London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [154]
This extravagant pageant spirals its way through London’s streets, with major events taking place in Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, then culminates in Victoria Embankment with ticketed parties continuing on afterward (www.pridelondon.org for details).
For up-to-date listings, consult Time Out (www.timeout.com/london/gay), Boyz (www.boyz.co.uk), Gay Times (www.gaytimes.co.uk), Attitude (www.attitude.co.uk), or the lesbian monthly Diva (www.divamag.co.uk).
Online resources include Rainbow Network (www.rainbownetwork.com).
Trade.
This London institution among the hedonistic muscle boys is now more than a decade old, and begins when many clubs are closing. The Trade brand has events all over the country—check online for dates. Most of the London events take place at the Ministry of Sound. TIP Its schedule is irregular, so check the Web site for dates. | 020/7609–8364 | www.tradeuk.net | £15 in advance (book at www.ticketweb.co.uk), £18 at door | Days vary, 6 am–4 pm.
Bars, Cafés, and Pubs
Most bars in London are gay-friendly, though there are a number of cafés and pubs that are known as gay hangouts after-hours. The latest serve drinks until 3 am (11 pm on Sunday).
Clubs
Many of London’s best gay dance clubs are in mixed clubs like Fabric on theme nights designated for gays.
Almost all dance clubs in London are gay-friendly, but if you want to cruise or mingle only with other gays, it’s best to call ahead or check Web-site listings.
PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE PLANNER
GETTING AROUND
If you’re out past 12:30 am, the best way to get home is by taxi (the Tube stops running around 12:30 am Monday–Saturday and midnight on Sunday). The best place to hail a taxi is at the front door of one of the major hotels; you can also have the staff at your last stop of the evening call one for you. Avoid unlicensed taxis that tout for business around closing time.
LIQUOR LAWS, SMOKING LAWS
In 2005, England relaxed its licensing laws and as many as 5,200 drinking establishments in London extended their opening hours beyond their traditional 11 pm closing. And although it’s controversial, the new development translates into only a modest increase in overall licensing hours; most still close at 11, and others at midnight or a few short hours later. A bigger change to many has been the 2007 law that bans smoking inside any public building. Many in the nightlife industry opposed the changes, worried that it would have a negative effect on their businesses. On the other hand, London’s venues have become much more family-friendly and healthier as a result.
CAN I TAKE MY KIDS TO THE PUB?
As pubs increasingly emphasize what’s coming out of the kitchen rather than what’s flowing from the tap, whether to bring the kids has become a frequent question. The law dictates that patrons must be 18 years of age or older to drink alcohol in a pub.
Children 14 to 17 may enter a pub but are not permitted to purchase or drink alcohol, and children under 14 are not permitted in the bar area of a pub unless the pub has a “Children’s Certificate” and they are accompanied by an adult. In general, however, some pubs have a section set aside for families, especially during the day.
WHAT TO WEAR
As a general rule, you can dress as you would for an evening in New York City; however, you see fewer people in the upscale London nightspots wearing jeans and sneakers. British women are also prone to baring a bit more skin, so that sparkly, backless top you were saving for a Caribbean soirée might be just as suitable for a night out in London. In general, people are more likely to dress down than up for a trip to a gig or to the pub.
FIND OUT WHAT’S PLAYING WHERE
Because today’s cool spot is often tomorrow’s forgotten or closed venue, you’ll want to be sure to check out the weekly listings in one of several publications. There are several Web sites, in addition to the print publications the