Yes, thanks to rising carbon emissions we’ve all been plunged into a fiery inferno of our own making. HOORAY! While the rest of the country are running into Asda to pick up a paddling pool and frolicking through open fields, us Londoners are left wandering the concrete streets looking for the odd grass patch and getting kicked out of Tesco for leaning into the ice-cream fridge for too long.
Decades of having to be hidden behind unassuming doors mean that most of London’s LGBT+ spots are behind heavy doors with very little space outside to soak up the sun or just get a warm sunny breeze whipping through your whiskers. The queer beer garden has yet to take hold here in London, so we’re often faced with the difficult decision of safe spaces and sunny spells. Lucky for you we’ve rounded up the few London outdoor spaces that London’s queer scene has to offer.
Here’s our round-up of outdoor queer spots for you to enjoy the blistering apocalypse we’re living through:
The Yard, Soho – an (almost) outdoor drink
Walking into The Yard, it’s hard to tell if you’re outside or inside. You look up to see shrubbery, so does that mean we’re inside? Lord knows. What we do know is that this spot is perf for grabbing a cold bevvy after a long day at the sweltering office. It’s an adorable yet decadent courtyard covered in pretty greenery, with a lovely (if cramped) terrace upstairs.
The Yard, 57 Rupert St, Soho W1D 7PL. Open 4pm – 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, Midday – Midnight Friday to Saturday, 12pm – 10:30pm on Sunday.
Ku Bar – street-side gin and tonics
On a Chinatown corner, Ku Bar stands like a glittering ruby in the neighbourhood’s crown. Yes, most of the action goes down inside, but their aspiringly pegged ‘terrace’ is lovely for grabbing a seat and kicking back. You’re able to sit back, sip your Heineken and watch the treats of the bustle of tourists march by. Seating is a little competitive, but once you’ve claimed a table the wait is totally worth it.
Ku Bar, 30 Lisle Street, Leicester Square WC2H 7BA. Open midday – 3am.
Vauxhall Street Food Garden – re-light my Fire
Though better known to many of us clubbing queers as part of the Fire Nightclub complex, this little corner of faux foliage is put to good use during the day. The Vauxhall Street Food Garden brings together a dazzling array of food trucks serving scrumptious snacks and meals, and a licensed bar so you can get your day drinking on. Their hand-picked selection of vendors serves up food from across the globe with a bunch of vegan and vegetarian options. Though filled with muscle queens off their faces begging for a free ciggy at 7am, during a sunny afternoon it’s quite the idyllic scene.
6A South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall SW8 1SP. Open 11:30am – 10pm Monday to Friday, Midday – 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.
London Fields Lido – East London lads go swimming
When taking a leisurely stroll through London Fields, you’re bound to be struck by the sheer concentration of edgy homosexuals all in one space. “Look at HER” you’ll say as you walk past a muscled 30-year old queen in tight shorts blasting Kylie hits out of a Bluetooth speaker. When it comes time for them to cool down, they’re ready to drop £5 to get into the London Fields Lido. Hanging out poolside is perfect for getting that sun, but also keeping cool as you get smattered by the play-fighting of a pair of edgy twinks in wet bowl-cuts.
London Fields Lido, London Fields West Side, London Fields E8 3EU. Open 6:30am – 9pm.
Soho Square – tinnies in the square
Yes, it’ll be covered in litter. Yes, it’s going to be crowded. Yes, you’ll be hit in the back of the head by a rogue ping-pong ball. But it’s Soho Square. Where else are you gonna head to catch the last of the sun before embarking on a big gay night out? With a Tesco just around the corner, it’s the perfect spot to go grab a few tins of Gin and Tonic, or trek to an M&S to grab a tin of Mojito (we’re looking at you, Diane). The best thing about Soho Square is that your Grindr feed is going to be denser than when you’re killing time queueing to get into Heaven.
Soho Square, Soho. Open 8am to Dusk (?).
Gentleman’s Bathing Ponds, Hampstead Heath – take a dip
Nothing says queer British heritage like the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. It’s gayer and more British than Lilly Savage performing ‘God Save The Queen’ in Albert Square’s new gay bar. From Hollinghurst and George Michael at the Gentlemen’s Pond to literary icons at the Ladies’ Pond, most of queer history’s icons have taken a dip at these ponds, making eyes at their fellow swimmers when drying off on the surrounding banks. One of the country’s most iconic cruising spots, there’s no end to the mischief you can get into under these mirky waters. It’s a lot more family-friendly these days, so keep your flirting until you’re laying back on that busy patch of grass.
The Hampstead Bathing Ponds, Hampstead Heath. Open 7am – 8:30pm/ 7:30pm/6:30pm.
Sailor’s Sauna – a sauna with a roof garden, how droll
You might be thinking “those poor neighbours” but Sailor’s Sauna’s Roof Garden is an enclosed outdoor space where you can really kick back and tackle those pesky tan lines. It’s the only sauna in London, probably the UK too, to have a roof garden. They regularly host barbecues so you grab some sun rays and a bite to eat.
Sailor’s Sauna, 570-574 Commercial Rd, Limehouse E14 7JD. Open 11am – 11pm/Midnight.
The Apple Tree – queer pub with ample leaning space
For when the cramped streets of Soho aren’t quite cutting it for serving that summer vibe, the spacious streets outside of The Apple Tree have plenty of sunny space for you to sip your bevvy. This adorable queer venue is super friendly and has a host of events if you’re looking to stick around for the evening. Again, getting a seat can be competitive, but sipping drinks in the sun amongst your fellow queer folk is a rare thing here in London.
The Apple Tree, 45 Mount Pleasant, Clerkenwell WC1X 0AE. Open 4pm – 11pm Tuesday to Thursday, 12pm – 12am/10:30pm on weekends.
