Dorothy’s: Camberwell’s New Lesbian Pub Takes Shape in South London
A Camberwell Pub Reborn as a Lesbian Bar
Camberwell is getting a new kind of local. Beth White and Molly McCabe are transforming an old pub in the neighbourhood into Dorothy’s, a permanent lesbian and sapphic bar that they hope will become a fixture for women across south London. For anyone who has spent years wondering where to go in London for a space that feels entirely their own, the project addresses a gap that many locals have talked about for a long time. Most of the city’s nightlife is built around mixed or heteronormative venues, and dedicated queer women’s spaces have been few and often short-lived. The founders say they got tired of complaining about this and decided to act instead. The name carries history. Dorothy’s is a nod to the Gateways Club, widely recognised as the world’s longest-running lesbian bar, which closed in 1985. Members once used the word ‘Dorothy’ as a password to get in, and the founders wanted to quietly honour the women who kept that world alive. It is a reminder that today’s public queer spaces have roots, and that the story of London’s nightlife includes chapters that deserve recognition. A London museum exhibition on queer social history would be a fitting companion to a venue like this, and it is the kind of cultural stop that could sit alongside other london attractions on a visitor’s list. For residents, Dorothy’s offers something practical as well as symbolic: a local place to meet, socialise and feel comfortable in public without explaining yourself.
Renovation Surprises Behind the Bar
Turning a building into a bar is rarely straightforward, and Dorothy’s has had its share of surprises. The pub was taken on as a lease-as-seen property, which means the founders inherited whatever condition the building was in. They knew the electrics needed a full rewire before signing, and they have brought in Char, an electrician, to handle that work. What they did not expect was what lay beneath the surface. Under two layers of laminate flooring in the main bar, there was no floor in some areas, and most of the joists were rotten. An outdoor beer drop was held up by little more than a couple of breeze blocks. The building has no gas connection and runs on a single-phase supply, which will shape what kitchen and equipment can realistically be installed. Upstairs leaks have been ongoing, the plumbing was largely non-existent, and the sinks drained straight onto a cellar floor that was damp and mouldy. Each problem adds time and cost, and the couple have been open about how much work remains. For local people, the story is a useful reminder of what goes into bringing a long-empty pub back into use. Old buildings often hide serious issues, and community ventures can take longer than planned. It also shows why steady backing from supporters matters so much to independent businesses trying to open in a tough market.
How Locals Can Get Involved and What Comes Next
The most encouraging part of the project has been the response. Beth and Molly say they have been flooded with Instagram messages, emails and comments from people wanting to help. That enthusiasm has turned into volunteer days focused on clearing and painting, and the founders describe a crowd of helpers who can transform a room in what feels like seconds. Anyone in Camberwell or wider south London who wants to pitch in should follow Dorothy’s social media accounts for announcements about the next volunteer sessions. Turning up with a paintbrush, some time, or practical skills is a direct way to shape the space. Support has also come from organisations beyond the usual circles. The founders have praised European Sperm Bank for financial backing, pointing to its wider commitment to LGBTQ+ families. Local businesses and community groups may find similar ways to contribute, whether through donations, sponsorship or simply spreading the word. Looking ahead, residents should watch for an opening date, the details of the bar’s programme, and how it fits into the area’s evening economy. Those who want to plan a visit can check the venue’s listings once it opens and add it to their guide to where to go in London. Dorothy’s is still a work in progress, but for many locals it already represents a promise kept.
Source: “We’re Opening A Lesbian Pub In South London”
Visitors planning to visit London pub spots in South London can add Dorothy’s to their list as Camberwell’s newest welcoming venue for the LGBTQ+ community.
Just a short walk from the bustling streets of Camberwell, visitors can easily reach buckingham palace by train, making the neighbourhood a convenient base for exploring central London.
