SHE Soho is a chic club and the only full-time lesbian-run bar in London. The “women priority” venue is a safe space for queer women, nonbinary people, and their guests. You can regularly stop by for drinks and dancing to one of their featured women DJs, or visit on one of their special event nights, where you can find themed parties, sexy burlesque shows, or queer-friendly comedy — SHE does it all.

Ku Group is made up of five of the best gay and lesbian bars around London — including SHE Soho — so you know you can find something no matter your flavour. Ku Bar, the three-story venue at 30 Lisle Street, has history as one of the first gay bars in Soho Central. Years later, it’s still a community favourite, and for a good reason.

No list of lesbian bars in London could be complete without the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Its beautiful structure was built in 1865 and has been revered as an LGBTQ+ cabaret venue since the 1980s. Their lesbian-friendly events make them stand out from the rest. With a range of variety shows, queer entertainment is endless at RVT. Check out the monthly Butch, Please!, where butch women are encouraged to come party all night long.

Queer partygoers visiting lesbian bars in East London can vibe at the bimonthly Fèmmme Fraîche event, which invites femmes and butches alike to party to the trashiest pop and guilty pleasure music, or underground house and techno tunes — the choice is yours. Naturally, this party at London’s beloved queer bar and gallery will be full of other art forms too, shedding a spotlight on women and queer artists

he name says it all. This three-story bar at 30 Old Compton Street is a colourful spot for queers, filled with jukeboxes and live performances. While welcoming to all LGBTQ+ folks, G-A-Y has special spaces and nights just for lesbians and queer women to dance the night away — and we mean all night; they’re one of the only gay and lesbian bars in South London that offers a late license to party. We love to see it.

Head here for an after-party or make it the main event, and try some local brews or CBD-infused drinks while you’re at it. The bar turns into a nightclub with a late license until 6 a.m. You’re not going to want to miss Aphrodyki, the only Ancient Greek-themed party for lesbians, queer women, and trans and nonbinary babes in London. The event promises to feature the goddesses of RnB and Pop — say no more, we’re there.

If you’re looking for the best gay and lesbian bars in North London, look no further than Siorai. This vibrant space at 114 Junction Rd is bursting with queer-friendly activities. Drag queens regularly grace the space in colourful performances through the refined venue. Get romantic in its hidden garden or indulge in its food and drink menu. There are even karaoke nights for your friends to show off your pipes — or have a good laugh.

Lafayette is a hidden gold mine for London’s enthusiastic lesbian bar supporters. You can find it at 11 Goods Way (but once you do, you might never want to leave!) One reason the live music venue is in such high standing with the local queers is its Gal Pals event, a queer dance party specifically created to build a safe space for queer women and nb folks. You can expect to hear jams from your favourite women and queer artists, so bring your friends and get ready for a night to remember.

For something a little more stylish and sophisticated, head over to Freedom Bar at 66 Wardour Street. Feel free and empowered to try one of its two dance poles on the floor or simply have a chat over drinks in one of the bar’s plush and intimate booths. With events like “Kinky Kabaret” and “High on Heels,” the vibe and entertainment have made this a hotspot for gay and lesbian bargoers in London.

This establishment welcomes London’s diverse creative and queer community. Each location offers something unique to its patrons. The Commons is its intimate gathering space where artists can perform and connect with the community. The Common Press, the intersectional bookshop, highlights work from queer and marginalised communities. Lastly, Common Counter, the space’s bar (and soon-to-be restaurant), emphasises its sustainability-focused mission with plenty of social events.