The LGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses in London You Need to Know
Pride is so much more than a month. It’s a state of mind we carry with us all year round. And part of being proud, or a proud ally, is showing up for the queer community with both your presence and your wallet. There are many ways to do this, but spending time and money at LGBTQIA+ owned businesses is one of the easiest and most effective forms of support you can provide. In London, we’re spoiled for choice with the selection of historic venues, safe spaces, and loud, proud proprietors.
Not sure where to start? We’ve curated a few of our favourites below to get you inspired.
Gay’s the Word
The oldest LGBTQIA+ book shop in the UK (opened in 1979) is an absolute must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Come for the queer-centric selection of fiction and non-fiction, stay for the community focused events.
Address: 66 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB
Website: Gay’s The Word | The UK’s Oldest LGBT+ Bookshop | London, England
PROUD Beer
Touted as “the original queer beer for good,” PROUD donates 20p to LGBTQIA+ charity partners for every purchase. Come for the “canned fabulousness,” stay for funding self-test HIV kits and materials for anti-bullying workshops in schools.
Website: PROUD Beer
Fruittii
This Deptford salon is a judgement-free zone catering to all sexualities, gender identities and hair types. Come for a cut or colour session, stay for the funky interiors, sleek editorial photoshoots and friendly, welcoming staff.
Address: Unit A, Norfolk House, Brookmill Rd, Deptford SE8 4HL
Website: Fruittii London
Café Mélo
Hackney’s Café Mélo is a pet-friendly coffee shop serving all day breakfast, lunch, and treats made from locally sourced, independent distributors. Come for the Allpress beans, stay for the fresh-baked cookies (vg/gf options available).
Address: 103 Shacklewell Ln, London E8 2EB
Website: Cafe Melo
La Camionera
Headlining London’s lesbian renaissance, this Hackney-meets-Madrid bar is the first FLINTA-owned LGBTQ+ space that’s opened in the capital in over a decade. Come for the daily specials and speciality coffee, stay for the happy hours and mean margaritas.
Address: 243 Well Street, Hackney, E9 6RG
Website: La Camionera
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
A historic South London gay venue since 1862 (and the area’s oldest surviving), Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) has been hosting legendary drag shows as far back as WWII. Come for the Sunday Cabaret, stay for the rotating social calendar and thoughtful charity partnerships.
Address: 372 Kennington Ln, London SE11 5HY
Website: Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Corner
Coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night, this south-east space comes with art gallery and events space attached. Come for the larger-than-life LGBTQ+ mural and soothing interiors, stay for the cakes, bakes and 2-4-1 happy hour every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Address: 117 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5DJ
Website: Corner
TOAD Bakery
An award-winning, open-plan bakery that’s got everyone in southeast London talking. Come for the legendary cinnamon buns and almond croissants, stay for the more modern, in-your-face creations (saffron and vanilla teacakes; anise and orange blossom fingers, and the like).
Address: 44 Peckham Road, Camberwell, SE5 8PX
Website: TOAD Bakery
Queer Brewing
Making queer beers and beer queer, this LGBTQ+-owned brewery has successfully been serving pints (and more) since 2019. Open Friday to Sunday, come for the loud and proud branding, stay for the award-worthy Pilsner and hoppy pale ales.
Address: Unit D2, Leyton Industrial Village, Argall Avenue, London E10 7QP
Website: Queer Brewing
art’otel is the best place to stay and explore London. Stay at art’otel London Hoxton and art’otel London Battersea Power Station and get ready to explore the capital this Pride.