It’s important to us to celebrate our very special community and all that they’re doing to create safe and inclusive spaces. As much as we’d love to divulge an entire guide on every bar, theatre, bookshop, and café across the UK and further afield, we don’t have the word count and it’d be longer than we know your attention span can handle.
So instead, here’s a personal note from us, and a short overview of our favourites.
Enjoy!
ZOË
I moved to London just over a year ago, and it’s been everything and more than I could have wished for. I’ve met the most incredible queer people through work, joined the best football team (Whippets FC), and have had some pretty special friends opening dedicated spaces on my doorstep. The need for these spaces will never stop, so I’m glad we have the support of the GB & C team to dedicate a Substack to spotlighting the venues we love, which deserve the attention.
GREGOR
Queer spaces are an integral part to the diverse fabric of a city, and as someone who has moved to London from a rural background, they have housed some of my most cherished memories and nurtured some of my closest relationships. Whether it's a place to eat, party, drink or just relax, the sense of community they offer is invaluable. These spaces are more than just venues – they are sanctuaries of connection and identity that must be protected at all costs.
A FEW FAVOURITES
Opened in July by Mai Harris and El Pinnock (GUTS Gallery) this self-described ‘big gay living room’ is a FLINTA* space created for lounging during the day and sipping on something special in the evening. The moody and intimate space boasts a pretty impressive natural wine list and arguably Hackney’s best Spicy margarita. So far, they have offered the space to queer groups for various events and hosted women's football screenings – and it's becoming quite the hot spot for certain famous faces…
A queer bar and community space in the seaside town of Margate, adorned with disco balls, shimmered curtains, fairy lights, and everything to match its name. Opened in 2022 by five best friends who were running queer nights across the town and wanted to create their own space, the bar has hosted everything from drag nights, to block parties and a book club for both its local community and those visiting.
Earlier this year, owners Alex and Clara hosted a pop-up bar on Broadway Market to test the waters. This test turned into a hugely successful evening with hundreds, if not thousands, of lesbians flocking to get involved. Following an incredibly successful community fundraising campaign, it is now London's first FLINTA* owned permanent space on Well Street in Homerton. The kitchen has also recently opened with chef Abs Harris creating a daily changing menu of Spanish pintxos and small plates paired with a rotating natural wine list.
Nestled down a side street in Bloomsbury lies the UK’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bookshop, opened in 1979 by a Gay Socialist group as a bookshop, hub and safe house for lesbians and gay men. It remains a queer stalwart within the city and an affirming hub for queer literature in the UK.
And, an honourable mention for some others that we love:
Are there any other recommendations you would like to hear from us? Drop a comment below or send us a note – we’d love to know.
Love,
Gemma Bell & Company