South London Gets First Permanent Lesbian Pub This November
A Historic Space Takes Root in Camberwell
Camberwell is about to gain something the neighbourhood—and South London—has been desperately missing. Dorothy’s, housed in the freshly renovated former St George’s Tavern on Coleman Road, will become the area’s first permanent lesbian-focused pub when it opens next month. The distinctive pink-painted building has already become a landmark, turning heads along this everyday South London street and signalling something genuinely different is arriving.
Couple Beth White and Molly McCabe have spent the better part of this year transforming the space, with much of the renovation work handled by their own hands. Their crowdfunding campaign, launched in June, shattered expectations by raising over £54,000—nearly triple their original £20,000 target. This overwhelming community response speaks volumes about how desperately residents have been craving this kind of dedicated, welcoming venue. For locals who’ve watched London’s LGBTQIA+ spaces shrink dramatically over recent decades, Dorothy’s represents genuine hope that the tide might finally be turning.
What Dorothy’s Will Offer the Community
Dorothy’s isn’t just another pub—it’s being designed as a genuine cultural hub with genuine inclusive hospitality at its heart. The venue will stock drinks from queer-owned brands, serve seasonal food prepared by queer chefs, and host rotating kitchen residencies alongside supper clubs that double as community gatherings. Beyond food and drink, expect a proper pool room, regular live music performances, drag shows, cabaret events, and benefit fundraisers supporting LGBTQIA+ causes.
The pub’s name carries historical weight, nodding to Chelsea’s legendary Gateways Club, where “Dorothy” served as the secret password for entry from the 1930s until its 1985 closure. That venue became the world’s longest-running lesbian club, creating safe spaces and building community across generations. Dorothy’s aims to honour that legacy while serving today’s community. For Camberwell residents and South London broadly, this means a permanent gathering space specifically designed with their needs in mind—somewhere to celebrate, connect, and feel genuinely welcomed without reservation or pretence.
Why This Matters Right Now for South London
London has lost over 60% of its dedicated LGBTQIA+ spaces since 2006, a decline that’s left huge gaps in community infrastructure. Venues like these don’t just provide drinks and entertainment—they’re lifelines for connection, belonging, and safety. The loss of spaces like Gateways, Joiners’ Arms, and countless others has meant LGBTQIA+ residents have had to travel across the city, often to central London near areas like Soho and Trafalgar Square, just to find welcoming community venues.
Dorothy’s arrival signals a genuine shift. Alongside recent openings like 2026 Hero La Camionera and improvements to the Joiners’ Arms replacement, South London is beginning to reclaim dedicated LGBTQIA+ spaces. For residents, this means local community-building, reduced travel, and investment in their own neighbourhood’s social fabric. Follow Dorothy’s on Instagram (@dorothys.ldn) for updates as opening approaches. Mark your calendars for November 2026—and consider stopping by on opening night to support local LGBTQIA+ business owners and help ensure this vital community space thrives for years to come.
Source: South London Is Getting Its First Permanent Lesbian Pub
