3 am
- Saturday 12 pm-3 am
- Sunday 12 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Head downstairs after 11pm on Fri/Sat for club vibes—£5 entry, but free other times.
- Arrive early for table service upstairs; perfect for groups enjoying pizza and cocktails.
- Weekdays offer a more relaxed crowd before the evening rush builds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
Ku Bar location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Ku Bar
Iconic Presence in Soho's Heart
Ku Bar occupies a prime spot at 30 Lisle Street, right in the bustling enclave of London's Chinatown within Soho. This location places it amid neon-lit streets teeming with energy, where the aromas of street food mingle with the pulse of nightlife. Established over 23 years ago, it has evolved into more than just a venue—it's a landmark that embodies the vibrant spirit of the area's gay scene. The bar's facade blends seamlessly into the colorful chaos of Lisle Street, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its unmissable allure.Multi-Level Layout and Ambiance
The venue unfolds across three distinct levels, each offering a unique slice of nightlife. Upstairs, the main bar buzzes with chatter over cocktails and light bites like pizza and focaccia, illuminated by stylish lighting that creates an inviting glow. A champagne bar adds a touch of elegance for those seeking something bubbly. Descend to the low-lit basement, known as Ku Club, where the atmosphere shifts to high-energy dancing under dim lights and thumping bass. This multi-tiered design caters to varied moods, from casual mingling to full-on revelry.Entertainment and Daily Rhythm
Ku Bar pulses with life from noon daily, opening at 12pm on weekends and 1pm weekdays, extending until 3am most nights. Diverse music fills the air, courtesy of rotating DJs who spin tracks appealing to hipsters, students, and professionals. The basement club ramps up after dark, especially on weekends when a modest £5 entry applies after 11pm from Friday to Saturday—free otherwise. This schedule makes it a flexible spot for day-to-evening transitions, with the crowd swelling as night falls.Inclusive Community Hub
As one of Soho's pioneering gay bars, Ku Bar fosters an everyone-welcome ethos that transcends its origins. It serves as a safe haven for the LGBT community while embracing all who seek fun and connection. The staff, often highlighted for their appeal and attentiveness, contribute to the venue's reputation as a pillar of hospitality. Weekends bring peak energy, but even quieter nights hum with potential for memorable encounters amid the bar's stylish decor.Culinary and Cocktail Offerings
Beyond drinks, Ku Bar tempts with simple yet satisfying eats—think wood-fired pizzas and fresh focaccia paired with creative cocktails. Prices reflect central London's moderate positioning, with drinks reasonably priced for the location. The champagne bar elevates options for special occasions, while the main bar keeps things accessible. This blend of sustenance and spirits ensures patrons can linger without hunger interrupting the fun.Enduring Legacy in London's Nightlife
Ku Bar's longevity stems from its adaptability and commitment to high standards in a fast-paced environment. It has weathered Soho's changes, remaining a go-to for those craving authentic nightlife. The venue's role in the cultural fabric of Leicester Square vicinity underscores its significance, offering a slice of history amid modern revelry. Whether for a casual drink or a late-night dance, it delivers consistently.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Agatha Christie memorial
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A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Mary Poppins Statue
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Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Café de Paris
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Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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Discover unique contemporary art at The Smallest Gallery in Soho, London - an intimate space showcasing emerging talents and established artists.
Goodwin’s Court
0.3 km
Experience the serene charm of Goodwin's Court, a historic landmark in London, perfect for leisurely strolls and captivating photography.
Slingsby Place
0.3 km
Explore Slingsby Place, a serene scenic point in London, offering lush greenery and stunning architecture perfect for relaxation and memorable photographs.
Historic Seven Dials
0.3 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Mercer Walk
0.3 km
Experience the enchanting Mercer Walk in London, a charming alley brimming with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and artistic flair that captures the city's spirit.
Seven Dials
0.3 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.4 km
Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.4 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
225 Piccadilly Circus
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At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.4 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Denmark St
0.4 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Unmissable attractions to see
Prince Charles Cinema
0.1 km
Discover London's iconic independent repertory cinema offering cult classics, arthouse gems, and unforgettable themed screenings in the heart of Leicester Square.
The Hippodrome Casino London
0.1 km
Experience London’s iconic Hippodrome Casino: historic grandeur meets 24/7 gaming, fine dining, and world-class live entertainment in Leicester Square.
House of Spells
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Step into House of Spells, London’s enchanting two-floor shop offering authentic Harry Potter and fantasy collectibles in a magical, immersive setting.
Chinatown
0.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors, rich culture, and iconic sights of London’s bustling Chinatown in the heart of the West End.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.1 km
Dive into London’s nightlife at Zoo Bar & Club, a cocktail haven offering themed parties, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the city center.
Charing Cross Rd
0.1 km
Explore Charing Cross Road, London’s iconic street famed for legendary bookshops, theatres, and a vibrant cultural pulse in the West End.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.1 km
Discover rare literary treasures and timeless classics at Henry Pordes Books, a cherished second-hand bookshop on historic Charing Cross Road.
Scenes in the Square Sculpture Trail
0.1 km
Discover a century of cinema through iconic bronze statues in Leicester Square’s free, interactive film-themed sculpture trail.
Curzon Soho
0.1 km
Discover independent cinema culture in the heart of Soho with stylish screenings, cozy cafés, and a vibrant social scene at Curzon Soho.
Harry Potter Statue
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting Harry Potter Statue in Leicester Square, capturing the magic of Quidditch and London’s cinematic legacy.
Leicester Square
0.1 km
Discover Leicester Square, London's vibrant entertainment hub, rich with theaters, dining, and lively street performances, perfect for tourists seeking excitement.
Mr Bean Statue
0.1 km
Sit beside cinema's most beloved bumbler in Leicester Square's iconic film tribute.
ODEON Luxe Leicester Square
0.1 km
Experience London’s iconic Art Deco cinema with luxury recliners and the UK’s first Dolby Cinema screen in the heart of Leicester Square.
Arts Theatre
0.1 km
A historic, intimate West End theatre offering close-up performances in a cozy setting since 1927.
Shaftesbury Ave
0.2 km
Shaftesbury Avenue pulses with theatre lights, historic charm, and vibrant culture at the heart of London’s West End entertainment district.
Essential places to dine
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Meet Fresh
0.1 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
J Sheekey
0.2 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Gauthier Soho
0.2 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Evelyn's Table
0.2 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Hoppers Soho
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Quo Vadis
0.3 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Clos Maggiore
0.3 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Blacklock Soho
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bantof
0.3 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Noble Rot Soho
0.4 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.4 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Unique Britain
0.1 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Cool Britania
0.1 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.2 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
La Boutik
0.2 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.3 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Foyles
0.3 km
London's legendary independent bookshop where literary heritage meets contemporary retail excellence.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.3 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
0.3 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Floral Street
0.3 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Goldsmith Vintage
0.4 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.4 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.4 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.4 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.4 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ku Bar
0.0 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.1 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Covent Garden Social Club
0.1 km
Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.2 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.2 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
The Black Book
0.2 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Bar Termini
0.2 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.2 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
Swift Soho
0.2 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Duke Of Wellington
0.2 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Oriole
0.3 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
Blind Spot London
0.3 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Village Soho
0.3 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Penthouse London
0.1 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.2 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.2 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Club49Soho
0.3 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
Luxe Club
0.3 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Sophisticats Soho
0.3 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.3 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
La Capannina Club
0.3 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Tiger Tiger London
0.3 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.3 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Box Soho
0.3 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.3 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.4 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
St Moritz Club
0.5 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
TSQ Club
0.5 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Teen Friendly