We adore Pride month! A whole thirty days of glitter, bursts of colour in the form of flags and face paint and the incredible celebration of the LGBTQ community. And, because we simply cannot wait until June, we’ve rounded up some of the vibrant events set to shake up the city. From evocative Coming Out Monologues at St. Martin’s Lane to edible cosmetic brunches at W London, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:
St Martins Lane
St Martins Lane prides itself on offering a encyclopaedic range of Pride activities, all worth a peruse. However, we’re super excited about the Coming Out Monologues they’re hosting – a transformative, inspiring live event that asks friends of St Martins Lane to share their coming out stories via private message on Facebook or Instagram. Then, in a performance sure to evoke emotion, some of the entries will be performed at the Coming Out Monologues event on Friday 28 June, with actors involved including Carl Mullaney, actor and resident host of Kinky Kabaret.
The wholesome event will take place on the 28th of June, with a portion of the ticket price going to Switchboard charity. Buy your tickets here!
Where: 45 St. Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4HX, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Leicester Square (0.2 miles)
Website: www.stmartinslane.com
What's The Tea?
What’s the tea? A drag night out, that’s what! The Perception at W London recently launched a brand new glitter-filled afternoon tea inspired by the world of drag. Presented in a bright cosmetic case, What’s The Tea? invites you to unpack and explore its tiers with the option to tuck into a selection of edible cosmetics and bejewelled cakes or bite-size sandwiches fit for a queen. On the 23rd of June, The Globe Girls will be taking over, bringing you one of the best drag acts in the city so you can be entertained while you enjoy your tea!
The What’s the tea? experience will take place from 2:30pm – 6pm, with the next tea experiences taking place on the 23rd of June and 21st of July.
Where: W London, 10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
Lucky Voice Offer 50% Off
Urging you to take pride in your vocals, Lucky Voice is the karaoke venue that’ll have you basking in all of the glitz and glamour that accompanies Pride Month. The booming karaoke venue, which has just launched its new Holborn outpost, is offering 50% off room hire all day on July 6th, meaning you can fill your boots with Britney, mouth lyrics to Mariah and be a champion like Queen. See you there, superstar!
Where: Soho, Holborn, Islington
Website: www.luckyvoice.com
Join The Party
The Pride parade is world famous! From the blasts of colour and outrageously fun street party to the dancing, drinking, whistle blowing and positive aura, it’s an incredible spectacle that you’ll want to grab a front seat at. Taking place this year on the 6th of July, this parade will celebrate 50 years since the birth of the modern LGBT+ rights movement, with a #PrideJubilee theme taking precedence. Last year over a million people joined the party and you’re invited to do the same this year! It’s set to be a blast, and a very colourful one at that!
Some great places to watch the parade include Portland Place, Oxford Circus, Regent Street, Lower Regent Street and Whitehall.
The parade takes place on the 6th of July at 12pm
Website: Join The Parade
Pride Has Never Tasted So Sweet
Making pride even tastier than it already is, both Aqua Neuva & Aqua Kyoto are giving us the gift of chocolate and boy are we grinning from cheek to cheek! Aqua Nueva is a sexy Spanish restaurant housed in Covent Garden, whilst Aqua Kyoto is all about Japanese dishes, enjoyed amongst an ultra-glossy designer rooftop setting. However, both venues are pushing cultural labels to the sidelines to produce a delicious dessert in the form of a chocolate bavarois with a chocolate Pride flag across the top, served with ice cream. The dish will be served with a limited-edition cocktail you’ll be equally as proud of – life is sweet!
The Pride cocktail and dessert will run from 10th June – 7th July
Where: Aqua Nueva & Aqua Kyoto
Website: www.aquakyoto.co.uk
Queer Cabaret Tuesday's
It’s the perfect way to warm the vocals ahead of the 50% deal at Lucky Voice on July 6th; Queer Cabaret Tuesday’s at Bar Wotever, is certainly an event you won’t be saying whatever about this Pride month. The event will see some of the best LGBT and Queer Performers in London, UK and the World, take to the stage to belt out groovy tunes, with newcomers and beginners also encouraged to get involved. Doors open at 7pm, followed by a show and then a disco – groovy!
Where: 372 Kennington Lane, Lambeth, SE11 5HY
Website: www.prideinlondon.org
Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar
It’s going to be cocktail o’clock from the 1st all the way through to the 6th of July as Gillray’s Bar pull out all of the pride stops! Indulge in their brimming limited edition cocktail selection, all of which have been named after a significant person or historical place that created a positive impact on the LGBTQ community.
Libation extraordinaires include The Stonewall Inn, a citrusy gin cocktail is named after the well-known gay bar in Greenwich, Christopher Street, a sweet and floral cocktail central to the New York State’s gay rights movement in the late 1970s, and Saint Marsha, a bold and fragrant mocktail named after the wonderful African-American gay liberation activist Marsha Johnson.
Enjoy them all at Gillray’s!
Where: Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar, Westminster Bridge Road, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Waterloo (0.3 miles)
Website: www.gillrays.com
QueerBee: Identity
Launching with a programme exploring identity, QueerBee is an incredible platform for LGBTQI+ shorts with a mission to allow queer filmmakers to bring authentic queer stories to audiences. This particular screening, taking place on the 6th of June, will be followed by a Q&A with directors Jake Graf and Louise Marie Cooke. Turn Queen Bee into QueerBee this June.
On the 6th of June, 6:30 to 9:00
Where: 99 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, W1D
Website: www.prideinlondon.org
Pride in London - Hyde Park 10K
Coined the ultimate pre-parade warm up, Pride in London 10k will see you stretching your limbs ahead of all the dancing and celebrating you’re set to do! Burn off the calories before you put them back on celebrating a month of Pride and join the run in Hyde Park on the 9th June which will see you dipping in and around the gorgeous, summery, Hyde Park terrain. The run is for everyone, with participants of all abilities encouraged to join. So, whether you’re still at snail pace or if Mo Farrah needs to catch you if he can, this is for you!
Where: Hyde Park
Website: www.theraceorganiser.com
The LaLiT London
This party will be the opposite of a drag – in fact, pop it in the diary as we expect it’s going to be one of the best of the year! Boutique hotel, The LaLiT London, is throwing a drag, dining and debauchery event on Pride weekend (Friday 5th July), bidding you to fest on free-flowing prosecco, a decadent four-course dinner, or a selection of canapés, created by Executive Chef Santosh Shah. Taking pride in eccentric and alluring entertainment, you’ll be left on the edge of your seat by The LaLiT London’s fabulous ambassador and acclaimed drag star, Virgin Xtravaganzah, as sexy acts that include trans icon Amanda Lepore and Hungry are welcomed up onto the stage.
Plus, because the ravishing night is destined to lead to a banging headache come the morn, how about a hangover brunch to settle the stomach? On the 7th of July, return for a good ol’ dose of hair of the dog at the hotel and indulge in samosa chaat with sweet yogurt and tamarind chutney, and slow-braised pork belly with honey and chilli glaze, amongst much more. The eight-dish extravaganza goes hand-in-hand with bottomless prosecco and . Virgin Xtravaganzah will be on hand throughout, urging you to drink up!
Where: 181 Tooley Street, London SE1 2JR, UK
Nearest station: London Bridge (0.4 miles)
Website: www.thelalit.com
St Martins Lane
Who needs to go to the Costa del Sol when you can go to the Costa del Soho! This cheeky take on Pride comes from St Martins Lane who seem to have set up quite the party. Named Gazpacho (clever), the iconic hotel will throw an event designed around the theme of a Mediterranean cruise boat. So, if you’re ready to set sail upon fictional waters then listen up. Passengers can expect an evening of Euro-pop disco, live flamenco performances, drag shows, Go-Go dancing, and the collective’s staple Tomatina tomato wrestling, hosted by Toma Tina Turner.
The event, set to get you all aboard, will boast a nautical dress code with sailors, captains, cruise addicts, scuba divers and more all scuffling for centre stage. The outlandish event comes by the hand of Jonny Woo, co-owner of celebrated East London queer venue The Glory) and Gayzpacho founders Angel Perez and David Roy, and presents the second event by St Martins Lane for Pride. They’ve also got their exciting Coming Out Monologues which you can read about above!
Where: 45 St. Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4HX, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Leicester Square (0.2 miles)
Website: www.stmartinslane.com
A Gay and A NonGay: LIVE
As the title suggests, this comedic gem sees gay and straight worlds collide! Friends James Barr and Dan Hudson plus special guests bring their award winning comedy podcast to Southbank, live, in what is sure to be a hilarious series of events. We’re told you can expect a tonne of audience interaction so shyness is out of the window, alongside a tummy tickling Queer Eye parody and a laugh out loud look at issues affecting Gay and NonGay people. It’s set to be a belter on the Southbank – get involved!
On the 8th of June, 5-pm
Where: Underbelly Festival Southbank, Belvedere Road, Coach Park, Southbank, SE1 8XX
Website: www.underbellyfestival.com
The Perception at W London
W London is partnering with GLITTERBOX this Pride, and when something is called GLITTERBOX our heads do a 360 spin of excitement – wow, that’s quite the image! Anyway, there’ll be an awesome post parade party with FREE entry for those who sign up in advance, brimming with fun, glitter and a dose of YAAAS KWEEN, literally, there’ll be a YAAAS KWEEN cocktail. The libation has been created by the mixologists from the Perception at W London and it’ll include citron-infused Belvedere vodka & Earl Grey Tea with fresh hints of apricot and a glittery, bubbly top.
The Deeper Love Party and all its neon glory will see Glitterbox DJ’s and performers shake their stuff and expect the same from you, from 5pm onwards – yikes! There’ll also be a bunch of people in glam outfits designed by Derek Purcell – he’s dressed Queen Bey guys, eek – as well a disco-ball room with sexy green hues. Guys, if disco-ball room hasn’t grabbed your attention then we’re not sure what will…
Get yourselves there! 6th of July, 5pm
Where: 10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London, W1D 6QF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
VIVI
Renowned for their vivacious creations that make for a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, VIVI hasn’t cut any corners with their Pride offering and bid you to come along, sit candy floss cocktail in hand, and enjoy their bottomless rainbow brunch! Expect delights from Rhubarb Catering Company and dreamy beats from London DJ’s and an indulgent three course brunch with highlights of avocado on toast to prawn cocktail and a moreish VIVI burger. Plus, if you’re up for a boozy one then why not go bottomless? The offering includes bubbles, bloody mary’s or endless Aperol Spritz, so take pride in your weekend and indulge.
Where: Centre Point, 11 St Giles Passage, Square, WC2H 8AP
Website: Get Your Tickets Here
Sea Containers London
Snug up in a cinema and enjoy an award-winning film on the 4th of July, courtesy of Curzon at Sea Containers. With snacks in hand, from nachos to spicy popcorn chicken bites, you’ll tune into The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert starring Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp and Hugo Weaving, a film that’ll be a total feast for your senses. Plus you’ll be doing it for a great cause as all money donates to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity Stonewall.
If you’re heading to the parade, why not make a Tutti Fruitii pit-stop? Intrigued? On the 6th of July, guests can pop into Sea Containers to get a pride makeover from a company that champion empowerment no matter which race, gender identity, age and class you are. Tutti Fruitii will work their magic before you go out and enjoy the magic of Pride.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London, UK
Nearest station: London Waterloo East (0.3 miles)
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
IBikeLondon - Ride with Pride
IBikeLondon know that sometimes the best way to spread a message is by zooming and zipping through the city on a bike, and we say why not! Join IBikeLondon once again as they Ride with Pride through the streets of London. The colourful ride will see music booming from the fleet of disco bikes and a whole host of rainbow flags and glitter in true pride spirit. With all abilities welcome, the fun and games will begin at 3pm as you meet under London Bridge ready to ride like there’s no tomorrow!
Where: The South Bank Centre South Bank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Website: Get Involved Here
