Camberwell is set to get a new lesbian pub after a community fundraiser smashed its £46,000 target.
Dorothy’s, a community-focused venue founded by Molly McCabe and Beth White, will take over the former St George’s Tavern in Camberwell. The pub sits behind Burgess Park on the corner of Rainbow Street.
The transformation is part of the co-founders’ bid to create what they describe as a “real queer home” in the area — a dedicated space for lesbians, trans people and non-binary people to socialise and feel safe.
The fundraiser highlighted the decline of queer spaces in London, particularly those catering to lesbians. In a statement, the team said: “For years, queer spaces in London have been disappearing, and lesbian spaces have been hit hardest. Right now, there are only a tiny handful of dedicated lesbian venues left in the entire UK.”
“At the same time, so many queer people, especially lesbians, trans people and non-binary people, still struggle to find places where they can fully relax, socialise and feel safe being themselves.”
Dorothy’s will join the ranks of London’s few dedicated lesbian venues, following the closure of the café and cocktail bar Goldie Saloon in 2025. It will stand alongside La Camionera in Well Street, SHE in Soho, and the popular queer-owned pub the Old Nun’s Head.
The new pub promises hospitality built on genuine inclusivity. Drinks will come from queer-owned brands, with seasonal food from queer chefs and kitchens. Visitors can also look forward to live music, cabaret and drag shows.
The opening marks what many are calling London’s “lesbian renaissance” — a recent wave that has seen new FLINTA bars, club nights and community events like the London Dyke March and Dyke Market. However, many of these venues have been concentrated in east London, making Dorothy’s a welcome addition to the south-east.
A lifeline for queer venues
The success of Dorothy’s fundraiser reflects a broader fight to save LGBTQ+ venues across the capital. Rising rents, changing drinking habits and the pandemic have all taken their toll on queer spaces, with lesbian bars among the hardest hit.
Community ownership models — where locals club together to buy or rescue pubs — have become an increasingly popular way to protect venues that might otherwise be lost to developers. Dorothy’s follows in the footsteps of other community-backed pubs across London.
What happens next
Despite the excitement, Dorothy’s has yet to announce an official opening date. Supporters are advised to follow the venue’s social media channels for updates on the launch.
The team has already begun work on the former St George’s Tavern site, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the renovation — including one memorable moment when turning on the electrics sent water shooting from behind the bar.
For more on south London’s changing high streets, see our coverage of Bexleyheath’s award-winning restaurant and London’s festive season.
