One of London's oldest traditional gay pubs, attracting one of London's oldest gay clienteles, the Quebec has been referred to both affectionately and sneeringly as the 'Elephant's Graveyard'. This is an impressively large and provincial-feeling establishment on two floors, including a music-themed basement (Fridays, Saturdays and occasional Thursdays) where younger men dance to retro chart hits. Drag-hosted karaoke on Wednesday and Sunday, with proper drag shows on Friday and Saturday. Reassuringly there's a framed image of Judy (Garland) on the wall. Food menu includes pizzas, sandwiches, toasties and more, including a full-on weekend brunch (11am–3pm). And there's a beer garden. Established 1946.
Hours
Mon and Tue noon—11pm
Wed 11am—2am
Thu to Sat 11am—3am
Sun noon—1am
Hours
Mon and Tue noon—11pm
Wed 11am—2am
Thu to Sat 11am—3am
Sun noon—1am
We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?
Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated
At 53 I was one of the few youngest there.
My GPS didn't locate the place well. The French waiter bartender was snippy. Surprised? not at all. the other bartenders were sweet and flirty. Lots of guys lurking about, young and old in an old-style gay kind of way. Made me think of the pet shop boys song: To Speak Is a Sin. Old habits die hard, eh? But did get chatting w some friendly gents and they gave me tips on more suitable places for me to hang out in soho. Worth a look, in any case. I'd go again.
not youth friendly
Bar staff treats younger visitors as potential rent boys and follows them into toilets in suspicion of action there... Meanwhile similar aged older blokes relieve each other at the urinals, which is perfectly fine by the same staff.
I've enjoyed it before, and I enjoy it now
Now that I have fully retired from active business, I've returned to Europe for something of a farewell tour. I've been in Britian very, very many times over the last 20 years, and I've never felt the slightest inhabitation in where I went, and what I did. Well, that has changed a bit. Now, that I sucessfully progressed into senior citizenhood, I've become a little more circumspect as to where I go, and what I do. For the novice, gay American, Europe, in general, and Britian, in particular, can be a tad unsettleling place. They are like us, but not really. Their perspectives, attitudes, and general outlook, is not really what many Americans are looking for. This is particularly true for older, gay Americans. Gay sex life in Europe & Britian has always had a few rougher edges than many Americans are used to. For the young people, this is hardly ever a concern, but for older people, traveling alone, it can be. But, enough perspective, I highly recommend the City of Quebec to alley any inhibititions. Firstly, you should start-out your evening in London, at the Quebec. Actually, you might never end up having a night out, for you might stay the whole evening. It's always a good thing to let the barman (bartender) know that you are an American (except, of course, if the current politics are such that you want to be a Canadian) But, be forewarned, the Brits can tell when a Canadian has a southern accent. It sounds silly, but it's true. They love us, but only on occasion. The barmen are used to dealing with international clientele, and will look out for you. But, If you are a man like me, who loves sitimulating conversation that doesn't always revolve around sex, or sexual or political positions, or such, you'll have a wonderful evening. You might even run into one of those English gentlemen, they make movies about. I've never not had a wonderful evening. I've always felt safe, and the young people are not only decorative, but, also, discreet, and entertaining. In short, I've always had a great time.