There’s no better way to honour and celebrate Pride Month than supporting London’s many queer-owned businesses, and our LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond the capital’s brilliant nightlife scene. A diverse array of queer-owned businesses have infused the city with more creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. From cosy cafés and chic boutiques to the best breweries and artisanal bakeries, these fantastic businesses embody the spirit of queer entrepreneurship, offering a safe and welcoming space for all.
This guide highlights some of London’s queer-owned businesses, where passion and pride collide all year round. However, there are so many more incredible spots that it’s worth a research session in its own right. One great resource is Everywhere Is Queer, a global, online map of businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people. So without further ado, here are some queer-owned businesses for you to support throughout Pride Month and beyond:
1. Queer Britain
Queer Britain is the UK’s first-ever museum dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. From artefacts that shine a light on the country’s fascinating queer history, to personal and heartfelt stories from LGBTQ+ people directly, it’s a fantastic place to learn more about the community, all while supporting this awesome initiative and charity.
They even have a shop that boasts an unbeatable selection of books, trinkets, and gifts, curated with the community in mind, focusing on queer-owned producers and businesses, as well as items connected to their enthralling exhibition. Find out more about Queer Britain here.
📍 Find Queer Britain at 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH. Visit their website.
2. Gay’s The Word
A cornerstone of London’s LGBTQ+ community, Gay’s the Word is not just a bookshop; it’s a historic sanctuary for queer culture and its literature. Established in 1979, this iconic spot in Bloomsbury has been a beacon of hope, activism, and solidarity for decades. Its shelves are packed with a carefully-curated selection of books spanning from fiction to non-fiction, poetry and beyond, all celebrating queer voices and stories. Check out our full article, here.
📍 Find Gay’s the Word at 66 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB. Visit their website.
3. Queer Brewing
Kicking things off, Queer Brewing are a queer-and trans-owned brewery, making waves not just with its exceptional craft beers, but also its quirky names and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community. Their recent Pride Month collaboration spotlights this notion, teaming up with the fantastic LGBTQ+ museum in Kings Cross, Queer Britain. Find out more about their special beer collaboration here.
You can find their beers and brews at pubs, bars, and clubs across London and the UK. And although there’s no brick-and-mortar location (yet), they also host awesome pop-ups and events on occasion, so be sure to follow them on social media or visit their website to stay up to date with all things Queer Brewing (they also have fire merch).
📍 Find out where you can enjoy Queer Brewing beers by visiting their website.
4. Corner
Nestled in New Cross, Corner is a delightful queer-owned cafe that’s celebrated for its cosy atmosphere, welcoming vibes, and a menu brimming with tasty treats and coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, be sure to keep this spot in mind the next time you’re in the area. They even have a stunning mural painted outside, honing into their queer identity by exploring our shared differences and values through ambiguity in gender and sexuality.
📍 Find Corner at 117 New Cross Road, SE14 5DJ. Visit their website.
5. INIS
Located along the canal in Hackney, INIS is a hidden gem serving up an eclectic mix of seasonal British and Irish cuisine. You can pop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, boasting mouth-watering menus that are continuously evolving. It’s also a great spot for cocktails or a brewtiful cup of coffee.
The interior is a blend of rustic charm and contemporary chic, creating this welcoming atmosphere that matches their ethos of inclusivity. Perfect for a casual pick-me-up or a romantic dinner, book your table today!
📍 Find INIS at 13 Rookwood Way, Fish Island, E3 2XT. Visit their website.
6. Toad Bakery
We’re heading to Peckham for our next queer-owned gem, and it’s none other than Toad Bakery. This beloved hotspot has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike, with this artisanal bakery renowned for its drool-worthy selection of freshly baked goods. From crusty sourdough to delicate pastries that look too good to eat, grab a coffee and a treat at this adored community hub in the bustling heart of Peckham Road.
📍 Find Toad Bakery at 44 Peckham Road, SE5 8PX. Visit their website.
7. Bistrotheque
In East London’s trendy Bethnal Green neighbourhood, Bistrotheque has solidified itself as one of the area’s most beloved eateries and restaurants. This queer-owned establishment offers a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious, boasting sleek interiors, fun events, and a killer menu of mouth-watering dishes.
Bistroteque is famous for its weekend brunch, as well as its fantastic, evening dinners, with the space known for the occasional cabaret performance to add some extra sparkle to your meal. It truly is an outing to remember!
📍 Find Bistrotheque at 23-27 Wadeson St, London E2 9DR. Visit their website.
8. Tutti Fruittii
Queer people have always struggled with the gender-conforming nurture of barbers and hair salons, but that’s where Tutti Fruittii step in. Brightening up the streets of London, this queer-owned salon offers a refreshingly inclusive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to express their true selves. With a team renowned for their expertise in the wild and the wonderful, you’re in safe hands at Tutti Fruittii, especially if you’re on the hunt for a bold, fashion-forward cut, or dazzling colour transformations!
📍 Find Tutti Fruittii at Unit A, Norfolk House, 9 Brookmill Road, SE8 4HL. Visit their website.
9. La Camionera
Now we did say we were going to shy away from London’s LGBTQ+ bars, but we had to give La Camionera a mention. It’s the capital’s newest lesbian bar, which is an over-due addition to London’s short list of sapphic hotspots.
With pop-up (and totally viral) foundations, this queer-owned space boasts a welcoming atmosphere for women to connect and unwind. However, this is an inclusive space so everyone is welcome! Whether you’re there for a casual drink or want to dive into the best way to meet new friends, La Camionera promises an unforgettable evening
📍 Find La Camionera at Unit A, Norfolk House, 9 Brookmill Road, SE8 4HL. Visit their website.
10. Kapara
Serving up a spectrum of deliciousness from the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean countries, Kapara is a stylish must-visit in the heart of Soho. This queer-owned favourite is famed for its welcoming vibes and cracking menu, with fantastic dishes on offer that are crafted with care and bursting with authentic flavours. As well as the food, you can’t leave this place without having a cocktail (or two) as they are simply phenomenal.
The creativity is off-the-scale, with grand theatrics behind the bar and beautifully presented dishes fragmenting from the kitchen. Kapara is a celebration of culture, community, and culinary creativity, but it doesn’t stop there; they also boast a sibling restaurant in Southwark called Bala Baya that’s an absolute must for London foodies.
📍 Find Kapara at Manette Street, Soho, London W1D 4AL. Visit my website.
11. The Old Nun’s Head
This adorable pub in Nunhead is a queer-owned pub that seamlessly blends traditional pub vibes with unique quirks and a contemporary twist. Boasting a warm, inclusive atmosphere and an eclectic events calendar including drag bingo, quiz nights, and live music, The Old Nun’s Head an absolute must-visit throughout Pride Month, and beyond!
There’s a fabulous menu on offer too with a range of gastropub favourites like gourmet burgers, Sunday roasts, and more! So, head to this inviting hotspot for your next casual night out, or even a special celebration! Don’t forget about this gem when the sun is shining either, as they have a fabulous beer garden on offer.
📍 Find Kapara at 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ. Visit their website.
12. Sh! Women’s Shop
Previously known as Sh! Women’s Emporium, this addition to London’s queer-owned businesses is a trailblazing hotspot focused on empowering women. Sh! is an LGBTQ-owned sex shop that offers a wide range of products from books and erotic toys to lingerie and wellness items, all curated to celebrate female pleasure and empowerment. For anyone seeking a supportive space that champions women’s sexuality and queer identities, be sure to check it out!
📍 Find Sh! Women’s Shop at 35 Pitfield Street, London, N1 6HB. Visit their website.
13. Happy Endings
If you’re a fan of ice cream, then you’ve got to try out Happy Endings. Famous for their legendary ice cream sandwiches, you can find this brand all over London. They offer delivery or click-and-collection from their arch in Mile End and pop-up in Shoreditch. However, they have so many stockers dotted around the city so you’re never too far away from your next ice cream fix. To view their map of stockists, click here.
14. Paladar
For our final spot, we’re heading down to Elephant and Castle for some tantalising South American cuisine. Paladar is a queer-owned restaurant that brings the vibrant flavours of Latin America to London, with a menu that features an array of bold, authentic dishes crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The vibrant decor creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere, making every meal feel like a total fiesta.
📍 Find Palador at 35 Pitfield Street, London, N1 6HB. Visit their website.