London’s oldest gay bar retains a traditional British boozer charm that’s reassuringly unaffected by trends.

The Venue
Opened in 1936, there is recorded evidence of gay clientele dating back to 1946, making The Quebec the oldest gay bar in London. It’s also surprisingly large. On the ground floor is a homely pub space complete with a massive 20m bar, piano and comfy leather seats. Meanwhile, downstairs in the evenings you’ll find a second bar and club complete with dancefloor and a distinct ‘80s look.

The Atmosphere
Situated just a short walk from Marble Arch tube at the top end of Oxford Street, The Quebec is an oasis of hospitality among the shopping frenzy of nearby stores like Primark and Marks and Spencer. Whilst many other Central London gay pubs have undergone severe refits that sacrifice comfort for hard style, The Quebec remains plush and user-friendly.

Unkind visitors may have christened the pub ‘God’s waiting room’ because of its traditional style and largely mature clientele, but this is also what’s so enjoyable about it. If you’re sick of gay bars that are overrun by gimmicks, pretension and oddly dressed fey youths, then you’ll find The Quebec completely refreshing.

The Music
An easy to stomach blend of vocal dance and chart sounds (old and new) fills the ether. Whilst the main bar is muted enough to actually hold a conversation, downstairs the volume is cranked up a notch with a popular (and free) Friday and Saturday night disco from 10pm where resident DJ Jeffrey plays ‘80s music, handbag and Latin grooves.

As well as free dance, The Quebec also boasts regular free entertainment with Wednesday’s Quiz Night, and Thursdays give punters a chance to demonstrate if they have the X Factor (or not!) at the weekly karaoke. On Sundays it’s the turn of the cabaret circuit professionals to do a turn.

The Drink
On draught there’s Green King IPA and Ruddles bitters. Draught lager includes Fosters, Carling, Stella, Peroni and Becks Vier. Prices start at £2.45 a pint for bitter and £2.95 for lager. A 250ml glass of white wine comes in at £4.85 and £2.50 for red.

The Last Word
Break your routine jaunts around Soho’s Gay Village and instead head for London’s oldest - and arguably most welcoming - gay bar. You may be pleasantly surprised.

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