There are some great queer owned cafes in the UK and here are some of the very best.
All small businesses could do with more exposure, but none more than the LGBTQ+ spaces around the country. In 2012, it was reported that almost 60% of LGBTQ+ spaces in London have closed down in the past decade. Queer spaces are an essential part of any city, as it is one of the few safe havens for queer people to chill and relax, without alcohol. Most cities have a form of ‘gay village’ where there are clubs and pubs, but rarely do we find sober spots for queer folks. So, here are a handful of gorgeous queer owned cafes across the UK.
Feel Good Café – Manchester
Feel Good café is the perfect sport for an Instagrammable spot of breakfast. Head over to the Northern Quarter and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or lite lunch with a coffee, or something stronger if you prefer.
Feel Good café is owned by wives Aimie and Kiera, who are ‘on a mission to make you feel good’. There are several events on at the café throughout the year from quizzes to open mics and resident DJ sets. If you come for one of these events, be sure to sample on of their amazing ‘icon’ cocktails such as The Ru Paul or The Dolly.
And to top it all off, this place is dog-friendly, so what more do you want?
Yas Bean – Macclesfield
Yas Bean is an amazing café based in Macclesfield run by husbands Dan and Mika. They sell stunning baked good, takeaway breakfast options and lunches too. Like any good LGBTQ+ café, they offer vegan and gluten free options.
Aside from the food, they also serve a range of gorgeous drinks that taste as good as the look. And look how stunning they are…
Kafe Kweer – Edinburgh
Kafe Kweer is a self-proclaimed ‘Award winning sober queer space’ that has everything you could ever need. From groceries to coffee, events and local art, they are much more than a café. Kafe Kween is the ultimate queer space where you can sip on a hot chocolate, buy a bisexual badge, create a zine and even get that pint of milk you’ve been meaning to get.
There are a whole host of events occurring such as the upcoming Kafe Kweer Chatterdays that you can purchase tickets for here.
Corner – South London
Corner is both a café, creative space and gallery. Owned by partners Tarek Merlin and Mark Osman-Barter, they put their skills together to create the ultimate café experience. Here you can grab a croissant or pastry and wash it down with a delicious coffee or wine, depending on your mood.
When the sun goes down, this place turns into a wonderous gallery, exhibition and creative space. With creative events frequently happening, be sure to keep up to date with their schedule so you can bag yourself a ticket.
Flamingos – Leeds
Flamingos was opened back in 2018 and is still Leeds’ only late night LGBTQ+ friendly coffee house. Here you can catch a delicious lunch meal from ciabatta rolls to afternoon teas. You should also try one of their amazing iced coffees now that the weather is heating up!
Don’t worry vegans, there is ample choice for you here too.