51-53 Old Compton Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 6HN
(020) 3238 0163
The ViewLondon Review
When is comes to the gay scene, do you loathe those noisy video bars, resent paying inflated prices in some snooty posers’ paradise, or just feel like an ancient relic? If you do, Comptons of Soho might provide the antidote with its decidedly low-key atmosphere, cheapish drinks and a mostly 30-plus male clientele.
The Venue
Inside Comptons of Soho, the horseshoe-shaped main bar is flanked by slightly shabby red decor, wooden panelling and brass chandeliers. At one end an inelegant staircase leads to a second floor, which opens up of an evening when the after-work drinkers swell the numbers. During the day, you’ll doubtless find this a relaxing place to sit and read the gay press (QX magazine arrives every Wednesday and Boyz every Thursday). There are plenty of places to perch including bar stools and a cosy corner booth.
Most evenings, it’s a different story and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a place to stand, let alone sit. That said, standing cheek-to-jowl at the busier times is an ideal way to make new acquaintances. And this is one gay venue where you’ll feel just as comfortable on your own as you do with a gang of mates.
The Atmosphere
Downstairs is the place to cruise, while upstairs couples and small groups tend to hold court. When the sun is shining do get the barman to serve your drink in a plastic container and join the drinkers and smokers out front to gawp at the endlessly entertaining parade of hunks, freaks, lesbians and drag queens going about their business on Old Compton Street. It’s the best free show in town.
The Music
There’s a live funky house DJ on the decks every Friday and Saturday from 8pm, while on Thursday evenings the live DJ plays a deliciously retro '70s and '80s set.
The Drink
While the standard of service varies wildly, the drinks prices are reasonable. Wines by the glass cost from £2.50 for 175ml; spirits from £2.50 (doubles with mixer from £3.50) and wide range of bottled beers from £3. Draught lager costs from £2.65 a pint, with the usual suspects of Stella Artois, Fosters and Heineken augmented by Guinness (£3 a pint) and Holland’s popular Amstel beer (£2.85).
The Last Word
What makes Comptons unique is its friendly crowd, its location, its naff charm and also sense of history. The building began life as The Swiss Hotel and is said to have hosted the composer Wagner in 1839. Later renamed The Swiss Tavern, it was where writer Dylan Thomas began an extra-martial affair in 1943. The venues latest reincarnation as a gay bar came in 1986 – and who can argue with that?
Comptons has been reviewed by 12 users