Kaos

What it is

Kaos is a bar by day and a club by night, right next to the Flying Handbag at the top of Queen Street. During the week it trades as a daytime and early-evening bar. On Friday and Saturday it turns into one of the latest places in the quarter, with a dancefloor, DJs and guest performers until 4am.

The 2026 refit gave it a new look: new floors, new bars and toilets, glitterballs and neon rainbow lighting. The reaction from the scene has been warm, with customers describing a place where they felt welcome, accepted and safe.

History in brief

The building was once the Trades Bar on Queen Street. It was later reinvented as Kaos, a gay bar with an industrial look, a metal dancefloor and music from the 80s to the present day. It ran for about a decade and became one of the quarter's late-night staples before going quiet.

In April 2026 Kaos closed for a full refurbishment under new owners, who also brought in new security staff and new DJs. Test nights ran in early July, the new look was unveiled on 4 July, and the bar reopened to the public on 11 July 2026. Two weeks later RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta headlined a packed club night. The owners have said there are still finishing touches to come and that they have bigger plans for the space.

What's on

• Daytime and early evening: open from around midday until 8pm, six days a week.
• Friday and Saturday: open late, until 4am, with DJs and a busy dancefloor. Last entry is at 2.30am.
• Special nights: Drag Race guests and themed club nights are announced through the bar's own pages.

Drinks

Kaos is drinks-led, with no kitchen. Expect a standard bar range with a party focus at weekends.

Who it suits

Kaos suits people who want to dance late on a Friday or Saturday, groups heading on after the Handbag or Funny Girls, and fans of visiting drag stars. Daytime sessions are a quieter alternative for an afternoon drink on Queen Street.

Entry

Kaos is strictly 18+, with Challenge 25 ID checks. Door staff work through the evening and there are more on duty after midnight. Last admission is 2.30am, so don't leave it too late.

Accessibility

No accessibility information has been published since the refit. Contact the bar before visiting if you need step-free access.

Location and nearby

Kaos sits beside the Flying Handbag near the top of Queen Street, across the road from Funny Girls and Oscars. Sherlock's is a short walk towards the sea, and Lord Street's bars start just around the corner.