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Cruise On Down to Vault 139

Coming up to its fifteenth anniversary, this infamous cruise bar is a must-visit spot when you’re in the middle of the city and in the mood for a little fun…

Pretty much all Londoners quickly find the compass point of the city they vibe hardest with and set up home there, but regardless of where they end up, they still need a pretty good knowledge of the centre — we’re talking a classy date spot, a reliable place for dinner and a late-night dancefloor. Oh, and somewhere to squeeze in a quick shag, too.

That latter place should be Vault 139, in our humble and honest opinion. Open for exactly half the week — 1pm-1am, Monday to Sunday — this subterranean cruise joint is tucked away in  that surprisingly quiet bit between Warren Street and Goodge Street. Head down the steps and you’ll find a bar against which to lean and survey the talent, plus all sorts of darkened corridors and crevices in which to get your mitts on each other.

There are four main sessions happening throughout the week. During CRUISE, guys start with their clothes on, which is perfect for those who get off on the anticipation of imagining what lies underneath —  you don’t have to wait too long to find out normally!

UNDERWEAR and NAKED are a little more self-explanatory, with visitors stripping down as soon as they enter and mingling in among a heaving crowd of semi-clad or completely nude fellas — think Roman orgy vibes.

ALL or NOTHING gives you the option of keeping your kit on or going starkers — some men really love the power dynamic that comes with a mix. Some people also choose to wear kinkwear, like leather or rubber, during this session and it’s a great way of exploring what turns you on.

CRUISE 1pm-7pm NKD 7pm-1am

CRUISE 1pm-1am

CRUISE 1pm-7pm

UNDERWEAR 7pm-1am

NKD 7pm-1am

ALL or NOTHING 7pm-1am

UNDERWEAR 1pm-7pm

We chatted with Mike from Vault 139 and gave him some quickfire questions. Here’s what he had to say.

In general, which of the four sessions are most popular?

Throughout the week, there are special offers to reel the punters in, whether that’s free entry for those lucky enough to be aged 25 and under on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as the same for Blue Light/CAC cardholders and students on Tuesdays. As well as that, there are one-off parties happening sporadically throughout the year, during which the neon paint comes out and the blacklight turns on — these are especially sexy dates, so keep an eye out for these!

Vault 139 is located at 139-143 Whitfield Street, W1T 5EN,

Nearest Station: Warren Street, vault139.com

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Vault 139 Review | London’s Decadent Gay Bar

Since my SweatBox Soho experience didn’t quite go as planned, I began to worry that all gay London venues might be like this. So I went into Vault 139 a little shy and apprehensive. I didn’t know if these gay venues would all be filled with men who are somewhat standoffish. So, I went to Vault 139, and it blew my mind… multiple times!

Vault 139 Facilities

One of the great things about the hotel I stayed in, the Pavilion Hotel , is that it’s only three stops on the London Tube from Vault 139.

I got ready and headed out. You can get to Vault 139 by taking The Tube to Great Portland Street and walking a few blocks after getting off.

As I walked down the street, I couldn’t help but think how residential the neighborhood looks. There are pubs, restaurants and flats lining the boulevards.

I arrive. I’m nervous. The entrance is basically a descent down a thin staircase with glowing lights. Upon landing, there is a door to pay for your entry. 

The entrance is 9 pounds, but you get a complimentary drink voucher and a free coat check. This is awesome because it’s cold, and I have a giant coat on.

When you pay, they buzz you in, and you proceed down a couple more steps before you behold Vault 139 in all its glory.

Behold Vault 139

From here, there’s the bar directly in front of you. There are bar stools lined up.

To the left, there are a few couches with men sitting, hanging out. It’s a lounge area. Beyond that, there’s another room with metal beaded/chain curtains. The curtains give the place a particular atmosphere, but it’s not for privacy. This area is more or less an open concept type of space.

To the right, there’s a dark room. The coat check is here too. I stand in line and proceed to check my coat, wallet, cell phone, and anything else that might fall out of my pockets.

I’m from LA, and pickpockets are something I’m always conscious of. So I check anything that can be taken. Except for my drink ticket.

The guy taking my coat starts flirting with me. It’s adorable, but I’m pretty sure they’re paying him to be flirty. He says to me, “Just your coat? I want to see more of you.” It’s nice to hear, even if he is getting paid.

TIP: Everything is safe when checked in. If you’re trying to pay for drinks or need your cell phone often you’ll have to go back to the coat check to get these items again. However, let the coat check guy know he should leave it behind the bar for easy access. They have cubbies specifically for this behind the bar.

The Main Play Rooms at Vault 139

I grab my free beer at the bar and decide it’s time to check out the entire venue. When you turn right at the coat check, there’s another metal beaded curtain that separates each room. 

There are leather seats to the left against the walls. Two wooden barrels in the middle break up the floor. To the right, there are leather platforms for seating, laying, or whatever you may need them for. There’s a guy on all fours waiting for stallions to give it to him good. 

The Private Rooms

Past this room, there’s a long hallway. This hallway is composed of private rooms. Therefore, if you need some private time with a hottie, you can use one of these rooms. 

Although these rooms are not as private as you think. The doors are like saloon doors that swing in and out. There’s no lock. They’re also open at the top and bottom. However, it’s so dark the only way to know if there is anyone there is if the door is closed.

If you continue walking down the hall, you eventually hit another area with seats along the walls. It’s lined with leather seating arrangements where men are seated in the dark.

Past this, you enter the bar area again and make your way back towards the lit lounge area.

However, if you follow the hallway just a little more, you’ll come to another hall. It’s dark. There’s a corner where men congregate. 

Men stood in line for what I thought were the restrooms. These private rooms have floor-to-ceiling doors. I didn’t go inside, but they look glory hole rooms.

I later learned that restrooms are near the bar area, right outside of the dark rooms.

Vault 139 isn’t as big as you would imagine, but the play area is enough for people to have lots of fun.

Day by Day at Vault 139

I should mention I ended up coming to Vault 139 on Friday and Saturday. I’ll talk about both days in this review just to give you a sense of what you should expect.

Their days change day by day, so always check their website. Some days are mandatory nude or underwear only. Other days are clothed. Some are “do as you wish.”

Friday’s are what they call Cruise. It means you arrive and keep your clothes on. Saturday it’s Cruise during the day but starting at 7 pm it’s All or Nothing, which means you can keep your clothes on or take off as much as you want.

My Vault 139 Experience 

I arrived on a Friday evening. If it’s lame, I’ll leave early. I sip on my drink after looking around. I’m nervous. Although, as I look around, I noticed a certain handsome gentleman with glasses following me. He’s older than me, fit, well dressed.

It seems like he might have come from work. He has on a button-up shirt tucked into his pants. He looks like he might be a professor. I’m getting a smart, sexy vibe from him.

I decided I want to go into the room with the beaded curtains to the left of the bar. I watch and observe a few men. It’s not full, but there are about seven men here. Two guys on their knees as they pleasure the other five.

The five tops are very sexy. Masculine men grunt as they thrust their hips deep into the throats of the two guys on their knees. Some guys are bald, clean-shaven. Others have tattoos on their arms.

I watch as they swap bottoms to share between the five. Each top is surprisingly well endowed. It makes me wonder if these guys come here because they know how big their package is. It’s almost like a mating call.

Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I notice the tall, handsome sexy, but smart-looking gentleman stand behind me. He’s a little too close for comfort but backs away and sits on the leather couch next to me.

Sitting is a good idea as I watch this show. I sit and continue sipping my drink. The handsome man, now sitting across from me, looks at me as he starts to play with his package. He unzips his pants and struggles to get his piece out.

It springs out to unveil an enormous tool, thick with enthusiasm, dripping life from the tip. He starts to play with it as he rubs his chest. I can see the veins more clearly as it gets harder. It’s hot.

So what do I do when it’s hot, and I’m getting thirsty? I down my beer and get ready for another one!

I look around and notice each guy on the couch is now pleasuring themselves, waiting for eager bottoms to fulfill their fantasy for the night.

Each man is different. There’s a mix of races and sizes. Some are tall, and some are short. Others are fit, and most are masculine. I noticed a few that were very old, but most are around their 30s and 40s.

The Main Darkroom at Vault 139

I walk out and pay for my second beer. Then I decide to go to the darkroom near the coat check. I walk past the beaded curtains. Vault 139 is getting full. It’s not crowded, but there’s a decent amount of people.

The guy on all fours is now getting plowed by someone. I get closer because I want to see it. It’s like being on a set of a porn studio.

It’s exciting and very sexy. I watch as others line up to take a turn on him. The great thing about men is how visual they are. It’s contagious.

The guys start taking turns on him, asking each other if they want a turn. It’s like they are friends sharing a Coca Cola. You want some? “Yeah,” the next guy says.

I turn around to see every man stroking it. Although the place is getting busy, I wouldn’t say it was packed. There are about 10 to 12 guys in this room right now. One guy tasting each cock as they stroke it. Sucking one, but grabbing another. Sometimes he had two in his mouth.

Action Everywhere

I walked down the hall and made the right towards the main bar. It was hard to get by. Guys on their knees are pleasuring men sitting down. Other men are sharing bottoms. I had to be careful not to step on bottoms on their knees. This room is busy.

The men here work up a sweat, sometimes they take breaks to wipe the saliva dripping from their chin. Other times they wipe the beads of sweat from their foreheads.

Vault 139 is a free-for-all. It changed my mind about standoffish guys in London. There is none of that here. In fact, everyone here is out for fun.

Many of the men here are very attractive but are looking for group action. Vault 139 is a no-brainer. You will get some if you come here. It all depends on what you want to do or how far you want to take it. 

I saw men doing each other. Other men only wanted fellatio. Many bottoms had more than one guy at a time. Vault 139 is fun as HELL!

I loved Vault 139 so much I decided to see what Saturday is like. Saturday night is considered All or Nothing, this means dress as you wish. I walked into the bar and noticed an array of dress styles.

Men were dressed in leather. Some in jockstraps, others are wearing only a cock-ring. The age was younger tonight. More men in their 30s. The younger crowd intimidated me, but I soon learned that, just like Friday night, everyone was here to have fun.

I didn’t encounter any pretension. Everyone wanted to play and have a great Saturday night.

I checked my coat and grabbed my beer. I start to roam to see what the crowd is like. It’s busier than last night. There are a lot more people, and more men means more hot men in general.

I walk past the first dark room with the barrels in the middle, and a Middle Eastern guy in his mid-30s, wearing a jockstrap, looks at me. He winks and calls out, “Hi sexy.” He’s fit and lean. There’s a nice patch of hair on his chest, and he has a great beard.

I say hi and continue to walk, but he follows me. I turn to see where he is. He grabs his jock and says, “I need a bottom for the night. I haven’t unloaded yet. It could be all yours.”

I continue to see how full Vault 139 is tonight. I see men getting it on everywhere. There are guys on their knees. Men are partaking in group sex everywhere. I see one guy literally take dick from one guy’s mouth only to suck on it himself. It was clear that he did not want to share that thick shaft with anyone. Relax boys, there’s plenty for everyone!

As I sit in the lounge area to finish my beer, I notice a young naked guy standing next to me. He makes eye contact with someone across the room, which comes over to hug him. They start making out vigorously as he plays with his ass. The funny thing is, 10 feet away is the darkroom, where you can literally take it as far as you want. 

I was annoyed. Get a room. No, really, there are private ones here. I get up to change seats, and the man doing all the groping looks at me and says, “Woah, you’re next.”

Tonight, the men are very forward. There are so many people. It’s hard to get around. However, the crowd is fun and non-pretentious.

As I decide to leave an older stallion in a tight white shirt looks at me. He has great pecs and a nice build. He’s wearing easy to take off sweat pants, but they outline his nice legs well. 

Leaving already? He says. I put on my coat and say, “Its time.” 

“I could’ve shown you a good time tonight,” he says.

The bulge in his pants growing as he talks to me starts twitching in anticipation.

“Maybe next time, but thank you, handsome,” I say as I leave the venue.

Going Back to Friday Night

As I sat at the bar, contemplating if I should leave, sipping the remains of my beer, a young handsome British lad sits next to me. He sparks a conversation, and we hit it off. He’s into scary movies and music. He’s fun, witty, and cute.

He asks me if I’m doing anything later. I laugh and say, this is what I’m doing. I’m checking out Vault 139 for my blog.

Let’s go to dinner, he says… We head off to dinner, where he shows me around a bit, we grab some drinks at a non-gay bar that’s chic and happening.

The cool thing about Vault 139 is that even though Friday night wasn’t as busy as Saturday, I managed to make a fun, platonic, non-sexual friend.

We had a delicious burger, talked about life, exchanged Facebook, and Instagram info before we called it a night.

I suppose anything can happen at Vault 139. And just like life, in the midst of the crazy and unexpected, you find someone just fun enough, just as different as you are, and you become friends. It’s funny how travel can make these things happen.

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Let me break it down for you:

Friday and Saturday area great times to head to the Vault 139. I’ve also heard their underwear days are off the hook.

It’s 9 pounds to get into the door. It includes a free beer and a complimentary coat check.

Many handsome men come here. Races of all types. Mostly in their 30s and 40s. All types of body types. However, I noticed a lot of fit men here. There is no pretension. No one is standoffish.

The only thing about Saturday is that it was so full it was hard to walk around. Otherwise, it’s a blast.

I highly recommend putting Vault 139 on your list of gay venues to check out while you’re in London.

If you need more info, check out their website: http://www.vault139.com/

Related Posts

I was creating a mental picture of your post 🤤 I need to visit Vault 139 ASAP. Actually, I was looking for flights to London and Vault 139 will be on my To Do List in London.

YES! Def go! Its amazing. Especially if youre already going. I LOVED it and recommend it. I wanna hear all about it if you go 😜.

Pingback: Want to Celebrate Pride in Quarantine? - Designing Life

I did wonder what night you went on from the start, so nice to see it mentioned further down. I think it could be a bit more of a shock if your first trip is on an underwear or naked night. I know I eventually built up to those, and it also depended on when I happened to be in London, as the more stripped-down ones tend to be during the week. I think I first tried it in 2009, but it was 2017 before I ended up going to the naked one. Given that some of the underwear ones had been disappointingly quiet, I thought even more people would be scared off by the prospect of wandering around completely naked. I was quite surprised to find it to be one of the busiest nights I’d ever visited and I was approached by a guy before I’d even ordered my free drink!

Sounds like a fun time. I think i need to work up to the naked one as well. But i think its worth a shot. I could just imagine The Vault full of naked men! 😉 hopefully next time im in London…

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• Cruise Club

Information

London's favourite cruise bar is open 7 days a week between 1pm and 1am. Entry (£10) includes one drink, coat check and free re-entry.

Ring the door bell and wait to be allowed in.

Typical audience

Most people visiting Vault 139 are casually dressed gay men.

• Adults only
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Air conditioning
• Porn screens

Payment & Pricing

• Usually paid entry
• Card payments accepted
• Cash accepted
• NFC payments accepted
• $$ Average prices

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Men only cruising bar. Vault139 is a sexy bar with videos and play areas, busy cruising venue and different weekly theme nights. Free reentry passes available all night. FREE coatcheck, A FREE drink on entry. An alternative venue for the London gay scene, a very popular bar.

Monday: Cruise £7, Stripped £8 Tuesday: Cruise £7 1pm - 7pm, £8 7pm - 1am Wednesday: Cruise £7, Underwear £8 Thursday: Cruise £7, Stripped £8 Friday: Cruise £7 1pm - 7pm, £8 7pm - 1am Saturday: Cruise £7 1pm - 7pm, £8 7pm - 1am Sunday: Cruise £8, Underwear £7 Entrance fee includes; secure coat check, a drink, re-entry and Wifi for no extra charge.

Daily 1pm-7pm day cruise. 7pm-1am night cruise (stripped). CRUISE All comer's welcome. No dress code. UNDERWEAR Only boxers, Jock Straps, Y-Fronts, G-string etc., plus footwear. No shirts, no trousers. STRIPPED No clothes - strictly bollock naked apart from footwear (shoes, trainers or boots allowed).

the music & dresscode

Mon-Sat 1pm-7pm clothes on. 7pm-1am Mon naked, Tues clothes on, Wed underwear only, Thurs naked, Fri clothes on, Sat clothes on. Sun 1pm-7pm underwear only, 7pm-1pm clothes on.

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139-143 Whitfield Street

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