Candy Bar

Covent Garden / Soho, London –

Launched in 1996 – and revamped in 2011 after being taken over by gay bar magnate Gary Henshaw – Candy Bar is a buzzing, late-night destination for the double-X chromosome set.

And a few dudes, depending on the night.

Considerably less pink than its original incarnation, this simple, three-level venue promises different events throughout the week, with rotating DJs spinning everything from indie to cheesy 80s hits, karaoke nights, several drink specials, and even a boys’ night on Tuesdays complete with abs-tastic strippers that the lesbian set probably won’t appreciate.

There aren’t a lot of lesbian bars in London, so the place has become a sanctum for a diverse set of gay ladies, many of whom pop in for quiet afternoon drinks at the long main floor bar, where female bartenders serve a fairly standard mix of classic cocktails, beer, and wine.

Comfy couches and mirrors give the upstairs room a loungey, couple-friendly feel, while the subterranean club – reached via a spiral staircase – houses the dance floor/pick-up area, which can get quite busy come Fridays.

Although technically a member’s joint after 11pm, the bar is free to join, and doing so provides discounts on an already inexpensive Friday/Saturday cover charge that usually doesn’t kick in till 9pm.

Relatively unremarkable both in its décor and its drinks list, Candy Bar still manages to draw a crowd thanks to a wholly unpretentious vibe. It’s a place where girls can be girls, whether they’re bearded bulls, dainty Mollys, or just a little curious.