Lesbian looking for things to do in London? Here's our curated list of clubs, events and more — from raves, to craft workshops to football.
Intersecting identities
Trans Fem Social (Haggerston)
A monthly social group for trans women and trans femmes, based at Hackney City Farm (although there is no farming involved, apparently they do sometimes hang out with the resident animals). I know a few people who have been and all had a good experience here. Apparently it tends to be quite a large gathering so it's easy to find someone you can get along with. A very chill, friendly sober space. Follow on Instagram for specific dates and times
Asexual Lesbians London (various locations)
A meet up for asexual/aromantic lesbians, which runs a variety of social events such as book clubs and cocktail nights. I tried out one of their cocktail nights a few months ago and enjoyed myself a lot, everyone was very welcoming. The bar was unexpectedly closed so we ended up going elsewhere, but it was still a great experience, and nice to meet other lesbians on the asexual spectrum. Times and dates vary, see Meetup group
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Atypiqueers * (London Bridge)
Support group for LGBTQ+ neurodivergent people. Atypiqueers run facilitated support group sessions and more relaxed social events. This is a sober space and support/discussion group, based at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre near London Bridge. 1st Monday of each month 7pm-9pm; 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month 2pm-4pm; 3rd Saturday of each month 1pm-3pm
Pxssy Palace (various locations)
Club night and arts platform for queer WOC and trans, non-binary and intersex POC, cultivating intentional nightlife. Tickets are available at an increased price for those outside these groups to attend as allies, but Pxssy Palace is primarily intended for POC to bring friends as guests rather than for white people to attend alone.
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Queer Refugees Unite - Women's Group (South Bank)
Support and campaign group for LGBTQ+ women, trans and non-binary asylum seekers. Based at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre near Tate Modern. They also have regular Zoom meetings if you can't attend in person. Monthly, contact for specific date and time
Wellbeing events
Yoga for Queers at Glasshouse * (Shoreditch)
A weekly, pay-what-you-can yoga class for LGBTQ+ people. Run by Amelia Gann, a queer woman instructor. This is a lovely, multi-purpose queer venue on Brick Lane that I've visited on several occasions, and although I haven't been to Yoga for Queers specifically I did used to attend another queer yoga class and really appreciated having a community-specific space to practise in. Saturdays, 12pm-1pm; Sundays, 11pm-12pm
Outcome women's group/trans and non-binary group (Crouch Hill)
Mental health groups for queer women and trans people in Islington. These are run as part of Islington Mind's LGBT+ project, which also organises a range of other groups and activities for the wider community, such as writing groups and exercise classes. I can say from experience the staff and volunteers are all very friendly and sweet. Women's group: Tuesday, 2pm-2:45pm; Trans and non-binary group: 3pm-3:45pm
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LGBTQ+ death cafe at London LGBTQ community centre * (South Bank)
A space for LGBTQ+ people to discuss grief and mourning, based at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre. These death cafes are facilitated by a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist, alongside the centre manager, so it's a really great space to access free or pay-what-you-can support if you're dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Hackney Women's Football Club
(Open to cishet women but very queer-friendly, self-described 'predominantly lesbian' team)
Founded in 1986, this was the first all-women run and predominantly lesbian team in London. Hackney Women's Football Club are open to all abilities, with three teams at different levels, and also run regular socials.
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London Cruisers (Bethnal Green and Shoreditch)
Basketball team for queer women and non-binary people, which is actually the longest running LGBTQ+ basketball club in London. The London Cruisers train in Bethnal Green and Shoreditch, and have teams at various levels, including beginners. Thursdays, 7pm-9pm; Sundays, 12-2pm
Queens of Peckham
Another basketball team for women, non-binary and trans people. Queens of Peckham recently ran a tournament in collaboration with trans-masculine centred club night Testo Hunkie, to raise funds for gender-affirming healthcare.
Hobby/interest events
Sappho events queer book club (Shoreditch)
Queer book club focused on sapphic literature. Queer Book Club attendees also receive a 10% discount when buying that month's book from Common Press at Glasshouse. A smashing way to support an LGBTQ+ bookshop. Last Tuesday of the month, 7pm-8pm
Dykes on Mics (various locations)
Monthly karaoke night for dykes and sapphics of all genders — and where everyone's rooting for everyone else. Venues vary month to month so you'll need to follow their Instagram for future events, but wherever you end up, you'll have a ball.
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Queer Craft London * (various locations)
Craft social for LGBTQ+ people. If you have an interest in crafting, whether that's knitting, crochet, sewing or something else, I'd highly recommend it. I recently attended their Stash Swap event, and went home with a variety of new yarns as well as new social connections. In the summer, the run queer craft picnics too.
Parties and club nights
Butch, Please (Vauxhall)
Butch lesbian centred club night at iconic queer venue, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I've been many times over the last few years and it's always been a blast. I'm not the only one who thinks so — the Evening Standard dubbed Butch, Please "London’s coolest lesbian club night". Especially in the warmer months, I recommend taking advantage of the RVT's outdoor social area — a great space to chat. Twice a month, on a Saturday and a Thursday
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Gal Pals (King's Cross)
Queer dance party and 'intentional space' for queer women, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, Gal Pals runs at Lafayette London (and also Komedia in Brighton). They exclusively play music by women/female-fronted groups. Every couple of months in London
LICK (various locations)
A club night "for women, by women", LICK knows how to keep the party going — some events last an impressive 10 hours. There are nice touches, too, like free tooth gems and nail art for early arrivals.
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Femmme Fraîche (Dalston)
Club night and artist platform for queer women, non-binary and trans people and allies. Hosted at iconic east London venue Dalston Superstore, Femmme Fraîche brings cutting-edge house, techno and art to the community. And yes, there are three ms in Femmme.
Other events
Lesbian Discussion Group @ Gay's The Word (Bloomsbury)
Long-running discussion group on a variety of topics based at London's famous gay book shop. This is another event I've been to and found extremely interesting — especially as it's a rare intergenerational community space. I've met people at Lesbian Discussion Group who have attended since before I was born, so it's stood the test of time! Tuesdays, 7.45pm arrival for an 8pm start
She Her They Them (various locations)
Daytime to evening events at She Her They Them include workshops and vendors, plus food, music and dancing. I've always had a brilliant time at these events and I love that you can make a whole day of it. Last time I was there I picked up a hoodie at a clothes swap which has become a firm favourite in my wardrobe, as well as meeting some lovely people. They have a specific area for people coming alone and looking to socialise, so it's easy to find someone to talk to.
*Asterisks mark events that are open to all LGBTQ+ people, not just women, trans and non-binary people.
