London, UK
Bars, Nights & Clubs
Bar Wotever (Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Central Station)
Born out of the Drag King movement, Bar Wotever has morphed into a gender bender stage promoting all kinds of queer culture. They show films on Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays it’s open mic where you’ll see everything from tranny bois to butch daddies to femmes fatales perform music and spoken word. Do not take yourself seriously and dress up, dress fun!
37 Wharfdale Rd.
Islington, London
Blush Bar
Local pub for the lesbian set with a lovely garden and the pre-requisite pool tables. Different themes every evening, from Texas Hold’em lessons and tournaments on Tuesday nights to Krazy Karaoke on Fridays and a delicious roast lunch served on Sundays until 6:00 p.m. This Sunday meal is quite popular, so it’s always best to reserve.
8 Cazenove Rd.
Stoke Newington, London
Bootylicious (every 2nd Saturday of the month at Area)
“Bootylicious is the home of black music for polysexual guyz and girlz in London. 3 floors, 5 bars, + separate VIP areas. Hiphop RNB, Dancehall, Soca and Reggaeton, Latin House Soul disco classics, brought to you by the superb Bootylicious DJ Crew.” Awarded "Club of the Year" 2008 at the Black LGBT awards, this is an amazing party!
67-68 Albert Embankment
London
Candy Bar
For more than a decade this was the iconic London lesbian bar, but in the summer of 2008, things somehow imploded. Founder Kim Lucas left, bringing a lot of the Candy Bar staff with her. They've now started up Sweet as Soho (see below), and new owners of Candy Bar have taken over. It's still a lesbian bar, but it will be interesting to see how they fare without Lucas on their team. If you've visited the new Candy Bar, let us know what you think in the comments section.
4 Carlisle St.
Soho, London
Club Dum Dum (2nd Saturday of the month at the Dome downstairs)
Lesbian DJ Qurra (of Club Kali fame) hosts this new monthly Asian/Arab queer dance party with RnB, Hip Hop, Bhangra, Arabic and Desi beats.
178 Junction Rd.
Islington, London
Club Kali (1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at the Dome)
While 95% of the year this is a straight south-Asian club, two Fridays of the month it turns into the biggest LGBT Asian music party in the world! Contemporary Bhangra and Hindi mixed with Western pop and soul bring the house down.
1 Dartmouth Park Hill
London
Club Motherfucker (2nd Saturday of the month at Bardens Boudoir)
Hard core to the core, this pansexual night is brought to you by the Daughters of Kaos, two kick-ass party gals who wanna rumble. It’s punk, indie, metal, lectro, anything they fucking want and you better want it too! Keep your eyes peeled for their occasional one-off party, Potty Mouth.
38-44 Stoke Newington Rd.
Stoke Newington, London
Club Wotever (1st Saturday of the month at the Master’s Club)
More gender-bending fun from the Wotever gang. Queers of all sorts are invited for the party that starts with a 10 p.m. show and is followed by dancing galore.
12 Denman St.
Soho, London
Code (3rd Friday of the month at Enclave)
Swanky, exclusive women's party where you'll only get in if you're on the guest list. But no worries, you don't have to be a celeb to get on that sacred scroll. A simple visit to their website does the trick.
25-27 Brewers St.
Soho, London
www.club-code.net
Corset and Diamonds parties
This somewhat monthly extravaganza is a "Burlesque Party for girls and their friends. Men are allowed but they will have to be invited by their female hosts." Dress-up is more then encouraged, "show off your wardrobe and imagination by dressing in vintage, burlesque style (think corset, diamonds, mini hat, net, glitter, sparkle, dinner suit, velvet, flowers, lingerie, feathers, fascinators, sequins, gloves, beauty spot, bow tie, braces, fake moustaches, cabaret, theatrical clothes, lace, top hat, veil, bustier, basque, fishnets, heels, boots, polka dots, fake eyelashes, ribbons ...), Hollywood Glamour, Pin up, Rat Pack, Cabaret, Tipping the Velvet and Moulin Rouge." Check the website for upcoming dates.
Curves (First Saturday of the month at Apt club)
It's ladies only at this popular monthly event with R 'n' B, soul, Old Skool, hip hop, funky house and more. A great two-floor space offers the chance to wander around and check out the girls. Arriving before 10:30 p.m. gives you a reduced admission fee.
Aldermary House
10-15 Queen St.
London
Duckie (every Saturday night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern)
Here’s an escape from the Kylie and Madonna of so many homo bars. Duckie is old-school, make that back to the roots old-old-school, courtesy their DJs the London Readers’ Wifes. This is a mixed post-gay vaudeville and burlesque performance/dance event that won’t disappoint.
327 Kennington Lane
Lambeth, London
Exilio (every Saturday night at the LSE Underground)
If samba, rhumba and merengue are part of your vocabulary, check out Exilio, London’s only LGBT Latin party. More boys, but there’s still cute girls and verrrrry sexy dancing.
LSE SU Underground
Houghton St.
Soho, London
Festival of Sins (Every 2nd Saturday of every other month at the Purple Turtle)
Quickly becoming known as one of London's most exciting, pansexual fetish parties, this is like a mini-festival every time it rolls around. This night is a mix of "unusual fashion shows, experimental burlesque and fetish performance artists, top bands and DJs." Dress for success! Check the website for upcoming dates.
65 Crowndale Rd.
Camden, London
www.festivalofsins.com
First Out Café/Bar (especially on Friday and Saturday nights)
I've put this listing in the "Bars, Nights & Clubs" section, but it could also go in "Restaurants." Established in 1986, First Out calls itself the "first gay and lesbian cafe-bar in London." Generally though, girls will drop by here on a Friday or even more on Saturday night to get the evening rolling before heading out to the bars. On Friday night they host their weekly Girl Friday parties and on Saturdays there's a new Cut'n'Paste party for lesbians. You get your groove on early here, as of 7 p.m., but the party only goes until 11 p.m. when you'll move on to your next destination. They’ve also got tons of flyers for lesbian parties at the entranceway.
52 St Giles High St.
Camden, London
Fuel (Wednesdays at Freedom)
A brand-new hump night party (launched October, 2008), that's promising an evening of sexy shennanigans. Lots of go-go dancers, shots slurped from belly buttons, and down'n'dirty music. It sounds like they're going for a "Truck Stop" feel for those of you who've enjoyed that L.A. party (and to boot, they say they are basing their night on an American lesbian club night). The party starts early though, as of 7 p.m.
66 Wardour St.
Soho, London
Fun For Females
Imagine a penthouse apartment in central London full of women who are there for a single purpose: sex. No strings attached, no drama, just lots of fun nooky with anybody and everybody! That is what these exclusive Fun For Females parties are all about. This isn't an inexpensive evening out... the entrance itself is about $75 U.S., but you can count on high quality and discretion during your evening romp. These parties happen about once every month or two and reservations are mandatory.
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Wow. I had an amazing night. This party is the real deal. Something for all tastes in terms of how you like women, and an amazing set up - a classy apartment, the right ambiance and unbelievably hot sex. I will be back here whenever I'm in town. London's best kept secret!
Left Smiling... on Jun 11, 2008
Funk Me (3rd Thursday of the month at the Rex Cinema Bar)
Very swish lesbian party for a cause, as each month profits go to a different LGBT or women's charity. A cool, laid back spot, enjoy a drink to the sounds of funk, nu soul and jazzy house. And yes, there really is a cinema in this space and when Funk Me is on, you can enjoy work from up-and-coming queer filmmakers on their big screen.
21 Rupert St.
Soho, London
Geisha Girls (Wednesdays and Thursdays at Geisha Bar)
Great way to start you clubbing weekend in the heart of Soho. This is quite a swish and very gay cocktail bar (think apple-lychee mojitos and "saketinis" made with sake, vodka, sugary syrup and strings of fresh cucumber....) that is generally for the boys, but on these nights are reserved for the ladies. This is where you'll go to start your evening... have a drink with the girls before heading over to Miss Shapes at Ghetto (they'll even give you reduced entry coupons for that party!)
75 Charing Cross Rd.
Soho, London
Ghetto Bar (especially Thursday for Miss-Shapes)
Ghetto calls itself a gay and lesbian bar, but in reality, more men go here than women, but for the hip, young, alternative dykes this is still one of their favorite venues, especially on week nights. Ghetto has a different party every night of the week (and they’re all pretty popular) like Monday’s Rockstarz, Tuesday’s “Don’t Call Me Babe”, Wednesday’s “Nag Nag Nag” and Thursday’s “Miss-Shapes” (which is especially enjoyed by the girls).
5 Falconberg Ct.
Soho, London
Glass Bar
Calling itself a member’s-only lesbian club, the membership only demands that you pay a £1 entrance fee (or £5 on Saturday nights) with each visit. Glass Bar had some serious landlord problems in summer, 2007. They closed down for a couple of months due to a legal battle, but Glass Bar ultimately won and re-opened in September, 2007, with a slight change in mandate. They are now not only a bar/club, but also a Women's Arts and Community Centre, hosting all kinds of cultural and social events.
190 Euston Rd.
Camden, London
www.theglassbar.org.uk
Goodwill (1st Saturday of the month at Bordello)
"Our disorderly house has an open door policy for pansys & bears, butches & femmes and all those who lie betwixt them. We play great music, our crowd is hip and good looking, the cocktails are finely mixed, there's dancing, there's seating. Comfy seating, with cushions. From where you can watch the dancing. See how it all fits together? It's going to be beautiful." Enough said!
187 Wardour St.
London
Killer Queen (Thursdays at Borderline)
Another new queer party (launched October, 2008) in Soho! Even though everybody is welcome, seeing as it's hosted by the fantastic ladies behind Miss-Shapes and Play (see below), so you can bet it will be a killer dance party with lots of girls.
16 Manette St.
Soho, London
Kink (4th Saturday of the month at Geisha)
The uber-successful Wish (see below) gains a lot of its popularity thanks to DJ Kate Nunn. She's now started up this new monthly event that is certain to bring in the girls. Techno and house are definitely de rigeur for this evening.
75 Charing Cross Rd.
Soho, London
Klub Fukk (every 2nd Friday of the month in the dungeon at Central Station)
More kinky pansexual hijinx from the gang behind Club Wotever. This time round however, you may see some of what the club night name is all about in this queer playspace.
37 Wharfdale Rd.
Islington, London
Little Apple
Besides the very cute name, this is a great pub for both lesbians and gay men to grab a drink.
98 Kennington Lane
London
Lounge (2nd Thursday of the month at Vertigo)
“...the original sophisticated night of tomfoolery for metrosexual women...” A sexy evening out in Soho with sassy, saucy ladies in their 30s. This is a successful, long-running “networking” evening that the ladies glam up for.
1 Leicester Square
Westminster, London
Lounge parties
So yes, you've already seen the monthly Lounge party, but these ladies are busy indeed. Not only do they host these regular events, but they also present a number of one-offs throughout the year. It's definitely worth checking out their site to see if there may be some swanky lesbian party happening while you're in town.
Market EC1 (1st Sunday of the month at Fabric)
Fabric is a totally cool venue that's usually straight. In December, 2008 though, they're launching a new queer night that will take place once a month. Though it's both boys and girls, the ladies will take over room 3 where the ladies from the uber-successful Wish parties (see below) will be spinning.
77 Charterhouse Str.
London
Oak Bar
Another popular full-time dyke bar, this one caters to just about every kind of lesbian, depending upon the night of the week. There are various one-off parties throughout the month like OCD (Obsessive Clubbing Disorder), Lick, Shinky Shonky and Yalla, their Mediterranean night that rocks the Kasbah with Turkish, Greek and Arabic music.
79 Green Lanes
Stoke Newington, London
Play (Usually the 2nd Saturday of the month)
Play “not only promises a unique music policy of indie/pop electro fusions but Sandra D (of Mis-Shapes and Popstarz fame) and Lil’ Jo have carefully selected some of the most entertaining live acts around, creating a fun night with great entertainment and a friendly vibe.” Voted one of the best parties of the year by readers of the U.K. lesbian mag Diva, It looks like they may be moving venues so check their Myspace page for the next location.
Popstarz (every Friday night at the Scala)
This homo party for boyz and grrlz has been around for more than a decade and was voted the number one club night of 2006 by the readers of G3, London’s lesbian monthly. It’s a mixed alternative evening that’s usually got a few more boys than girls, but the party more than makes up for it. Expect live music and great dancing from the likes of Scissor Sisters, Le Tigre, Goldfrapp, Chicks on Speed, Ladytron and one of my faves, the Long Blondes.
275 Pentonville Rd.
Camden, London
Purrr (usually monthly at the Fortress)
Hosted by Mistress Vamp, this is the ultimate evening for fetish and BDSM dykes in London, and not for the faint of heart. There’s a full dungeon on site, with bondage thrones, St. Andrews crosses, a crucifix, a rack, spanking benches, spanking stools, a dentist electric couch (can anybody tell me what this does?), a metal coffin, cages and a leather body bag! If you’re a newbie and just want to watch for the first time, it’s not a problem. Women only. Appropriate attire required.
Ruby Tuesdays (Tuesday night at Ku Bar)
Both a lounge and dance party Ku Bar is generally a boy bar that the ladies now take over on Tuesday nights. For this new evening the Ku Bar gang have brought in one of the local heavy hitter girl DJs, DJ Sandra D (from Play, Miss-Shapes)
30 Lisle St.
Soho, London
Rude Girls (one-off parties at various venues around town)
Let’s leave it up to these lovely ladies to describe themselves and their event…. “Inside Rudegirls parties you can expect eye candy and entertainment including pillow fighting, strip tease, erotic cinema, strip blackjack, jelly wrestling, pole dancing, fashion shows, torch singers and live shows and performances. It is strictly girl's only and encourages a dress code including lingerie, retro chic, parisian scruff, punk porn star provocateurs, gutter glamour, pearls, latex, silk, bling and skin skin skin.” Yummy! Check their website for dates and details.
Rumours (Last Saturday of the month at the Minories)
What can we say?? Another hugely popular and well-established all-girl party with a great dance floor and two bars. Voted the second best lesbian night by readers of G3 magazine in 2006, several hundred women show up for this event.
64 - 73 Minories
London
She Bop (3rd Sunday of the month at the Redstar)
Rock-n-Ruin present a regular night of Girl Bands, Grrl Rock & Female Vocalists! This monthly gig is part of the Redstars Gay Sundays parties.
319 Camberwell Rd.
Southwark, London
Smack
This is usually a monthly event of great lesbian performance and partying. A bit of a hipster event where all the cool girls are, make sure to not arrive too late and miss the show.
Starkers! (Every 3rd Friday of the month at the Factory Club)
This is the U.K.’s one and only nudie dance club. It’s a pansexual affair with gays, lesbians, straights and whoever else you can imagine, and yes, everybody there is nekkid! That includes visitors, staff and even the DJs. You undress on site, though footwear remains mandatory for obvious reasons. A great wig is always welcome though!
65 Goding St.
London
Stiletto (taking a temporary break)
"With the Stiletto Go Go girls and giveaways galore plus two of the most experienced female DJs at the helm, Stiletto promises to bring some intimate clubbing fun back to the girl's scene whilst providing some of the best underground funky, chunky & sexy house around for the sexiest underground girls." Stiletto used to have a permanent home at the Island, but things are kinda kooky in London's lesbian clubland right now, so parties are moving around a bit. In March, 2009 Stiletto said they would take a couple of months off to search out a new venue. Check their Myspace page for details.
StripLite (Last Friday of the month at London Stone - part of the Eerie Pub Company)
"Beautiful and opulent burlesque and amazing visual performers, independent and cutting edge underground film and animations, live experimental photography, captivating bands and musicians, followed by resident djs Kate Way and Lee Problem Being all night, playing great alternative/electro/dark indie/glam rock/dirty electronic music." A bit of a fetish night, dress-up is encouraged.
109 Cannon St.
London
Sugar Rush parties
These one-off events are for "girls who like girls within the Afro-Caribbean community." They usually host about one party a month (often themed with dress-up encouraged!), so check their website for upcoming events.
Sweet as Soho
Wow! For years and years and years Candy Bar on Carlisle St. held the iconic position as the lesbian bar in London. It may have been three floors, but it was still kinda small and always packed! But in July, 2008, everything changed. For reasons that are still unclear, Candy Bar has now left the building and in its wake is the new lesbian party crew, Sweet as Soho, hosting events at various venues around the city. It looks like they've got something happening most nights of the week, some in fixed clubs, others still floating. The best thing you can do is check their Myspace page to find out where they're at. Bye bye Candy Bar, we'll miss you...
Taste of Honey (3rd Saturday of the month at the Cape Bar)
A new club night trying to bring the dance back into the Saturday night party! With disco, house, tank tops and hot pants, these ladies wanna make you sweat! For lesbians and their gay male friends.
10 Aldermanbury
London
The Finger in the Pie Cabaret Showcase Extravaganza! (1st Sunday of the Month at Madame JoJo’s)
“Tassel twirling, razor blade swallowing, paranoid poetry or hula hoop stripping. The best new talent in modern variety, burlesque and vaudeville.” Yowza!
10 Brewer St.
Soho, London
Trailer Trash (every Friday at On the Rex)
"Its a sleazy rave box that pounds out nasty electro booty shake." Long-running, hard dancing night for queers of all stripes and colours.
25 Kingsland Rd.
Shoreditch, London
Trash Palace
Calling itself a "21st century neo-punk bar" this indie, homocore club goes after the same mixed LGBT crowd as Ghetto Bar. Recognising that it's almost impossible to compete with them, Trash Palace instead encourages the crowds to come party with them before heading over to Ghetto Bar later in the evening. They even offer reduced admission tickets for a lot of the popular parties at over venues across town.
11 Wardour St.
Soho, London
Unskinny Bop (every 3rd Saturday of the month at the Star of Bethnal Green)
Alternative dyke-run event for the “fat, queer, short, ginger, skinny, shy, tall, bespectacled, bewigged - even if you're pretty damn average but you're sick of the choices available to you and you just wanna dance to good music without pranging yourself on someone's cheekbones, Unskinny Bop is for you.”
359 Bethnal Green Rd.
Tower Hamlets, London
Vespa Nights (Saturdays at Bar 187)
"First and foremost this is a cool bar, offering lovely drinks in the heart of Soho, where we all love hanging out. It starts at 8 and finishes about midnight - but the bar closes at 11pm." Hosted by the lovely Sandra D (Play, Ruby Tuesdays, Killer Queen), drop by here for cocktails before heading out clubbing.
187 Wardour St.
London
Wish (Usually on the 1st Saturday of the month)
This is the girl party everybody’s got on their lips right now. Hipster without being pretentious, sexy without being over-the-top, and excellent music. Like so many of the roving lesbian nights in London right now, there are some questions as to where this party will continue to take place. The best suggestion for now is to check their website for more details on upcoming locations and dates.
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