Gay friendly pubs

Anyone looking for the gay district of London will immediately head for Soho, but there's plenty more gay friendly bars and pubs in London .

Kudos

10 Adelaide Street, WC2 (020-7379 4573). Essential pit stop with carnival atmosphere

It's impossible to tell if anyone is particularly fashionable at Kudos, as few seem to wear enough material to make a proper judgment. It's scantily clad young men and lady-boys all round, with scores of muscled Mediterranean types contributing to a carnival spirit. Kudos is handily positioned for the start of the Gay Pride march and is an essential pit stop later in the day after the party in Hyde Park.

The Champion

1 Wellington Terrace, W2 (020-7243 9531). Friendly and welcoming

Ordinarily this is a friendly neighbourhood pub, which attracts a predominantly - but not exclusively - gay crowd of all ages. On the north side of Hyde Park, close to Notting Hill. Loud music often dictates the pace in the evenings, but there's respite to be had in the beer garden on warmer days. By no means a scary pub for first-timers.

The Quebec

12 Old Quebec Street, W1 (020-7629 6159). Buzzing and busy

Close to Marble Arch, this long-established workaday boozer has a reputation for attracting older gentlemen and their fans. It's a friendly enough pub, though you wouldn't always think so from the long lines of single men hanging round the walls waiting to make new acquaintances. A comfortable basement bar offers more than just a frisson of opportunity. The Quebec is also popular with young scally lads taking calls on their mobile phones.

Balans

187 Kensington High Street, W8 (020-7376 0115). Excellent food and drinks in a great venue

This rapidly expanding chain of quality modern cafe-bars began life as a gay venue in Soho's Old Compton Street. But such was its allure, that the straight community muscled its way in and the branches are today, by and large, gay-friendly venues. They open early for fabulous breakfasts, then go on to serve morning coffees, good lunches, afternoon teas and cocktails with the dinner menu. Great food, friendly staff, great drinks, all in a modern airconditioned environment that's hard to dislike. Another branch within striking distance of Hyde Park can be found at 249 Old Brompton Road, SW5.

Bromptons

294 Old Brompton Road, SW5 (020-7370 1344). Perfect for partying

This late-night drinking den has been serving the international gay travellers flocking to Earl's Court for as long as anyone can remember. This is party central when it comes to gay venues, with disco queens proudly strutting their stuff on the dancefloor for an appreciative audience of all ages. A quieter lounge bar upstairs is a good place to escape the frenzy of the ground floor.