Beth White and Molly McCabe are busy doing up an old pub in Camberwell, converting it into lesbian pub, Dorothy's. Here, they down tools for a moment to tell us about the project — the supportive community, and a few unwelcome structural discoveries...
We've both dreamed of having our own pub, both separately and as a couple. But we always thought it was a pipe dream — something we'd speak about over a glass of wine at our local — thinking it would never become a reality.
Earlier this year we decided to stop dreaming and actually do something about it! We both come from a film and TV background, and the industry has changed a lot in the past few years, to the point that we both wanted to explore different careers. It felt like the perfect time to actually make the pub a reality.
We also got fed up of complaining about the lack of permanent lesbian and sapphic spaces in London, specifically south London, so we decided to stop complaining and do something about it!
Lesbian and sapphic spaces are so important, not just in London, but all over the world; they create a space of safety and community away from the typical heteronormative bars and pubs. They're a place where you can hold your partner's hand without getting judgy looks from others; where if you fancy someone, you can confidently approach them without hearing the dreaded line, 'Sorry, I'm straight'; a place for people who are questioning or exploring their sexuality to go and feel safe; a place you can kiss another woman without being heckled or ogled by men.
In a world where so many things are done online, finding your community is so important.
"Under the two layers of laminate flooring, there was actually no floor"
The name Dorothy's is a nod to the Gateways Club, the world's longest-running lesbian bar, which shut in 1985. 'Dorothy' was their password to enter the bar. It's because of spaces like the Gateways that we're able to have more public lesbian spaces now and we wanted to subtly honour the club and the women who made it possible.
There have been endless challenges to making Dorothy's a reality. The pub is a lease as seen property, which has led to us discovering some interesting things hidden behind layers of bodge jobs! We knew the electrics needed a full rewire before we signed the lease and we've got Char, our fantastic electrician doing this for us. What we didn't know was that under the two layers of laminate flooring in the main bar, there was actually no floor in place in certain areas and pretty much all the joists in the pub were rotten. The beer drop outside wasn't secure; only held up by a couple of breeze blocks. The property has no gas connection and is only running on single phase electrics. There are endless leaks from upstairs, the plumbing was basically non-existent and the sinks run directly onto the cellar floor, which to no surprise was extremely damp and mouldy.
"With an army of lesbians helping you literally blink and a whole room is painted"
On the other hand, the best thing about the project has been the incredible support we've gotten from everyone. We've been flooded with Instagram DMs, emails and comments, which has spurred us on to make this the best space it can be for everyone.
We had hundreds of people reach out wanting to physically help with the pub, so we've been holding volunteer days for clearing and painting. With an army of lesbians helping, you literally blink and a whole room is painted. It's also been so lovely having people in the space. It's given us a taste of what it will feel like when we open and it's great!
We're also really grateful for the support we've received from people and organisations we never expected to hear from. European Sperm Bank is a great example. They've supported us financially, and we think it's wonderful to see them showing their commitment to LGBTQ+ families in a way that goes beyond helping them conceive. Because helping families get started is just one part of the story, but supporting the communities and environments in which those families grow and thrive is just as important.
"The money you spend at the pub won't be going into the pockets of big brands and corporations"
There's so many things we're excited to bring to the people of south London! We've spent months researching and finding the best queer-owned/made brands to stock. Our beer selection will feature Closet Brewing, a queer-owned brewery. Our wine selection will feature thirsty birds, made by the owner of Sustainable Wine Solutions. Our spirits will feature Brighton Gin and Kromanti Rum, as well as Muff Liquor, which we don't believe is queer-owned, but we couldn't pass on a name like that (it's also delicious!).
We're not just bringing another LGBTQ+ venue, we're bringing a venue that is queer to the core, that has been crafted by queer people and had a lot of community input. The venue will not only provide a warm and safe place for the community, it will champion queer drinks makers and suppliers, queer chefs and queer contractors. The money you spend at the pub won't be going into the pockets of big brands and corporations; it'll be going back to people within the community.
It's hoped that Dorothy's will open by the end of 2026: keep posted on their Instagram account.
