The flagship outlet of the UK’s largest gay lifestyle superstore, Prowler Soho stocks all the good-time goodies you’d expect, in fantastic abundance: there’s a veritable apothecary of poppers; a vast collection of male sex toys, many with an appealingly manly aesthetic, including inflatable anal dongs and robust cock rings that look like one of the Mario Bros’ pipes; plus a huge array of jockstraps, super-snug boxers and more banana hammocks than you’d find at a fruit-themed beach resort.
However, Prowler also sells many highbrow items alongside the stuff for getting down ‘n’ dirty. They recently expanded their range of comics, magazines and indie-zines produced by local LGBTQ artists, and staff can recommend the latest award-winning gay-interest movies. The store frequently hosts meet ‘n’ greet and signing events, involving everyone from hot stars launching calendars to respected authors like former Health Secretary Lord Norman Fowler, who recently appeared in store to discuss his book about the fight against AIDS. In addition, they support various charities and drives, such the QX Editor’s campaign to push for statutory sex and relationships education in English schools.