Celebrating LGBTQ+ businesses!
Happy Pride Month Waltham Forest! We’re proud to be a borough with a rich history of diversity and inclusion that stands against division and bigotry, and this extends to many of the wonderful local businesses that call Waltham Forest home.
This Pride Month, why not show your support for a business that’s proud to represent or cater to the LGBTQIA+ community? Below are just a few.
Please note that in places we have used the word ‘queer’ when this is how the person self-describes on their website or social media. We acknowledge that 'queer' has a complex history, having been used as a derogatory slur, and respect everyone’s right to use the words that best align with their own identity.
Health, beauty and wellbeing
Bern to Get Fit is a Walthamstow-based fitness instructor who runs regular semi-private training sessions for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.
East of Eden is an inclusive and welcoming movement community offering pilates, yoga, static bike rides and more! They offer LGBTQIA+ focused classes and welcome everyone regardless of size, age, ability, ethnicity, sexuality or gender.
Ram Barbers is an inclusive barbers on St James Street, priding itself on an environment full of good vibes and friendly banter.
Wizard of Hair is a salon owned by queer-identifying Lauren Thwaites who offers an inclusive, gender-neutral service with prices solely depending on the style and length of the haircut.
Yonder is a climbing wall and workspace that holds Queer Climbs every Wednesday, 7 to 10pm!
Food and drink
The Real Al Company is a drinks distributor owned by local couple Ish and Al. They’re brewing proper cider, perry and craft beer and have their own taproom which is open Friday to Sunday.
The Northcote is a community pub in Leyton which hosts popular drag cabaret nights every Sunday from 6.30pm. They have also hosted Queer Beer Festivals, celebrating LGBQTIA+ breweries and brewers.
Pixie’s Bar is a 1980s style LGBTQIA+ micro bar in Wood Street offering hand-crafted cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere for all, with themed events and drag shows to boot.
Queer Brewing Co. are based in Leyton, the UK’s first trans- and queer-owned brewery. As well as brewing excellent beers they’ve raised tens of thousands of pounds for LGBT+ charities, and as of 2024 are donating 10p from every pint and can sold.
Orford House is a social club in Walthamstow which hosts LGBTQIA+ nights every third Friday of the month, with ‘great tunes, nice people and free entry’.
Culture and art
F*Choir is a 60 piece, all-genders community choir led by composer and multidisciplinary artist Jenny Moore.
Lez Get Creative runs creative projects for queer women, including Lez Get Writing – a regular creative writing workshop run out of The Mill
Lily Deason is a ceramicist who uses their work to talk about sexuality and queer identities. They make bold and graphic wheel-thrown ceramics.
Undercover Comedy is a queer-led “comedy coven” with frequent performances at the Real Al taproom.
Walthamstow Trades Hall is a members’ club that has stood in its current location for 100 years and holds regular events open to the public, from drag shows to queer line dancing. They are hosting afterparties for Waltham Forest Pride and Trans Pride this summer. WF Pride is on Saturday 19 July and Trans Pride is on Saturday 9 August.
Community
elop is an award-winning, holistic LGBT+ service offering a range of support.
Myxelia is a queer collective centering people of the global majority. They are dedicated to creating healing spaces for queer families, communities, and allies to connect, celebrate, and share joy.
Walthamstow Gay Meetup is a friendly LGBTQ+ network for Waltham Forest residents, with relaxed social meetups for members.
Do you know a business which goes out of their way to create a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community in Waltham Forest? Help us celebrate them by letting us know by emailing campaigns@walthamforest.gov.uk
Please note: this list is based on businesses’ self-description. Inclusion on this list doesn’t necessarily imply affiliation with Waltham Forest Council.