Listen, if you're looking to dip your toe in the gay pool that is Soho, I think this subterranean bar lounge is the ideal starting point. Embarrassingly Jamie W. and I had not really explored London's gay subculture before, and we saw images of this particular bar on YouTube. We thought this might be the spot to target. Turned out we were right because it was surprisingly quiet on a Sunday evening compared to a congested zoo like Compton's. The dimly lit space was decorated with a combination of Barbie kitsch and faux-floral delights. The bartender, a gentlemanly young man, was genuinely delightful, and immediately made us feel relaxed with his banter. Jamie ordered the £11 Sunset Cruise, a tantalizing mix of different rums, coconut, apricot liqueur, and pineapple juice (photo: https://yelp.to/ILAB8Cpofh). Tropical yet bold enough to raise Jamie's freak flag. He was a happy camper. I went rather predictably with the $12 Cosmopolitan just because I was searching for my inner Carrie Bradshaw (photo: https://yelp.to/ILAB8Cpofh). She's in there somewhere. It was good enough for us to hang in the bar for a good while. There were plenty of sitting areas where we could feel we could hold a semi-private conversation about whether we'd still do Ricky Martin at age 52. The answer was an unequivocal yes, but you knew that already, didn't you? Indeed it was a friendly society here. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...libations with unique stylings AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...unique decorations in a uniquely underground setting SERVICE - the bartender had our best interests in mind TOTAL - friendly is the right descriptor RELATED - Exploring London? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3zFACrx read more

See all

Love this place. This is my go to every time we are in soho. The drinks are ok but it's nolstalgic for me. The owner is a doll and the decor is one of a kind. Come here for a drink to start your night and come back at the end of the night for a finisher. Please don't ever close! read more

See all

This place is simply a trip. You'll not find it by accident, as it is down some stairs accessed from the street through a fairly innocuous door in Wardour Street (don't accidentally enter one of the strip joints next door, unless you have access to a second mortgage...). As you descend, you are enveloped by the swimming pool theme, with the turquoise décor recreating exactly that of a public baths. Leatherette banquette sofas in turquoise with funny 'button' seats at either end lie beneath concealed lighting, with a screen showing what seemed to be a fairly surreal film. Actually, the whole place is surreal. Ceilings are decorated with Barbie dolls and mirror disco balls; there are fish tanks with real fish; and luridly coloured plastic poodles adorn each table with bunches of plastic flowers coming out of their, well, out of their rears... Tables are adorned with more psychedelic flower patterns. Drinks and cocktails have standard Soho prices, so it's not cheap - Asahi beer on draft is sold in half pints or two pint jugs (ie, no pints - apparently it keeps the clientèle more select), at around £5 a pint. But it's fun, and bar staff are chatty and friendly. It might be too much for a regular joint, but a visit is a must. read more

See all

The best bar in London, I've been going for 22 years (and I'm only 21!! ) the owner Maria is a diamond, mad as a hatter (and the decor is testament) but she treats you like royalty, as have the staff over the years. Love her and the bar... here's to the next 22 years read more

They say if you have a place in "in the know" never share it as it's a best-kept secret. Forgive me for posting this, but the name surpasses the atmosphere. An intimate get together of new friends, old friends and people just looking to get their 80s dance off regardless of orientation. Friendly Society is something unique. Something special. Something hidden. It's about 30 blocks south of Suffriedges, make a left @ Hard Rock, turn left 28 blocks, get out of your car, order a chippy (sausage), turn on your left blinker and coordinate said blinker with the macarena for exactly 4 measures and someone will come out to you if you're worthy... (can you tell I don't want you to find it?) Pete, Chris, Bobby and anyone else I missed- you sirs are rock stars, and we look forward to seeing you in LA/OC. read more

Quirky decor and cocktails! Two things I really like. The whole bar feels as if it is underwater due to its light blue colour, booths and by being a basement to start with. I still can not decide it it looks futuristic or old school, probably because it feels like what they considered futuristic in the 80s and 90s. There's also Barbie and Ken dolls nailed on the ceiling, which is kinda creepy (even more because I realised I had one of them and loved it). So apparently this is a gay bar, however on a Sunday afternoon we were the only 5 people there so I can not really comment on the usual clientele. I must admit the cocktails are pretty good but a bit pricey (about £10 each). The rest of their drinks are much cheaper though. You can have a whole bottle of wine for the price of two cocktails, more or less, so I'd say do that instead. In general it's a nice place to take someone if they like quirky places and show off a bit. read more

See all

A tiny door in one of the dodgier looking alleys in Soho, between Ann Summers and The Village, take you down into a brilliant bar that is suitable for everyone, although it is aimed at the gay market. The first thing you notice about this bar is its beautiful design. It's like the interior has been lifted straight from Wallpaper magazine; bold wallpaper in the main area with naughty barbies in slutty positions hanging from the ceiling, a small side room with comfy bed-like seating which you have to step into and toilets which are clean and brilliantly presented. It's obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the place, reflected by the owner Maria, who positively enforces the friendly in the name and goes out of her way to ensure everyone is happy and having fun. Drinkswise the bar is brilliantly stocked. Pitchers of beer are served at reasonable price, spirits are served as 50ml but prices are okay. Add dj's throughout the week playing chilled music and it's a brfilliant place to take friends and relax. Truly recommended! read more

Friendly Society - Friendly's small entrance - don't miss it! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I love the vibe in here. It's like you're in an underwater playground with seaweed made out of plastic garden flowers, and a sea of ken and barbie dolls on the ceiling. They play cool music (first it was like brazilian lounge music, and switched into a pet shop boys marathon), it's a very low key lounge where you can chat with friends and cute decor. I think it is more hidden so drunk douches won't stumble in off the street. A pitcher of PERONI was £10... 2 pints. Overall, I think this place is pricier than other pubs around, but this is made up by the atmosphere and crowd. I WOULD DEFINITELY COME HERE AGAIN. read more

Friendly Society - So cool love the colors! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This is a really fun and interesting bar. You won't find anything else like it. It's worth a visit even just for a drink or two on a night out. read more

Being a Fag Hag, this is another fave haunt, before a bit of Karaoke in 'The Village' next door a small downstairs venue, that lives up to it's friendly name. Anywhere that has a Babycham themed bar, with a painted sky & cloud ceiling that has stuck on Barbie Dolls & Trolls in Day-glow outfits & garden gnome stools is OK with me (I so want to know where I can get that Babycham wallpaper from??) Drinks about average for the West End, depending on what your drinking, premium brands of Vodka & Gin like Absolute or Grey Goose, will be more than Smirnoff & Gordon's Also bottled mixers, more than on tap mixers.. read more

Friendly Society - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

A nice vibe, with cool decor (Barbie dolls stapled to the ceiling and urinals converted into speakers). The bar staff are pretty friendly, and because I went on a week night and it was relatively quiet, they gave us pineapple and cheese on sticks, and there was even a booth free to sit in (and super comfy it was too). Being in the middle of Soho, it's certainly not a cheap place to have a drink, but it's a cool enough bar and fun for a couple of beers/cocktails. read more

Friendly Society - The booth area of the Friendly Society - perfect for groups, and there's a table in the middle of the giant sofa! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This place was freaking fantastic! The vibe was the perfect place to start your night or let it carry you all evening. The DJ was predominantly playing classic disco but then it turned into dancing disco favs like Donna Summer, Lionel Ritchie, Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson and so much more! Then we got into 80s and early 90s dance favs. So good! On top of great music the cocktails were awesome! Instead of just slinging basic vodka sodas this place had no bones about making fresh mojitos or martinis with freshly squeezed kiwi juice. Like come on, really? You're going to make me a delicious cocktail that I can sip in between my Proud Mary dance party? Yes, yes they did. What a night! This place is THE place to get your party started! read more

Out with a friend on a busy Friday who was determined for me to see this place for myself As per the below reviews I was slightly skeptical about having to travel down a dark set of stairs into the unknown, especially given this place is sandwiched by peep shows and porn shops! We queued for about 10 minutes so I expect a small pokey place with barely room to breathe! However it wasn't cramped at all - and no huge queue for the bar I LOVE the decor - random Goose artwork, fab Gnome stools and strange barbies and kens nailed to the roof! Definitely worth a visit - it's funky, cute and very soho Top Tips 1 - Everything is served in doubles, makes a Sambuca shot very interesting! 2 - Lots of lovely looking men, pitty I'm not their type :( 3 - Go early and try and secure the booth at the back read more

L. O. V. E. I. T. I've been a few times and this is one of those love it or hate it kind of places. Friendly, diverse & gay-friendly crowd, decent drinks, fun music and yeah, a pretty silly interior... but silly in a very good way. read more

Amazing!! Such a fun gem in Soho that's perfect for pre-drinking or meeting with friends before heading off for a late night. They only serve till 11, sadly, but the crowd is always fun and certainly friendly. If you're lucky enough to get there while the owner is in and making drinks, she'll greet you with a smile and usually a hug and you know that even in a city of 7.5 million people, you've been welcomed in like you've been going there for years. The decor is half of the fun, and the cushioned alcoves allow for a cozy feel even while half the bar is dancing to the in-house DJ. It's a small bar, so if you want to stake out a spot to sit, arrive early. Drinks are well-made for the price and there's a decent selection of spirits. If you stop in, bring a camera, it'll be one of those nights! read more

Go down the street, take a right into the alley, and look for the beefy bouncer standing next to a small neon blue sign. So those were the directions I was given to find Friendly Society. A little concerned? Yeah try an almost certain feeling I wasn't going to be coming up those stairs again. Oh yes, once the bouncer lets you through (after casting an appraising eye over you), you gotta head down below ground into this place. Like the sign, Friendly Society is a small bar bathed in a blue glow. I have no idea why the lighting choice but it seems to fit along with everything else in this quirky gay bar. Yes, it's a gay bar (my first experience in one actually) as denoted by the 100/1 guy/girl ratio and the men grinding on each other. Keep an eye out for the ceiling which is "decorated" by sticking a variety of Barbie and Ken dolls in all sorts of positions making it look like some possessed child's bedroom. There is also a large goldfish swimming around in a tank on a shelf on a central pillar. Why? I have no idea but maybe the question is rather why not? Another cool thing to check out are the speakers hung from the walls. Take a close look and see what they remind you of. Your first instinct will be right as those are indeed converted toilet bowls (one hopes they were washed thoroughly) and have surprisingly good acoustic focus. And if you are feeling tired of standing up or dancing, there are some tables and chairs near the toilets or, more entertainingly, a true lounging area where you can lie down or recline against some pillows. The drinks are served in doubles (my kind of portion control) which makes jaegerbombs a true challenge for all but the most committed. Beer selection is limited but sufficient and the usual well drinks are on offer. I got the feeling this place is a great spot for starting a night with a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere and some strong drinks. read more

Anywhere that has: a) Barbie dolls hanging kinky-ly from the ceiling in the main room b) lots of little disco balls hanging from the ceiling in the smaller room c) wallpaper with characters dressed in outfits from different nations d) cheesy pop music is a winner in my book! Everything else aside, I love this place purely for its unadulterated kitsch and for the fun times I have had here with my best friend! Watch you don't fall up those stairs if you've had a few though, and don't forget to pick up a copy of BOYS on your way out (like my mum did when I took her here)! :) read more

Uh, a bar with about 100 random Barbie and Ken dolls stuck on the ceiling, AWESOME 80's/90's music, solid drinks, garden gnome seats, padded walls for when the crazy dancers go a little wild (and boy there were quite a few that night I was there)? Hellz Yeah. Best Bar in Soho as far as I've been! And I thought it was a strip show or bath house... LOL. read more

FS is an underground bar behind an unremarkable door in Soho. Once downstairs the dim interior is home to more barbie dolls than guests. They hang from the ceilings and sit in fish bowls. Because it's a gay bar, with possibly the odd confused person lurking in the shadows, I can be there without feeling threatened or ogled as in some other pubs. Sometimes it's been drinking way to many cranberry and vodka cocktails and sometimes it's finding myself listening to the dilemmas of complete strangers (maybe I look like mom here) that make Friendly an interesting place. Lights are up abruptly at 11pm, mid drink, mid dj. Something I am still not used to. read more

Love this place! Great music, playing 60s, 70s, and 80s every time I've been, which is hard to find in a club environment. I've had a blast dancing there late into the evening. Mixed crowd (gay/straight and older/younger), drinks are a bit pricey, and as other reviewers have said, it's a bit loud for extensive conversation unless you go into one of the little nooks. Small and often crowded at night... don't wear open toe shoes! You WILL get turned away. All in all it's the music that keeps me coming back here. read more

Personally, I prefer a bar that serves pints. Big frothy ones full of booze. Friendly Society does not, but what it does have is a great DJ (usually the bar owner herself), a ultra-modern decor spackled with kitsch and (usually) attractive gay men. Though nominally a bar for everyone, it is most definitely a bar for the friendlier society. I've been to several birthdays here, stopped in for a quick one after work and carried my drunk ass up the stairs and into a taxi. And never once have I had a bad time. It's one of my favourite gay bars in Soho. Now if they would only serve pints. The pitchers they serve instead are dangerous, unless shared with friends. read more

Friendly Society is a great bar, but why does it shut at 11pm??? Seriously, like someone else said, this feels like a late-night bar and on more than one occasion my buzz has completely been killed by the lights going on, music being abruptly stopped and being booted out. But anyway, that's a small gripe. The place is great. I love it when I take friends here and they haven't had a clue that the place even existed (the entrance is rather hidden and to the untrained eye it could just be another strip joint). The barbie dolls (I think it's Trolls) now that adorn the ceiling are a great camp touch. As is the video projector showing films such as Wizard of Oz and I Dream of Genie, if you hadn't worked out it was a gay bar yet - that's your biggest clue. Drinks are pretty good. I can see how people are a bit miffed about the lack of pints but the pitchers add a nice communal atmosphere to the drinking. The spirits are served in large measures and aren't too ridiculously priced, definitely not club prices, but getting close. It's all too easy to while away the hours here, especially if you manage to bag one of the funny circular booths. Just beware that come 11 o'clock you'll get a rude awakening and be asked to leave. Shame, as if they had a lock-in you'd probably have a very very very friendly night. read more

The premise of this bar is a good one, all the ingredients are there to be a splendid addition to the selection of gay bars in Soho. However, it's almost like they're trying too hard and have completely lost their way. There's too much going on. Plastic dolls glued to the ceiling. Underwater decor. Handbags hanging from the ceiling behind the bar. A fish tank (that could do with cleaning!). Worst of all, rude, unhelpful bar staff with attitude off the scale. One beer on draft (Peroni) but they had run out of that. Limited alternatives. The only saving grace is a decent selection of music. I'm unlikely to return. read more

Friendly Society - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Must visit when in London. Spectacular interior and friendly staff. The ginger spiced mojito is a treat read more

Friendly Society - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

See all

Seriously - Friendly Society is one of my top 10 bars in London. It's so quirky, fun and yet sexy. However, don't tell everyone about this little gem or it will lose its charm! read more

I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this spectacular find. Friendly Society offers great drinks, great music, and a fabulous staff that welcomed all. I will definitely be back for a visit with my crew the next time I visit London from the states. I wish there was a Friendly Society in Atlanta, GA. read more

I last visited this place whilst ona night out with a few Yelper friends (big up Jane G, Theresa C and Issy F!!). We went downstairs after being told by the bouncer that they were on last orders. This was at 11pm, which I think is a mistake for a Friday night. And also a shame because this place is GREAT. We could easily have spent all night here! Downstairs you emerge into a crazily decoarted yet rather special world. Small and perfectly formed is how I would call this place, and you know it's popular when it's rammed to the ceiling. Drinks were cheap, friendly staff, amazing music (got to love some cheesy Abba to kick off a Friday night dancing) and Barbie dolls on the walls. Yes you read right, I would guesstimate over 100 barbie dolls in various provacative positions glued to the walls. Now that's a good bar! read more

The quirkiest bar in Soho for me. I literally walk in and feel like I've gone following the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. From figurines hanging from the ceiling, doggie vases, circular fish bowls and interesting mood lighting; this place will have you looking around for a while. I got a mojito here and it was spot on. Usually the place is packed on Saturdays but went on Sunday and was empty. Definitely worth a go if you're bar hopping. read more

Friendly Society is a must go-to for tourists and residents alike. The wallpaper on the wall is retro 70's inspired kid's wallpaper, there are trolls, barbie dolls and G.I. Joe's on the ceiling and there are troll stools that, if it were possible, I would steal and put in my room just because they're that. funny. It's really not a great first date place, the music's usually too loud to have a decent conversation. But, it's great music to dance to and there's a mini dance floor. There are padded rooms in the back to lounge in, but beware girls, because it's super hot back there so makeup will run. There is also a giant mural near the bathroom of lesbians, which is fabulous..it's in the disco-ball room. The only problem I've ever encountered is the boys trying to take over the girls bathroom. Uh...no. Go to your own bathroom, damn it. One had the audacity to tell me that, because this was primarily a gay man's club that no girls ever use their toliets...uh, hello? Pretty sure I go there, and I'm a girl. But, otherwise, great time :) read more

We absolutely loved this bar! Amazing drinks and super friendly staff and cute boys! London quirky gay bar with visiting! The Barbie ceilings or disco room to fish tanks...you see it all here! It's really easily walkable in SoHo! Highly recommend! read more

See all

Nestled down in a basement below Ann Summers is one of Soho's little gems. A gay bar which is more welcoming than most and which is perfect for taking straight friends or those who are looking for something more than the usual pulling places on Compton Street. Not the largest of bars but with a small side-room and another room which is more a bed with a table in the centre, which you have to step into, it is one of the funkiest gay-bars in central London. Adorned with barbie dolls doing the naughty, vivid wallpaper and unusual seating it's ovbvious a lot of time and care has been paid to the feel of the bar. Thankfully the bar itself is impressive. Great range of drinks at affordable prices, including well-made cocktails and pitchers of beer, all served by capable staff. The service area is quite small so you sometimes have to wait and as the evening progresses the place gets packed out so best advice get there early. Maria, the owner, is a delight and the DJ's are always good, offering something different to many of the bars in the area. Early evening, though, can witness some awful music so best avoid the 6pm-7pm slot and head there later. A great bar, more for those who want to find a place to settle or who have a large crowd to take out, but one which is definately worth checking out. read more

The friendly society really lives up to its name, with some of the most amiable bar staff in town, and Maria, the owner, will talk to anyone. She even followed me into the toilets for a chat once, which didn't feel at all odd at the time. Speaking of which, great decor runs through the entire, strangely shaped bar, right into the loos. Drinks are not cheap, but then nothing is at the Soho end of town. Great music more than make up for the dented wallet. There is a total lack of pretence which is more than can be said for most Soho haunts. read more

Granted, I don't go out to gay bars in Soho anymore, but I had always liked the Friendly when I did (it seemed that little bit leftfield compared to all the touristy spots), so when a friend wanted 'a gay drink' the other night, we ended up here. Same cheesy, appealingly kitsch decor. But I don't remember drinks being THIS expensive. £15.60 for two gin and tonics and one soda water. YOU WHAT!? WOW! I don't pay that in Soho House, and I get table service. read more

This society is friendly. It's also very, VERY LOUD!! It's a nice little bar, but not somewhere you'd want to go to for a chat with some friends - you'd spend the whole night saying 'huh?', 'what?'. Despite the noise, and the location it is a nice venue - it's in a basement down a side alley in the middle of Soho.. It's quite small, but has a nice little vibe to it. Try heading there earlier in the evening to get a little room! read more

An old haunt by my partner, not been for a few years new décor, but still a great bar to visit. It has a great friendly atmosphere and the staff worked hard to keep their customers happy. We found the music fun and at times from our era, even had a dance to Blonde. The staff know their cocktails and over all this is a great London gem. May it stay the same.. read more

See all

The Friendly Society is an odd shaped bar hidden in the darkest corner of Soho. It was a good few years of this establishment being open before I even noticed it was there and that was only after I wa mixed bar with a good atmosphere and friendly bar staff who serve up an amazing Cosmopolitan. The venue is small and on weekends can get quite busy, but don't let that put you off, I've always been able to nab a table and there is always space to have a dance when your fav track comes on. The music like the bar is very gay, and the Djs are normally happy to play requests as long as it fits in with the general theme of the night. Typically for a Soho bar the drinks are a little pricey but no more then any other central London bar. A great place to have a few drinks after work to chill out or before a big night out. read more

I died and went to gnome wonderland. A must see just to sit and look around (don't forget the ceiling.) We are visiting from America and the staff was super friendly (even pulled up chairs) on a weekday afternoon. It's not necessarily a gay bar, just a fun vibe. Thank you for the hospitality! Only downfall: limited beer options. Stop In! read more

I didn't realise that I'd been here until I read a review mentioning Barbie dolls on the ceiling. Suddenly the memories came flooding back. As a flamboyant straight girl with a plethora of gay friends - aka a drama graduate - I find myself in gay-friendly bars and clubs on a regular basis. Some are far more inclusive than others and this one does exactly what it says on the tin. It's quite small and therefore tough to get a seat if you arrive too late, but it's ever so welcoming, regardless of sexuality and its biggest draw has got to be the bonkers decor. I'm a fan of the unusual and Friendly Society is most certainly that. The lack of memory was solely down the amount of alcohol consumed rather than the place being in any way forgettable. After all, it's hard to overlook the sight of two dozen skewered Ken dolls. And who doesn't love sitting on a gnome's head of an evening? read more

Not so friendly society, to my experience. I was having fun with my friends at the bar (which is otherwise fine) when, trying to give instructions to someone on the phone, I accidentally found myself in a private area (?store room). I was yelled at with utter disrespect by club employee, who, not only kicked me out of the private area treating my like s**t, but also forbade me re-entry to the club and had doorman show me the way back to the street! This place needs to learn how to respect customers. Even if I had been a drunk or a troublemaker, I would have expected a more decent behaviour. read more

Love love this place . grate to meet up with friends and do on. i recomend it to everyone.