Soho

Soho is and has been the centre of the gay scene for centuries, very much originally underground behind boarded windows or within private homes. Now Soho is dominited by the gay and liberal scene however it is very much the commercial centre of London's gay community.

There are some 25 bars, 10 clubs and even more sex shops in the area. Soho in fact spans Soho Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square - but when people talk of Soho, they mean Old Compton Street.

The area is buzzing 24/7, you will never find any peace and quiet however it is a brilliant place to hangout. There are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and hang outs you'd be hard pushed to find something that doesn't - the problem will be finding at seat.

Soho is incredibly cruisey, so make sure you are dressed well and look damn good. If in doubt there is Toppers, the local barbers to get a quick haircut - it is full of gay men having their locks trimmed. 

Soho is also where you'll find a few lesbian bars and polysexual hangouts. It still hosts many prostitutes, so beware you are not lured where you shouldn't.

In the summer, the are hosts Pride London and Soho Pride.