The drinks and hospitality industries are led by legendary women, and we're all about celebrating 'em every damn day of the year. But this International Women's Day, we're seizing the opportunity to shine a light on some of our fave female-run spots in London's bar scene. Take a peek...
The Highball is the star of the show at this airy neighbourhood joint from Hebe Richardson, Imie Augier and Nate Brown. They're pushing the boundaries of the drink by making some truly epic flavour-packed versions with loads of different spirits, mixers and modifiers. Believe the Highball hype, y'all!
20 Hopewell Square, London City Island E14 0SY
Co-founders Lucia Massey, the creator of the Slap Ya Papa pop-ups, and Thea Cumming, of Dangerous Don Mezcal, changed the capital's agave game when they launched this wicked mezcal bar and late-night community space in 2019. It's a pink palace with a commitment to celebrating the feminine, and they make one of the best Spicy Margs around.
92 Stoke Newington High St, Clapton, London N16 7NY
Run by Mia Johansson and partner Bobby Hiddleston, and backed by Rosie Stimpson and Edmund Weil (of Nightjar and Oriole), the effortlessly sophisticated Swift Soho is one of the best spots around for an Irish Coffee or an after-work aperitivo - and its newer outposts in Shoreditch and Borough mean you're never far from a bangin' drink.
12 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TQ
This breezy wine bar and shop from Sia Smith has a focus on products from women-made businesses. Get involved with the knockout list of skin-contact wines, many of 'em from female winemakers, and a plate of ricotta and anchovies. Epic evening: sorted.
297 Hoxton St, London N1 5JX
Founded by Sadie Taylor and Ben Everest, this coffee and cocktail lounge was created as an antidote to gender-related issues in the hospo industry, with a menu built around products from female-forward brands. It's the perfect place for a day-to-night caffeine fix, and they've got a killer happy hour to boot.
224 Graham Rd, London E8 1BP
Partners in biz and life Emma Murphy and Deano Moncrieffe run the show at Hacha, which was born in Dalston and gained a sister bar in Brixton in 2022. Dedicated to all things agave, Hacha is the home of the iconic crystal-clear, dangerously drinkable Mirror Margarita - don't miss it.
378 Kingsland Rd, Haggerston, London E8 4AA
Credit: Instagram @fabsinthe for @mamafunki
For the magic combo of amazing live music and next-level cocktails with an emphasis on local ingredients, ya can't beat this Camberwell basement bar from Anna Fairhead-Benitez and Sergio Leanza, the duo behind Peckham fave Funkidory.
29-33 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8TR
Carole Bryon is the force behind this Covent Garden wine bar and restaurant, and she's shaped it into a spot championing the women of the wine world, with a stellar list of organic, biodynamic, minimal intervention vino crafted by female winemakers. Yes please.
16 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NJ
This ain't just one of the best bars in London - it's one of the best bars in the world. Monica Berg and Alex Kratena are the legendary duo behind this industrial-chic two-in-one bar. Go for next-level drinks on tap at Elementary, or head to Tayer in back for sleek, technique-driven serves crafted by the best.
152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW
Led by Missy Flynn and Gabriel Price, Rita's has seen incarnations as a fried chicken joint in Dalston and a sandwich shop in King's Cross. Now Rita's living her best life as a cosy restaurant in Soho, serving up American comfort food and a top-notch cocktail list. You go, girl!
49 Lexington St, Carnaby, London W1F 9AP