Queer businesses in London to visit for LGBTQ+ history month (and every month)

Looking to support LGBTQ+ businesses? Here are 10 queer businesses in London to visit and enjoy

 

London’s queer community is ever-vibrant and growing, bringing inclusion and safe spaces all around the city. To explore and support these independent businesses for LGBT+ History Month and beyond, check out these fun, welcoming and historical spots.

 

Tuttii Fruittii hairdressers

Whether looking for a rainbow balayage or a subtle trim, Tuttii Fruittii hairdressers bring chic cuts with gender-neutral pricing for all. The technicolour salon in Deptford is nothing short of talented, welcoming all people regardless of gender (or non), sexuality or class. Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG

 

The Friendly Society

Known as Soho’s “worst kept secret,” the Friendly Society cocktail bar is a dazzling experience from the moment you find the entrance. Disco balls and barbie dolls hang from the ceiling while guests order from its small, yet signature cocktail menu and take photos in each of the vibrant, bold rooms. Living up to its name, the Friendly Society is a fun and social extravaganza. 79 Wardour Street, W1D 6QA

 

Taco Queer

Combining the magic of drag nights with the flavour of Mexican cuisine, Taco Queer sets fire to all the senses. Try a mix of the street and “posh” tacos, all served on corn tortillas, and enjoy classic margaritas while Taco Queer puts on a show. Whether visiting for the tacos, the drag or for a safe, inclusive space, Taco Queer’s doors are always open to all. 26 Loampit Hill, Lewisham, SE13 7SW

 

Dalston Superstore

Dalston Superstore is a multi-functioning cafe, cabaret, gallery, queer club and community space – all wrapped into one exciting, multicolour venue. The venue is also host to an all-vegan drag brunch created by their kitchen partner Essential Vegan. Dalston is the mecca of queer and a welcoming space for all. 117 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB

 

PROUD Beer

In a cis-male-dominated industry, PROUD beer shines as the UK’s original “queer beer for good.” Each can sold is a guaranteed 20p that gets donated to an LGBTQ+ charity or organisation like Diversity Role Models, the LGBT Foundation and the Terrence Higgins Trust. PROUD beer is based in London, but to shop for its bevs like its LGBTQIPA, visit the PROUD beer official website.

 

Royal Vauxhall Tavern

This iconic and historical venue has won multiple awards for its cabaret performances and consistent jaw-dropping shows. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern was built in 1865, but became a queer landmark in the 1980s, attracting countless of local and national names like Lily Savage, Belinda Carlisle, Myra Dubois, Beau Jangles and more. 372 Kennington Lane, Lambeth, SE11 5HY

 

Gay’s the Word

A true piece of queer history in London, Gay’s the Word is the oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop in the UK. Since 1979, Gay’s the Word has been a home for inclusivity where all the profits go right back to the business. The bookshop hosts a variety of literature events run by its five booksellers and has been deemed “a fine example of how an independent bookshop should be” by Time Out London. 66 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB

 

King William IV

Another London legend is the King William IV pub, known to be the oldest gay pub in the city. It’s a charming and warm space with dozens of photos of the people of Hampstead proudly hung along the wall. King Willie also hosts live music alongside cocktails and classic pub fare, both indoors and in its pub garden. 77 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1RE

 

Open Barbers

Another fabulous barbershop is Open Barbers in Hoxton. Challenging hair and beauty, along with discriminatory practices in society, Open Barbers strives (and succeeds) to be a safe space in the LGBTQ+ communities. The barbershop relies on a sliding scale pay policy where clients pay what they can afford, and for the past 12 years, has continued to bring a sense of belonging to every client in their shop. 4 Clunbury Street, Hoxton, N1 6TT

 

Heaven

Heaven opened its doors in 1979 and for the past 43 years, Heaven has been a haven for all things LGBTQ+. Right under Charing Cross Station, Heaven is the only 1000-capacity venue for live music and has seen many famous faces over the years like Two Door Cinema Club, Azalea Banks, Tame Impala, Little Drago and more. The Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG

 

John the Unicorn 

John the Unicorn brings good food and various drag events to the heart of Peckham. The bar specialises in seasonal cocktails and craft beer like their famous Golden Pale Ale, otherwise known as Gayle, and offers mouthwatering, everchanging menu items like the famous fat crust pizza. Visit in the evening and head upstairs for live music, dancing and more. 157-159 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TL

 

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