Popular LGBTQI+ Coffee Places In London

Popular LGBTQI+ Coffee Places In London? Where should LGBTQI+ family go for a great coffee, atmosphere and people watching?

 

While there are plenty of places across London where queer women can feel welcome, certain areas like Soho, Vauxhall, and Hackney have particularly strong LGBTQ+ communities. These cafes are just a starting point, but there are also LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events that you might want to explore, as London is home to a thriving and diverse queer scene.

 

 

1. The CoffeeWorks Project

• Location: Various locations (including near Vauxhall)
• Vibe: The CoffeeWorks Project has a community-focused vibe and serves high-quality, artisanal coffee. Vauxhall, home to one of its locations, is known for being a major LGBTQ+ hub in London, making this a popular spot for both locals and visitors. While it isn't specifically for women or LGBTQ+ people, it's a welcoming space for all.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The proximity to Vauxhall, where many LGBTQ+ spaces are located, ensures that this cafe feels like part of a larger inclusive community.

2. Gay’s the Word

• Location: 66 Marchmont St, Bloomsbury
• Vibe: This iconic LGBTQ+ bookstore isn’t a coffee shop per se, but it does offer a small selection of coffee and tea. It's a beloved space for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community looking to find a book on queer history, literature, and culture. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and welcoming, and it often hosts events that might appeal to queer women.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The space itself is both inclusive and intellectual, hosting a mix of LGBTQ+ events and signings. It’s a safe space where you can also pick up books by queer women authors.

3. Colonna & Smalls

• Location: 1-3 Broadwick St, Soho
• Vibe: Colonna & Smalls is a high-end, speciality coffee shop in Soho, one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly areas in London. Soho itself has long been a hub for LGBTQ+ culture, and this stylish coffee spot fits right in. The cafe serves expertly crafted coffee and pastries in an open, welcoming space.
• Why it’s great for queer women: Soho is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and the inclusive, laid-back atmosphere of this cafe makes it a great spot for everyone, including queer women.

4. Lantana Café

• Location: 13 Charlotte Place, Fitzrovia
• Vibe: A relaxed, modern café offering excellent coffee, brunch, and a cozy atmosphere. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a welcoming environment where queer people can feel comfortable. While it isn't specifically marketed towards LGBTQ+ women, the neighborhood (Fitzrovia) and cafe culture in general are very inclusive.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The laid-back vibe and commitment to inclusivity make this a great place to hang out, work, or socialize.

5. Borough Market

• Location: Southwark
• Vibe: While Borough Market is better known for its food stalls than its coffee shops, there are a number of cafes within and around the market that serve excellent coffee and pastries. It's a diverse area with plenty of queer-friendly businesses and events happening year-round. While not explicitly a queer space, the market's inclusive spirit makes it a comfortable place for everyone.
• Why it’s great for queer women: Borough Market's diversity and the LGBTQ+-friendly Southwark neighborhood make it a good choice for a casual coffee or meal.

6. Proud East

• Location: 2-3 Vyner St, Hackney
• Vibe: Proud East is a modern bar and café in East London, and although it’s primarily known as a bar and clubbing venue, it’s also a great place to grab coffee during the day. It has a queer-friendly, artsy vibe and attracts a creative crowd, including plenty of queer women.
• Why it’s great for queer women: Proud East regularly hosts LGBTQ+ events and is part of the Proud Group, which is known for its celebration of queer culture.

7. Vauxhall and The Eagle

• Location: Vauxhall
• Vibe: While Vauxhall’s Eagle Bar is better known as a late-night venue, its daytime cafes and surrounding cafes in the area offer great places to relax with coffee. The area is a central LGBTQ+ neighborhood, known for hosting some of the best queer venues in London.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The entire Vauxhall area is filled with LGBTQ+-friendly venues, so a coffee here feels like part of a larger community.

8. Tate Modern Café

• Location: Bankside
• Vibe: For a more cultural experience, Tate Modern has a lovely café with a stunning view of the Thames. While not an LGBTQ+ exclusive space, Tate Modern is widely regarded as a progressive institution that embraces diversity. The café attracts people from all walks of life, including many queer visitors.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The space’s commitment to diversity and the arts makes it a great hangout spot. Plus, there are always exhibitions highlighting LGBTQ+ artists, which creates an environment that feels welcoming to all.

9. Queer Coffee

• Location: Pop-up, locations vary
• Vibe: This pop-up coffee shop is specifically targeted at the LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe and supportive space for people of all identities. It's a great way to meet other queer women while enjoying a delicious coffee.
• Why it’s great for queer women: As a dedicated queer space, it's perfect for those looking to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals.

10. Simmons Bar (Soho)

• Location: Soho
• Vibe: Another venue with a lively LGBTQ+ crowd is Simmons Bar in Soho. While more of a bar than a traditional coffee shop, it’s still a place where people from the queer community gather during the day for coffee and casual hangouts. Their quirky decor and friendly staff make it a fun, laid-back place to relax.
• Why it’s great for queer women: Situated in the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ district, Simmons Bar is welcoming, inclusive, and very popular with the local queer crowd.

11. The Yard Bar

• Location: 57 Rupert St, Soho
• Vibe: Another option for those looking to be part of London’s queer community while enjoying coffee is The Yard Bar. It’s a small but well-known LGBTQ+ venue that attracts a fun crowd, including many queer women.
• Why it’s great for queer women: The Yard is a quintessential part of Soho’s LGBTQ+ scene, offering a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

12. Kiss My Genders (Various)

• Location: Various (including pop-up events)
• Vibe: This queer-friendly café (which often has pop-up events in various parts of London) emphasizes inclusivity and queer culture, including celebrating women in the LGBTQ+ community.
• Why it’s great for queer women: By focusing on queer identity and intersectionality, this café creates a safe and empowering space for queer women and allies.

 

Conclusion:

While there are plenty of places across London where queer women can feel welcome, certain areas like Soho, Vauxhall, and Hackney have particularly strong LGBTQ+ communities. These cafes are just a starting point, but there are also LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events that you might want to explore, as London is home to a thriving and diverse queer scene.