While most people think of Manchester or Brighton when it comes to a lesbian scene, the capital is up there with the two heavyweights with its long list of pubs, clubs and bars catering directly gay women. From raving clubs, to sophisticated bars and casual, friendly pubs, read our recommended list of the best lesbian bars in London and have yourself a hootenanny.
While not strictly a gay bar in London, Freedom is still a trusted night out for the city's lesbian community, and is one of the most inclusive and LGBT friendly venues out there. Head on down to the plush party basement for commercial hits, private booths, late night DJs and more.
While it's not exclusively a London lesbian bar, Rupert Street Bar caters to everyone on the LGBT spectrum with a welcoming attitude, great cocktail Happy Hour and amazing DJs. During the day it is a chilled out venue; when the sun goes down, the DJs come out in force, and the atmosphere keeps on buzzing until late into the night.
Head to Embankment where the exclusive club from the team behind Circa Soho is bringing you one of the best lesbian clubbing locations in London. Offering table service, epic tunes and homegrown DJ talent, it's the best place to kick off all those weekend adventures.
Spread across three different bars, The Village really does have something to offer everyone. Upstairs, the Soho Bar plays host to all the best pop, chart and commercial action, while the basement bar caters to a more intense clubbing experience, with house and techno taking over the decks. Or, for a more relaxed time, there's both a café bar and a cocktail lounge, making it ideal to spend day-to-night in an LGBT-friendly environment.
Zodiac is an independently-owned queer venue in Camden, where the likes of karaoke, drag, cabaret, fire-breathers and gogo dancers keep you entertained. Better yet, the downstairs club is open until late.
A fun-filled and naughty nook in the heart of the East, Dalston Superstore is one of the wildest gay bars in London thanks to an ever inviting roster of roaring nights, DJ parties, top notch entertainment and buzzing drinks deals.
Renowned in the gay nightlife scene, Royal Vauxhall Tavern is quite the raucous night out. Their Tuesday night Bar Wotever is especially popular amongst the lesbian crowd but still attracts a friendly mix of individuals. Arty and flamboyant, it is not pretentious whatsoever and with a host of events from DJs, comedy and poetry readings, there's always something going on.
An elegant and stylish club designed with the lesbian community in mind, Soho's She is a newer addition to the lesbian scene. With a chic interior design and impressive attention to detail, they host a range of interesting nights that always keep you on your toes. The only venue in the capital created specifically for lesbians, it's great for after-work drinks or meeting the club's many colourful characters.
When it comes to late night DJ sets, heaving entertainment and one of the best dancefloors in London, nothing quite says lesbian clubbing in the city like Heaven. From a roster of residencies to drinks deals, this isn't one to miss out on.
