4 queer spots south of the Thames (that aren't just clubs!)

Spring has officially begun to dawn on us in this rainy little island we call home which means it’s time for us to get back out there!  

Here’s the thing (well, two things):

1) as a South London dweller, it feels like I’m always on the overground heading over the river when I want to kiki with my queer brethren. My oyster card is going on strike!

And 2) I love a good night out just as much as the next person, but sometimes you want a more mellow way to engage with the queer community and you’ve run out of club-appropriate attire (see: my closet full of maxi dresses and grandma cardigans.) 

Fret not, because there are so many wonderful queer spaces right here in South London that must not go unnoticed! For all my queer and queer-allied South London residents– and I’m looking at you Bankside, Butler's Wharf, Sidney Webb, and Robeson folks– I’ve curated a list of some of the best queer spots (that aren't just clubs and pubs!) in South London to enjoy these longer days. 

The Feminist Library, Peckham  📚

First and foremost has got to be The Feminist Library in Peckham. Boasting a growing collection of over 600 zines, 5,000 non-fiction works on feminist organizing and queer life, and 2,500 works in fiction, poetry, and drama, this cozy, sun-soaked spot makes for an incredible solo trip to rifle through their collection.

In fact, the collective regularly hosts FREE workshops, gatherings, and soirees, both queer-friendly and queer-specific. Just to keep on your radar and give you a taste of the types of events, here’s what’s on the next couple of weeks: 

⭐️Embroidery Workshop with an Endometriosis Activist March 21st from 4-6PM 

⭐️Black British Hood Feminism: Decolonising Touch Workshop March 31st from 6-8:15PM

London LGBTQ Centre, Southwark 🏳️‍🌈

Up next is the London LGBTQ Centre, nestled in Bankside. They have dozens of active groups that meet regularly, from monthly online tarot reading events to one of my personal favorites, their Queer Walking Club which meets on the last Sunday of every month, to their trans social meetups on the first Sunday of every month.

 Nearly all of their events are free or pay what you can, making it an ideal spot to bring your fellow LSE pals and enjoy good company South of the river. 

⭐️Queer Dungeons and Dragons Night on March 27th from 5:30-7:30PM

⭐️Queer Open Mic on March 28th from 5:30-7:30PM

Corner, New Cross 🥐

Feeling peckish? Look no further than Corner, a queer owned and operated café in New Cross. Featuring a prominent (and absolutely stunning, might I add) LGBTQ+ mural and benches, this spot is a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts and the artistically-inclined. With events like Sapphic Saturdays – an evening dedicated to sapphic community members with fun games and conversational prompts to get the conversation flowing, drag shows and readings, and queer open mic nights, this spot is a home run.

They have an array of otherworldly pastries and dishes, but my personal favorite is their sticky toffee bun– it is life changing. Some upcoming events include: 

⭐️Drag Tales on March 29th from 10-11AM

The Glitch, Lower Marsh 🎭

I’m always looking for a good giggle, and one of my favorite comedy spots in all of London is The Glitch, a queer-friendly theater and comedy club.  With events ranging from stand-up comedy to live theater shows, you can’t miss out on the lively energy and unmatched theatrics. Located in the historically queer Lower Marsh, The Glitch hosts iconic LGBTQ+ comedians and regular open mic nights, making it a great spot to share a laugh with your friends or make new pals along the way. Some upcoming shows include: 

⭐️Tales From the Shoulders of Giants: Spoken Word Fairy Tales on March 25th from 10:30-11:30

⭐️The Homosexual’s Guide to the Galaxy: A Comedy Play running from April 22nd-April 27th 7-10PM

Go forth and conquer these beautiful queer locales south of the river and give your oyster card a break!