Gay London
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
Articles
Events

The White Swan Formerly: BJ's White Swan

(28 Ratings)
A non-rough pub-club in a so-called rough part of town

Decidely off the map for some, the White Swan nevertheless has its place as the jewel of London's working-class East End. Home to skinheads, strippers, muscle worshippers and talented drinkers who are game for dancing, comedy, cabaret and other pursuits. As full-on and unpretentious as it gets. Opened 1985. Major structural and decor changes in 2014, with additions including a basement featuring DJs with dance and club classics. Three floors in total. As of 2022, the venue specialises in hos...

READ MORE



Your support makes our travel guides possible

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

Reviews

DannyPeterson
DannyPeterson
Over a year ago

LUV LUVE LOVE IT...!!!

I found this WhiteSwan pub/club last weekend, so me and my partner went in. It was brilliant! Apparently they have recently finished doing it all up (and I like it). Most def gonna make this a regular haunt. Great music good atmos and very nice people both staff and customers. Well done all @ the Swan (5 STARS)


GRAHAMD40
GRAHAMD40
Over a year ago

A refurbished venue doen't seem to have improved.

After many years of going to the White Swan - went last night for the first time in a year - complete change in terms of venue - refurbished and back element now a gentlemans club. Drag artist (Sandra) was a bit pissy! Didn't like videos being taken of her act - probably because of the lack of talent. Needs to give up her act. Didn't inspire. New refurbished venue has the same atmosphere - needs to change - doesn't inspire a new crowd to go!


Danny90
Danny90
Over a year ago

Popped my cherry

First time and the barman made me so welcome, chatted to me until the bar got busier, I even sang on the karaoke! Loved my first time at the white swan, can't wait to return!


androo
androo
Over a year ago

attitude free, fun eastend bar

I've been coming here for years. Unpretentious, friendly, some hot guys. The longest running amateur strip is held every Wednesday night hosted by the inimitable Sandra. the area is actually quite safe, the club being on a main road next to Limehouae station. It's nice to go to a place that is attitude freehand where you're almost guaranteed to strike up a conversation.


roundupcowboy
roundupcowboy first review First to Review
Over a year ago

can b fun but go with several friends

& b sure you take a mini cab from the front door. just pay the price & get back home safely. cheers


Mentioned In

The Nomadic Boys show first-timers where to party in London

The Nomadic Boys show first-timers where to party in London

Other Gay Bars in East London

Klub Verboten

Membership-only, mostly straight fetish club in the underground style
East London

Savage Disco AWAITING NEW HOME?

Trashy East End fabulouness
East London

R & She

Attitude dancing
East London

The WayOut Club (at the White Swan)

London's premier transgender night out
East London

The Old Ship

Gay/mixed corner pub on solid ground
East London

The Grapes

'Straight' pub co-owned by Ian McKellen
East London

The Star of Bethnal Green

East London boozer for "grown-up ravers"
East London

Psycho Ward (at Resistence Gallery) NO LONGER HAPPENING

Art, sexuality and performance on the edge
East London

Restaurants in East London

Lahore Kebab House

Not what it was, but still very good Pakistani food
East London

Tayyabs

East London's inexpensive-ish curry of the moment
East London

St John Bread and Wine

Bread, wine and a lot more
East London

Bistrotheque

Traditional English and French dishes with a side of camp
East London

Rochelle Canteen

Hidden Shoreditch jewel
East London

Pizza East (Shoreditch)

All-hip pizza, clientele and location
East London

Boundary Shoreditch

The Conran touch
East London

Darwin Brasserie (at Sky Garden)

Walkie-Talkie window to the world, with food
East London

Gay London
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
Articles
Events