Gay Bar in London
Guide To Comptons of Soho
Comptons of Soho, located at 51–53 Old Compton Street in the heart of London's vibrant Soho district, has been a mainstay of the city's gay scene since its establishment in June 1986. Situated in a building with a rich history, Comptons has evolved from The Swiss Hotel to The Swiss Tavern before finally becoming the beloved gay pub it is today.
The Swiss Hotel: A Victorian Landmark
Designed by architects W. A. Williams and Hopton, The Swiss Hotel was constructed in 1890 and showcased its unique architectural style at the Royal Academy exhibition. The building’s original design can be seen in an illustration published in The Builder in October 1890.
By the 1950s, the Swiss Hotel had transformed and was renamed The Swiss Tavern. It quickly gained a reputation as a meeting place for gay men at a time when homosexuality was still illegal. The tavern became known as “not entirely straight,” attracting a diverse crowd.
1986 a significant change occurred as the Swiss Tavern was renovated and rebranded as Comptons of Soho. With this transformation, the pub openly embraced its identity as a gay bar, becoming a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Pub’s Layout and Atmosphere
Comptons of Soho is a large, Victorian-style pub spread across two floors. The ground floor features a horse-shoe bar, drawing in a diverse crowd of gay men, including both locals and tourists. The atmosphere is casual and cruisy, creating a relaxed environment for socialising and meeting new people. Upstairs, a lounge area provides a more decorative and sit-down setting for patrons seeking a quieter experience.
Ownership and Evolution
As of August 2015, Comptons of Soho has been operated by the Faucet Inn pub company, ensuring its continued success and status as a beloved LGBTQ+ establishment in London. The pub has maintained its popularity throughout the years, attracting a mature crowd of beer enthusiasts and creating a welcoming space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Unique Features and Events
Comptons of Soho is known for its attention to detail and unique touches that set it apart from other gay pubs in the area. The upstairs bar, for example, has been recently improved, providing a quieter space for patrons seeking a more relaxed atmosphere and faster service. Additionally, the pub boasts a carpet woven from a pattern used aboard the Titanic and its sister ship, the Olympic, adding a touch of history and intrigue to the space.
The pub also hosts various events and promotions catering to different interests within the LGBTQ+ community. Leather Alert, a monthly event, appeals to leather enthusiasts of all ages, providing a friendly and cruisy social gathering in the upstairs bar.
Comptons of Soho Pictures
Comptons of Soho Reviews
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Always had a great experience in this bar; it’s a lively crowd and moderately to very busy most of the time. The beer specials were attractive (patrons as well), and the bar staff were friendly, spirited, and welcoming. It’s a great space during the week to find a reliable after-work crowd and, of course, busy on the weekends. Thanks for making my visit. We’re welcoming and look forward to future visits.
Absolutely gorgeous bar in the middle of Soho 🏳️🌈♥️ loved it there.. service can be a bit slow but that is due to the popularity of the place and almost always busy. But do go there and enjoy the afternoon or the party at night. Music could be a bit more diverse though, very mainstream.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Soho Icon With Heart, History & the Friendliest Team Around
Comptons in Soho isn’t just a pub—it’s a living piece of LGBTQ+ history, and every visit reminds you why it continues to matter. The moment you walk through the doors, there’s an undeniable sense of belonging, community, and pride woven into the building’s heritage. It has stood as a safe, joyful, and empowering space for decades, and you genuinely feel that legacy in the atmosphere.
But what truly elevates Comptons is the incredible staff—especially Sean and Ivan. They’re the kind of people who don’t just serve you a drink—they make you feel seen, welcomed, and completely at home. Their warmth feels effortless, their energy is infectious, and their hospitality sets the tone for the whole venue. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, they greet you like old friends. Service is friendly, attentive, and impressively fast, even when the place is buzzing.
Comptons remains one of those rare places where history meets modern LGBTQ+ culture—where people gather not just to socialize, but to celebrate identity, community, and connection. It’s comfortable, uplifting, and full of character, and the team clearly takes pride in keeping that spirit alive.
If you’re in Soho and want a place that feels authentic, vibrant, and genuinely welcoming, Comptons is—and always has been—the heart of it all. Thanks to legends like Sean and Ivan, it continues to shine.
It was my first time there and It won’t be the last, the staff are very friendly from security to the bartenders, the atmosphere was great, if you want to have some drinks on a Saturday evening, this is the place!
I love this place. It is the first place that i go to when I get to London – which is for several weeks, once or twice a year. I feel at home at Comptons. Friendly people – I always meet new people every time I go – great place to go even if you are alone. And they have awesome bartenders. And I must admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for Sean (cute redhead) – he is such a cutie, so sexy, and always so friendly. Sean I will be back 🙂
