12 Of The Best LGBTQIA+ Spaces In London
From book shops to cafes and bars and nightclubs, this is the only guide to London's LGBTQ+ cultural scene that you need to know.
When it comes to housing some of the greatest, and most inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people and their allies, London has so much to offer.
In each hemisphere of the capital, you'll find venues and events dedicated just for queer people, from bookstores and cafes to bars and nightclubs, the city's LGBTQ+ scene does not fall short. These spaces prioritise ensure that their guests feel safe, welcomed, and free to be as they are and most importantly, meet others and socialise.
Whether you're looking to top up your historical knowledge the city's most prominent cultural spots, want to find a community that really understands you, or want to support and discover something new, we've put together a comprehensive guide of 12 of London's most loved LBGTQ+ spots.
Gay's The Word
The closest thing to an encyclopaedia of everything you could ever want to know relating to the history of queer people, Gay Is The Word is place you've been searching for. Not only is it the oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the UK, but it also frequently hosts events to celebrate both established and upcoming queer authors and writers.
Address: 66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB
Corner cafe
If you’re looking for somewhere that serves delicious coffee, bakes and cakes and offers a creative space, look no for further than South London’s Corner café. Below the soothing interiors, guests can explore a basement art gallery where you can view exhibitions created by local artists as well as have the opportunity to buy their art.
Address: 117 New Cross Rd, London SE14 5DJ
Vagina Museum
When the Vagina Museum’s founder Florence Schechter first realised that there were no existing museums dedicated to the female reproduction system, she knew she had to change that. Currently on show at the museum is ‘From A to V’, an exhibition dedicated to debunking harmful and negative stigmas surrounding gynaecological anatomy and the ‘Museum of Mankind’, a parody exhibition with a focus on the history of misogyny.
Address: 276 Poyser St, London E2 9RF
Heaven
Long has it been known that some of the best parties that have ever been thrown, have been in queer spaces. A major cultural hub of London's LGBTQ+ night life scene, a visit to Heaven is a must. Since it opened it's doors back in 1979, it has hosted legendary performances from the likes of Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Adele. Situated in Charing Cross, the club is open every Thursday until Monday from 11pm-5am.
Address: Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6N
SHE Soho
As London's only permanent lesbian bar, SHE Soho is at the epicentre of lesbian club scene in the city. Initially, you may be fooled by its small size, but with live DJ sets, frequent special guests and drag queen performances, its intimate settings make for a memorable night out with friends. Open every night expect excluding Monday, the SHE offers a variety of nightly themes and music genres.
Address: 23a Old Compton St, London W1D 5J
Dalston's Superstore
A music-centred east side hub for the queer community, Dalston’s superstore is a multipurpose venue that hosts everything from drag brunches, live music shows to gallery viewings and a night club. Famed for its classic smash burgers, you can find these within the superstore at Troy’s Kitchen, as well as weekend breakfast menus.
Address: 117 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
Karaoke Hole
Nicknamed Dalston Superstore’s ‘bratty little sister’ is Karaoke Hole’s glitzy basement karaoke and drag bar. Whether you prefer it old school or new, themed nights dedicated to Girls Aloud, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and more plus an electric line of drag queen hosts will keep you going while you and your friends sing your hearts out. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this is where you’ll want to be for a guaranteed good time.
Address: 95 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
Glass House London
One of London’s biggest LGBTQIA+ multidisciplinary venues, Glasshouse is located on Brick Lane in East London. Be it a café, bar, bookshop or yoga classes and poetry and art workshops, there’s something for everyone to keep you wanting to come back. Inclusive to its core, this third space delivers on being both relaxed and vibrant all at the same time.
Address: 118 Bethnal Green Road , London, E2 6DG
Bala Baya
Located in London's southbank, Bala Baya is the latest eatery to have on your to-go list that caters to every kind of eater; from meat lovers to vegetarians that offer beyond delicious Eastern Mediterranaean dishes.
Lead by chef Eran Tibi, his brunch and a la carte dishes will satisfy your every craving from pitas and cauliflower steak to the brunch favourite 'mini mess', which features blackened aubergine, oregano, tahini, pomegrante molasses and lychee.
Address: Arch 25, Old union yard arches, 229 Union St, London SE1 0LR
Fink's Salt & Sweet
Filled with rustic charm, this homely cafe-deli will no doubt satisfy your every craving from morning to night. Panettone brioche buns, lemon and raspberry meringue pies and soy glazed pork belly sandwiches are just some of the tasty picks off the menu that make the visit to this North London eatery worth it.
Address: 70 Mountgrove Rd, Finsbury Park, London N5 2LT
Goldie Saloon
Promising to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, stunning queer energy plus DDA-approved accessibility, this East-London based haven will open its doors in July, just in time for summer. The vision? A private members club located in the heart of Hackney with the feel of a big sexy living room. Queer-led, the venue will double as a bar and café. Keep your eyes peeled.
Address: 10 Andre St, Lower Clapton, London E8 2A
La Camionera
New bar La Camionera only opened its doors in summer 2024 and is already one of our favourite LGBTQ+ spaces in London (more specifically in a basement on London’s Broadway Market). The lesbian, FLINTA*-backed (women, lesbian, inter, non-binary, transgender and agender) bar invites women to come in for a coffee and pastry by day, whether you want to meting with friends, work on your laptop, or enjoy a glass of vino in the garden (a daytime food menu is coming soon), and turns into a wine bar at night.
Address: La Camionera, 243 Well Street, London E9 6RG
Pride Celebrations Are Worryingly Quiet This Year
We Need More Than A Lesbian Renaissance
How The Tank Top Became A Queer Fashion Staple
With Make-Up, I Celebrate Pride All Year Round
