If you live in London or even just keep up with places to party in the city, you've heard about Heaven nightclub near Charing Cross. This isn't just another spot for a night out—it's been at the heart of London's LGBTQ+ scene since 1979, and the place has a reputation for wild nights and unforgettable crowds. Positioned right under the famous arches by Villiers Street, Heaven is about a two-minute walk from Charing Cross Station, so you can jump straight off a Tube or night bus and be on the dancefloor within minutes.
The music is high-energy all week, but Thursdays and Saturdays are when the club is at its peak. Think chart hits, dance remixes, and regular drag shows that get everyone cheering. If you're heading out with friends, check out 'G-A-Y at Heaven'—it’s basically a right of passage for anyone in London’s nightlife, and entry is cheaper with a G-A-Y wristband you can pick up at the partner bar just up the road.
- Why Heaven Nightclub Is a London Icon
- What to Expect on a Night Out
- Tips for Getting In and Fitting In
- Nightlife Beyond the Dancefloor
Why Heaven Nightclub Is a London Icon
No talk about clubbing in the UK is serious without mentioning Heaven nightclub. This place put London’s LGBTQ+ scene front and centre years before “inclusive spaces” were even a thing. Opened in 1979, Heaven was right there at the start of the city’s shift toward openly gay nightlife. Unlike smaller bars or typical pubs, Heaven always went big—massive dancefloor, pumping sound system, tons of smoke machines, and lasers straight out of a movie. The venue sits under the arches by Embankment, and the building itself is just as famous as the people it attracts.
Heaven is all about music. In the ’90s, it was the heart of the city’s acid house and electronic dance movement, with world-famous DJs like Paul Oakenfold and Fatboy Slim playing here before they topped charts. Even today, the resident DJs know how to get the place moving, and you’ll catch surprise sets by drag icons, pop stars, or international acts when you least expect it.
Nights at Heaven have made headlines: the annual G-A-Y night regularly sees chart-toppers get up on stage. Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Kylie Minogue have all put on secret gigs here. Festivals like Pride in London see the queue for entry wrapping around the block. Security keeps people safe and the club has a no-nonsense policy when it comes to respect and inclusivity. A lot of Londoners see Heaven as a rite of passage—if you haven’t lost a shoe or made new mates in its crowd, have you even been out in the West End?
Heaven isn’t only for LGBTQ+ crowds, though that’s its core. The vibe is open, friendly, and wild in the best possible way. If you’re comparing it to other big London clubs—like Fabric or Ministry of Sound—Heaven wins for pure energy and legendary legacy.
| Opened | Capacity | Nearest Tube | Famous Acts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 1,650 | Charing Cross | Lady Gaga, Madonna, Years & Years |
Locals know: if you want history, massive nights, and a place that still sets the bar high for London’s party scene, Heaven is the real deal.
Tips for Getting In and Fitting In
Heaven’s bouncers are strict about ID—no matter how old you might look, you need to bring your government-issued photo ID. Digital versions or photocopies won’t cut it, so grab your actual driving licence or passport before you leave home. Entry can cost anywhere from £5 to £10 depending on the night, but if you head to G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street first and pick up a wristband, you’ll probably get in for free (works especially well on Fridays and Saturdays).
The dress code is super relaxed, but don’t show up in sports gear like football shirts or trackies as you’ll likely be turned away. People rock everything from casual jeans and T-shirts to full-on drag, but trainers and funky outfits are always welcome. If you don’t want to queue for ages, aim to arrive before midnight—after that, especially on weekends, the line can snake all the way back to Embankment tube entrance.
Inside, the vibe at Heaven nightclub is all about having a laugh and respecting others. You’ll see lots of groups but also plenty of solo dancers—nobody cares what you’re wearing as long as you’re friendly. If it’s your first time at a big London LGBTQ+ night, just go for it: the crowd here is known for being open-minded and up for a chat. Want to make friends? Head for the smoking area or one of the bars—it’s way easier to strike up a conversation away from the main dancefloor noise.
- Bring proper ID—no exceptions
- Avoid sportswear and team colours
- Bag a G-A-Y wristband for free entry
- Arrive early to skip massive queues
- Keep your belongings in the £2 cloakroom to avoid lost phones/coats
| Average Queue Times (by arrival) | Before 11pm | Midnight | 1am+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | 5-10 mins | 10-30 mins | 15-45 mins |
| Weekends | 10-20 mins | 30-60 mins | 45-90 mins |
Contactless card payments are fine throughout the venue, so you don’t need to bring cash. Lastly, check their Instagram before you go for updates on themed events, last-minute changes, or surprise appearances—London’s big nights at Heaven often get announced just hours before the doors open.
Nightlife Beyond the Dancefloor
Heaven nightclub isn’t just about music and dancing—there’s plenty happening off the main floor, too. Consistently ranked as one of London’s must-visit late-night venues, Heaven also brings people together with regular theme nights, charity events, and Pride after-parties. It’s a place where the bar staff remember your favorite mixer and where you might spot an up-and-coming drag act before they've hit the mainstream. If you need a breather or want to have an actual conversation, there are quieter side rooms and a laid-back bar area for catching up with mates (or making new ones).
Drinks at Heaven are decent value, especially compared to some of Soho’s pricier clubs. You’ll find all the basics: lager on tap, classic spirits, and even cheeky Jägerbombs. Expect a big turnover at the bar after midnight, so plan ahead and maybe order a round for your group to avoid getting stuck in the rush. Plus, the bartenders are used to big crowds—they’ll keep things moving with a smile (most nights, anyway).
The venue is famously LGBTQ+ centered, but it's open-minded and everyone is welcome—so long as you bring good vibes. If you're looking to explore the neighborhood a bit, it’s just a quick wander to other iconic LGBTQ+ spots like Ku Bar or Circa, meaning a full tour of central London nightlife is easy to pull off in one go. And for late-night hunger, McDonald’s at Charing Cross is basically a tradition after a Heaven night out—Londoners swear by their fries to soak up the last of the alcohol.
Ben Walters, writing for The Guardian, called Heaven “the sparkling cornerstone of London’s queer club culture—a place where generations have come to celebrate, protest, and just let loose.”
Remember, the club stays open until at least 4am on weekends, with nearby night tubes and buses running from Charing Cross and Embankment. Just keep your Heaven nightclub wristband safe if you want to dip out and come back in; re-entry is usually allowed on bigger event nights.