Pride beyond the Parade
How to celebrate Pride in the city
Throughout the month of June, in the lead up to Pride in London, the city comes alive celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community with joyful events and spotlights on queer founded businesses. From drag life drawing, to bookstores or artist take-overs, you can discover it all at art’otel London Hoxton and art’otel Battersea Power Station, and their neighbourhoods.
Artist in Residence Mathijs Hunfeld
In residence throughout June, Mathijs is a London-based interdisciplinary artist. His work explores the processes behind presentation, performance, and communication of the self, and how identity becomes shaped through digital culture, public space, branding, and visual language. His art naturally resonates with Pride through themes of visibility, expression, transformation, self-construction, vulnerability, and the tension between public and private experience. During his residency, he will also showcase a pop-up exhibition in The Gallery.
Coming from the Netherlands, Pride has always held special significance for Mathijs, shaped by the openness, visibility, and vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam’s celebration. This year marks his first time experiencing Pride in London, and he’s excited to explore what it represents here.
What to do during Pride Month in London
For those looking to roll up their sleeves and get creative with LGBTQIA+ events, a highlight of our programme will be our special life drawing class, “Drag On Show.” Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum Le Fil, the artist will also double as the model for the session. Whether you’re a seasoned life drawer, a Le Fil fan, or just someone looking to try something new, you can let your creativity shine and witness drag as a living sculpture. Discover the class either at Hoxton or Battersea, or dare we say, both!
In Shoreditch you’re never far from a club or bar, but if your ideal Friday night looks a little different to that, this one might be for you. On Friday 3 July, Matteo will lead a high-energy pre-Pride workout, with goodies from Hiro and the chance to win a special Lululemon gift. Movement brings people together, and taking place the night before the parade, this energy booster will leave you buzzing with excitement for the next day, and a guaranteed night’s sleep. And what’s better, all proceeds go towards Mermaids UK, a charity raising vital funds for trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. It’s set to be one of the best Pride events in the city.
Our Pride programme is a real dream for the film-lovers. Kicking it off with a whole-day event supporting upcoming filmmakers, we are hosting London Vaporetto Shorts on Saturday 13 June, featuring screenings, panel talks, directors’ Q&A and even an opportunity for emerging talent to pitch their next project. This month’s edition of Film House also makes for a unique pride experience. In partnership with MaisonGB, the event includes light snacks and drinks in The Gallery, alongside an emotional screening of the acclaimed drama “All Of Us Strangers”. In July, sports lovers and the LGBTQIA+ community come together in Cameron Richards’ powerful documentary on trans players in football.
Where to eat during Pride
If you find yourself heading out in East London after the parade, then make sure to begin your evening at The Brush Grand Café at art’otel London Hoxton with delicious wood-fired pizza and cocktails. The menu also features plenty of other options, including nutritious salads and hearty dishes like classic burgers or jerk chicken. If your plans are taking you more into central or South London, then swing by art’otel Battersea to try Tozi which serves classic Italian pizza alongside seasonal cicchetti plates. Both restaurants boast large terraces, perfect for al-fresco dining throughout the summer. Whether you’re looking for a moment to refuel ahead of an evening of partying, or a relaxed end to your day with good food, The Brush and Tozi are must visit destinations.
Beyond attending the parade and events, there are plenty of queer-founded and friendly businesses to add to your list and support throughout the year. Just around the corner from art’otel London Hoxton you’ll find the non-profit queer bookshop café, The Common Press. More than just a bookshop, this space is a sanctuary that brings together the LGBTQIA+ community both during the day and into the night with social events, from speed-dating to panel talks. Up the road, the Dalston Superstore is an iconic queer venue in East London, functioning as everything from a queer club, cabaret spot, café, gallery and collective space. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to party, catch up with a friend, or discover something new, these spots should be on your radar.
For those who plan their weekends around a good cup of coffee and delicious pastry, we’d suggest checking out the LGBTQIA+ independent business Heart Bakery in Hackney Wick. The bakery prides itself on sourcing only the most ethical and sustainably produced ingredients and even host their own educational workshops, including an introduction to making sourdough.
However you choose to celebrate, Pride at art’otel invites you to experience London through a more colourful, creative lens. Join us for a month of bold expression, unforgettable moments and meaningful connection.
