Lesbian London: Bars, Events, Parties & More

If you’re wondering what London has to offer lesbian travellers, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I provide a complete rundown of lesbian London, including the best London Lesbian bars, clubs, events, and things to do around the city. 

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Where to Stay Lesbian London

You will struggle to find any hotels in London that aren’t LGBTQ+-friendly. After all, it is illegal to discriminate against same-$ex couples when renting a room in the UK.

While there are no specific gay hotels in London, by staying in the Soho area you can almost guarantee you’ll be in the company of other LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Alternatively, you can compare all hotels in London here or by using the map below.

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The Best of Lesbian London

I’m sure you’re keen to learn more about what there is to see and do in this exciting LGBTQ+Friendly city.

Naturally, being LGBTQ+ does not prevent us from wanting to explore like any other tourist. You’ll likely want to experience the London highlights as well as the queer things to do in the city.

Since this is a guide to lesbian London, I won’t delve into the highlights here. Instead, I recommend checking out this 4-day London itinerary.

For now, let’s look at all the fun queer things to do in London.

Things to do in Lesbian London

1. Check out the Queer Neighbourhood

London’s queer scene is fabulous, vibrant, and diverse. You can find gay bars and nightclubs in most neighbourhoods across the city. 

However, the epicentre of LGBTQ+ culture in London is Soho – a chic central neighbourhood boasting a realm of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. 

It’s here that you’ll find the vast majority of London’s lesbian bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants and shops.

2. Queer Walking Tours

If you’re keen to learn more about the colourful history behind LGBT+ culture in London, we highly recommend you check out Queer Tours of London.

Through creative, educational, and interactive tours, they tell the stories of London’s queer history, and how it came to be the flourishing rainbow capital that it is today. 

3. Gay’s the Word

The oldest gay and lesbian bookstore in the UK, Gay’s The Word is considered a national treasure amongst the LGBTQ+ community.

The store was founded over 40 years ago, and for a long time, was the only information resource for lesbians and gay men.

4. Admiral Duncan Memorial

A symbol of some of the cities darker LGBTQ+ history, the Admiral Duncan memorial can be found in St Anne’s Gardens.

The memorial is to remember those who lost their lives in the 1999 nail b0mb att@ck at the Admiral Duncan pub. 

5. Above the Stag Theatre

Situated under the arches in Vauxhall, Above the Stag is one of the most important queer venues in London.

As the UK’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ theatre in the UK, you can expect fun-filled queer entertainment all year round.

6. Dalston Superstore

Dalston Superstore is an eclectic LGBTQ+ space boasting a bar, a gallery, one of London’s all-vegan restaurants, and a performance space.

Their weekly drag brunches are a firm favourite, but keep an eye on their events calendar as theirs always something fun and fabulous to look forward to.  

7. Corner Cafe

One of London’s most recent LGBTQ+ spaces, Corner Cafe is a queer-owned creative haunt in New Cross.

Serving locally sourced coffee and food in a artistic setting, it’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. See a West End Show

It might not be a specific queer thing to do in London but you absolutely cannot visit without experiencing the fabulousness of London theatre.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly activity. But honestly, it’s worth it. This is a once in a lifetime experience.

Some of my favourite shows include The Lion King, Wicked, Mama Mia, Chicago, and Les Miserables.  

9. Queer Britain Museum

Queer Britain is the first dedicated LGBTQ museum in the UK. 

Located in Kings Cross, the museum is a celebration of queer culture and provides valuable insight into the complex history of our community.

10. Girls, Girls, Girls Sign

No trip to Lesbian London is complete without a visit to the iconic “Girls Girls Girls” sign in Soho.

This popular London instagram spot looks like the entrance to a strip bar. When actually it’s just an Italian restaurant.

11. Hampstead Ponds

The same-sex ponds at Hampstead Heath are renowned for being a potential hook-up spot.

This area has a reputation for being a cruising hotspot for all sexualities, so if you’re into that, it can be an exciting experience.

12. Glass House

Glass House is another new and exciting LGBTQ+ space in London and we love to see it. A multidisciplinary space in the heart of East London, it’s a hub for creativity.

A bookshop, café, queer bar, two podcast studios, and a large events space are some of the things you’ll find here. Remember, it’s really important to support LGBTQ+ business. Especially the new ones! 

15. Take a Day Trip to Brighton

If you’re in London for an extended amount of time, Brighton makes for the perfect day trip.

The charming seaside town is the ‘unofficial’ gay capital of the UK. Arguably more gay-friendly than London or any other city in the country.

There’s so much to love about Brighton. From it’s thriving gay scene and bohemian vibe, to the iconic pier adorned with arcades and fairground rides. Check out our guide to lesbian Brighton for more information.

Lesbian Bars in London

1. SHE Bar

This underground basement bar was, until recently, the only exclusive lesbian bar in London.

As well as lively club nights and cabaret shows, SHE bar also hosts regular comedy events, karaoke, and quiz nights.

2. La Camionera

The newest additon to London’s Lesbian scene, La Camionera (spanish for female truck driver) caused quite the stir during it’s opening in February.

For the time being, the bar is a residency and will open bi-weekly at 63 Broadway Market. However, the owners have promised a permanent location soon in Hackney.

2. G.A.Y

The world-famous bar has everything you might expect – trashy music, sticky floors, affordable drinks, and a fun-loving crowd.

It’s the venue that all gays and lesbians in London love to hate. Our guilty pleasure where we can dance the night away to cheesy pop classics and sip away on sugar-laced cocktails.

3. The Yard

One of my personal favourites, The Yard is one of the more unique gay (and lesbian) bars in London.

Nestled in an intimate courtyard tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Soho, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet drink or two before hitting the livelier bars and clubs.

4. Friendly Society

Another of my favourite lesbian London haunts, Friendly Society appears to be an unassuming back-alley bar from the outside.

Once inside, however, you’re greeted by one of the most quirky drinking holes in all of Soho. Barbie dolls hanging from the ceiling and whacky 70s decor.

5. Rupert Street

Located in the heart of Soho, Rupert Street Bar is a premium cocktail bar and an all-around favourite amongst the LGBTQ+ crowd. 

Hosting a daily happy hour from noon through to 8 pm, it’s especially popular for after-work drinks or pre-party drinks. 

6. Freedom Bar

If you fancy a slightly more sophisticated night out, Freedom Bar is a classy cocktail bar ideal for a quiet drink with friends.

The bar in the heart of Soho is the destination of choice amongst West End performers and gay and lesbian London bar-goers.

7. Admiral Duncan

This traditional English pub, doubles up as one of the oldest-standing gay and lesbian bars in London.

Sadly, it’s most famous for being the site of a fatal att@ck against the LGBTQ+ community. In 1999 a neo-N@zi set off a nail b0mb, k!lling three people and injuring many more.

But this legendary boozer triumphs over the hatred and continues to be a beloved venue amongst the LGBTQ+ community. 

8. Ku Bar

Ku Bar is one of the largest gay & lesbian bars in London, with an area to suit every occasion.

Enjoy a quiet after-work drink or date at the chic cocktail bar on the first floor. Or head downstairs to the Ku Klub where DJs blast out tunes until the early hours of the morning.

9. Village512

Village 512 is an all new gay and lesbian bar in East London. It’s an intimate venue with an enticing and seductive vibe. We love the neon-lit interior and retro decor. 

I’d say it’s the perfect spot for late night drinks. Also look out for the London lesbian party Aphrodyki that’s hosted here.

Lesbian Nightclubs in London

1. Heaven

Heaven nightclub is iconic to London’s Lesbian & Gay scene. A venue I have no problem returning to time and time again.

The multi-floored venue combines open planned concert halls hosting live-acts and drag performers, while dark and dingy club rooms play a variety of music genres.

It’s easy to get carried away in Heaven, and before you know it, you’re rolling out of here at sunrise. 

2. Circa

Another favourite on the gay & lesbian London nightclub scene, Circa is a versatile venue that always delivers.

Enjoy a relaxed midweek drink from Monday to Thursday, and from Friday onwards look forward to a crazed party atmosphere. 

Lesbian Parties in London

1. Lick

This monthly event is strictly for queer women and non-binary identifying folx. 

Expect fire-breathing, pole dancing, and lots of $exy women twerking to dance music. Check their Facebook for event dates.

2. Gal Pals

As the name suggests, this regular lesbian night in London & Brighton is the perfect girls night out.

Blasting out the best club bangers in the pop, rock, hip hop and R&B genres, it’s a firm favourite among lesbians and gender-nonconforming folx.  

3. Femme Fraiche

A regular lesbian London event at the gay hotspot Dalston Superstore, Femme Fraiche attracts big-name DJs and a $exy, fun-loving crowd.

Enjoy trashy club classics upstairs, or dark techno beats in the dingy basement.

4. Pxssy Palace

Well damn, with a name like that you know it’s going to be good!

This event hosts monthly themed parties, attracting queer woman, non-binary and trans people of colour. 

5. Butch Please

Held bi-monthly at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in Vauxhall, this night celebrates our butch subculture.

Expect wild live performances, energetic DJs and a whole lot of queer energy. 

6. Aphrodyki

Aphrodyki is one of the most unique lesbian parties in London and certainly one not to be missed.

This is London’s only Ancient Greek themed night for queer women, trans and non-binary people. 

Queer & Lesbian Events in London

1. Pride in London

London Lesbian and Gay Pride is the biggest Pride celebration in the country, and the whole city likes to get involved.

From the start of Pride month in June and throughout July (when we host the festival and parade), shops, train stations and billboards show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

If you’re lucky enough to be in London for the Pride celebrations, it will be a weekend you’ll never forget.  

2. UK Black Pride

London is proud to host the largest LGBTQ+ event for queer BIPOC, and this day is all about celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Held annually every July, everybody is welcome, and you can expect nothing but love and great vibes.

3. London Trans Pride

London Trans Pride celebrated its 5th year in 2023 and it was a monumental success.

The Pride march exceeded all expectations. It saw over 20,000 people walking the streets of London calling for an end to the oppression of trans people.

We love to see more and more people standing up for the trans community and hope that the event continues to gain momentum.

4. Mighty Hoopla

Mighty Hoopla is a two-day weekender, known for showcasing the best of pop and queer culture in the UK.

It’s not an exclusive LGBTQ+ event, but attracts a predomionantly queer crowd. And we love it for showcasing the best established and emerging LGBTQ+ artists!

5. Fringe! Queer Film and Arts Festival

Established in 2011, Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Festival celebrates and showcases LGBTQ+ creatives and talent.

November is when they host their film festival – an opportunity to catch the latest films, arts, and innovation amongst the queer creative scene.

It’s an entirely volunteer-run organisation doing incredible things for the community. Be sure to support them.

6. London Queer Fashion Show

London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. So it was only a matter of time before a queer fashion show appeared on the scene.

The London Queer Fashion Show was set up as a platform for independent queer designers to showcase their work. 

It’s all about inclusivity and breaking down gender-norms and societal expectations. If you love fashion, lesbian fashion or fashion in general, you won’t want to miss it.

Lesbian London FAQs

LGBTQ+ Rights in London

LGBTQ+ Safety in London

Despite some unsavoury reports regarding LGBTQ+ safety in Britain, the UK, especially London, is considered safe for queer travellers. 

Unfortunately, there have been some recent incidents of hate crime and discrimination in London; however, these are rare.

I don’t think any city in the world is entirely exempt from homophobic att@cks, but London is up there as one of the safest along with Berlin and Amsterdam. 

Best Time to Visit Lesbian London

There isn’t any right or wrong time to visit London, as there is generally a great atmosphere all year round.

If you are relying on good, warm weather, between May and October will be your safest bet. Although, this is London so always come prepared for rain!

July and August are the hottest and busiest months. But it’s also when the city is most alive with festivals, events, and queer parties like Pride in London.

Getting Around in London

While I usually love to explore new cities on foot, London is way too vast for that. Thankfully, London’s public transport network is one of the best in the world. 

First and foremost, I strongly encourage you to get an Oyster Card. The Oyster Card will ensure you get the cheapest rates when travelling around London.

Many transport networks are operating in London, but you’re most likely to be using the underground and buses the most. You can plan out your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.

London Tours

Some might say that taking a guided tour is the best way to experience this fun and exciting city.

We always use Get Your Guide when we book tours. They have an endless selection of tours in locations worldwide, including London.

Have Fun Exploring Lesbian London

That concludes our Guide to Lesbian London.  If you’re visiting the city soon, you might find some of our other London articles helpful.

If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.

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