Gay & Lesbian London Travel Tips: Soho

Old Compton Street: Old Compton Street is the gay centre of London. In many ways it is a mini version of San Francisco's Castro district. However, this is Britain so it is a bit more understated in comparison.

The street is full of gay pubs and restaurants. Perhaps the most notable of the pubs it the Admiral Dunken pub. The pub had moved down the street from its original location when, in 1999, it was the victim of the London nail bomber. The bomber, who is now thankfully in jail, targeted minority communities. A sad moment indeed but the Admiral Dunken is refurbished and stands as a testimony of the strength of the gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender community. To many the pub is not only an enjoyable, straight friendly, pub but also a symbol of defiance towards the sort of evil that would carry out such acts.

Not everything on Old Compton Street is typically understated British fare. It is hard to miss the bright pink curry house. It just screams 'I'm here, I'm camp and I like it spicy'.

Madame Jo Jo's: The ultimate or infamous, depending on your view, transgender club. It can be a bit easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. It's on Brewer street and isn't far from the big "Raymond's Review Bar" sign.

Mamma Mia: Some of us are tired enough of the original ABBA recordings but for those that can't get enough of all things Swedish than Mamma Mia is a must for a night out at the theatre. The show is on at the Prince Edward Theatre on the corner of Old Compton and Greek Streets. The musical takes place on unnamed Mediterranean island in the present day where Donna, a former wild child of the Seventies who now owns and runs a restaurant, is making preparations for her daughter Sophie's wedding. It contrasts the different values of a forty something woman of the Seventies and a twenty something girl of the Nineties, using ABBA's the soundtrack.

Candy Bar: The Candy Bar, which can be found at 4 Carlisle Street, is pretty much London's biggest and most popular lesbian bar.

Prowler: Perhaps the best known shop in London to be aimed at the gay male audience is Prowler. Prowler has a large variety of books, magazines, clothing and videos. It also has the token backroom for those searching out more exciting merchandise. One of the reasons that Prowler stands out from the other shops is their eye catching window dressings. They are always creative and sometimes controversial. A recent window featured an Eminem look alike in leather bondage, complete with nipple chains.

Agent Provocateur: Not really gay in nature but Agent Provocateur, located where Broadwick Street meets Wardour Street, has the most amazingly outrageous window dressings. It has become a habit of my friends to take a look at the window whenever we are in the area. It is owned by the son of Malcolm Mclaren and Viven Westwood so you know it has to have a bit of style.

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