Friendly, mixed gay bar hidden down a tiny alley off The Strand (next to Superdrug). The beer's a bit flat but worth putting up with for the attitude-free atmosphere and decent music. They play a mix of 70s, 80s and alternative tunes with a DJ at weekends and karaoke night on Wednesdays.

It's packed with after work drinkers for a couple of hours on weekdays and is much straighter then, but quietens down after 8.00. If you can't fit in the downstairs bar there are more seats in the quieter bar upstairs. Toilets are a low point - only one cubicle for the women!

The unusually low staff turnover means service is quick and staff will chat to you when it's quiet. The only bar for miles with any personality and well hidden from the hordes of tourists, it's like having a friendly local right in the centre of town.

3 minutes from Charing Cross tube station, this “retro” and cosy little bar is very welcoming, and although the clientele is mainly gay, they will not frown at the sight of an overtly straight philanthropist. The soundtrack is a great RETROspective of 70s and 80s gay-friendly pop (think Depeche Mode, Blondie…).
This is the best place to meet centrally and avoid Soho’s hubbub.