Comptons of Soho
Comptons of Soho stands on Old Compton Street in Soho in the West End of London. Old Compton Street is regarded as the gay street in London, and Comptons is the original gay bar located on that street. It was built as "the Swiss Hotel" in 1890, and renamesd "Swiss Tavern" in the 1950s, being already known as "not entirely straight".ref>http://www.qxmagazine.com/pdf/backissues/qx596.pdf</ref> By 1986 the Swiss Tavern had been renovated and renamed to "Comptons Of Soho" as a gay bar.[1] In November 2006 it celebrated its twentieth anniversary, at which time, QX Magazine referred to it as "The Grand Dame of Queer Street" [2]
It is a traditional British pub, formerly with a central bar which one could walk right around, now moved to the side to give more space to punters. It is often referred to a Britain's highest grossing pub for its size.
Famous people who frequented
Film director Derek Jarman was often seen drinking in Comptons when he was alive.
Address
51-53 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 6HJ
