Pride Month is a crucial part of London’s cultural calendar, with a wealth of events, parties and, of course, its famous parade set to take place in the capital again this year. While the city is already home to a fantastic array of LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants and clubs, Pride Month takes celebrations to a whole new level with thousands of people getting involved with parties, protests and more.
The very first Gay Pride London march took place on 1 July 1972 in response to the Stonewall Riots, where police raided a gay inn in New York in 1969. Travelling from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, the march was organised by members of the Gay Liberation Front to rally against the prejudices and injustices held against the gay community. Around 2,000 people took part in that initial demonstration, a far cry from the estimated million people who turn out for Pride celebrations in the city today. In fact, Pride in London is set to involve approximately 30,000 participants now, with an extra 1.5 million visitors expected to join in the fun.
Previous years have seen a focus on the #AllOurPride campaign which aims to acknowledge ‘those torch bearers who have come before us’, while recognising ‘the challenges still faced by our community nationally and globally’, a sentiment that continues into 2024. You can find out more details on the Pride in London website.
Pride Parade is always a phenomenal one-day event, but there are plenty more Pride celebrations taking place across the capital throughout the months of June and July. Naturally, we've rounded up the best places for foodies to celebrate Pride in London. From limited-edition menu items and charitable donations to drag brunches and special events at LGBTQ+ orientated bars and restaurants. Take a look at this line-up of things to do, see and eat to show your support for Pride in London this year.
What is the route for the Pride in London parade 2024?
As in previous years, the Pride in London parade will kick off at Hyde Park near Marble Arch, where the first post-march picnic took place, before moving down to Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and finally finishing at Whitehall Place.
When is the Pride in London parade 2024?
The Pride in London parade will take place on Saturday 29 June 2024 with celebrations in London lasting the whole of June and into July.
Where to celebrate Pride in London
London's restaurants and bars are showing their support for Pride via a host of special creations, parties and events. Here are just a few of our favourite ways to join in with the best Pride London parties.
OXBO Bankside Taylor Swift x Pride Brunch, Southwark
![Sophia stardust (left), brunch dishes at Oxbo bankside (right)]()
What: Steak and seafood restaurant OXBO Bankside is upgrading its usual brunch offering to a special Pride extravaganza. For one day only, diners can enjoy a performance from drag queen Sophia Stardust, as Taylor Swift, along with four courses, free-flowing fizz or wine. Expect singing, dancing and bingo, with a whole host of prizes up for grabs too.
When: 29 June, 12.30-3pm
Where: 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0UG
Book now: OXBO Bankside
Pride Brunch at BAM Karaoke Box, Victoria
![a karaoke room at BAM (left), and a selection of brunch dishes (right)]()
What: Europe's largest karaoke venue doesn't do anything halfway, with its over-the-top decor and eclectic atmosphere that makes a pretty excellent backdrop on a normal day. But that's not all. Kicking things up a notch, BAM Karaoke Box has launched a series of karaoke brunches, including a one off Pride special. Diners are invited to enjoy free-flowing brunch (or just regular brunch if that's more your style) alongside live entertainment and two hours in one of the private karaoke rooms - what's not to love?
When: Saturday 29 June, From 12.30pm
Where: 74 Victoria Street, SW1E 6SQ
Book now: BAM Karaoke Box
Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden
![dishes from seven dials market on a rainbow background]()
What: Popular street-food spot Seven Dials Market has pulled out all the stops with its month-long celebrations in collaboration with Pride in London. Throughout June there'll be plenty of specials available including Yum Bun’s Rainbow Salad or Little Pudding’s Marshmallow Fluff with Biscoff doughnut. Wash that down with the bar's 'Rhubabe' cocktail, made with Stonewall Spirits rhubarb gin, rhubarb syrup, elderflower and Prosecco. Friday and Saturday nights will see DJs from the LGBTQ+ community to really get the celebrations started.
When: 31 May - 30 June
Where: 35 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LD
Book now: Seven Dials Market
Pride Rooftop Session at The Broadcaster, White City
![the rooftop at the broadcaster (left), lychee martini (right)]()
What: Found in the heart of White City, The Broadcaster offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its rooftop terrace - the perfect place to celebrate Pride! Hosting a one-off Pride Rooftop Session, The Broadcaster invites guests to sit back in the sun and enjoy spanning vistas of the city, alongside live DJ entertainment as well as live drag performances from icon Miss Mercedes Bends. Menus feature the likes of buttermilk fried chicken, monkfish scampi and plant-based sliders, with a limited edition Lychee Martini also on offer to wash everything down. All proceeds from the sale of this cocktail will be donated to the Terrence Higgins Trust.
When: Saturday 22 June, 3-10pm
Where: 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX
Book now: The Broadcaster
Drag Brunch at Kapara, Soho
![a selection of cocktails (left), a couple kissing (right)]()
What: Offering a lively stop off amidst your various Pride festivities, Kapara’s Drag Brunch is definitely one to have on your list. Known for its vibrant Middle Eastern flavours, Kapara's brunch menu sees the likes of shawarma salmon with avocado smash and harissa cornbread, and breakfast short ribs with XO sauce and crispy fried rice. That, coupled with a glorious spot on the terrace, will have diners soaking up the sun alongside live performances from London’s finest LGBTQIA+ drag artists and DJs, ensuring that the fun never stops. You’ll also get the chance to try specially curated Pride cocktails and a bespoke Pride Babka!
When: Saturday 29 June, 11am-4.30pm
Where: Manette Street, W1D 4AL
Book now: Kapara
Rainbow Light Show at Hilton Park Lane, Mayfair
![rainbow light display at the Hilton hotel]()
What: In honour of the final weekend of Pride Month, London Hilton on Park Lane are lighting up the sky with this rainbow light display. Known for putting on a display with its iconic light shows, this 28-storey hotel will be lighting up the area to show its support for London’s pride parade and the LGBTQIA+ community. Standing as part of the capital’s skyline, it’s likely that you’ll be able to see this display across the city, but if you’re in the area between Friday 28 June and Sunday 30 June, be sure to head over and grab a front row seat.
When: Friday 28 June - Sunday 30 June
Where: 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
Book now: Hilton Park Lane
Pride Party at Bubala, Soho
![a selection of middle eastern dishes on a table]()
What: As part of its fifth birthday celebrations, Bubala is hosting a month-long series of events, including a Pride Party that will feature chef Diarmiud Goodwin (Sager + Wilde), who’ll be putting his twists on the beloved Bubala menu. All money raised from the event will go to various LGBTQIA+ charities, with charity auctions, raffles and a number of excellent prizes up for grabs. As part of this extravaganza, diners can expect a vegetarian feast including the likes of buffalo milk labneh with grapefruit and smoked chilli marmalade, kohlrabi skewer with pistachio ajo blanco and halloumi with salsa macha.
When: Sunday 30 June
Where: 15 Poland Street, W1F 8PR
Book now: Bubala
Pink Wednesdays at Vauxhall Arches, Vauxhall
![cocktails (left), drag queen (right)]()
What: There’s always something happening at Vauxhall’s resident Food and Beer Garden, and Pride month is no exception. From quiz nights to bingo evenings, Wednesdays at Vauxhall Arches have been dubbed ‘Pink Wednesdays’ offering fabulous evenings complete with drag icons Baga Chipz (runner-up of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) and local queen Brandy X. If you're looking for a night of booze, tunes and plenty of dancing, then this could be the perfect Pride celebration.
When: Certain Wednesdays in June
Where: 6A South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP
Book now: Vauxhall Arches
Rainbow Layer Cake at Lavo, Marylebone
![the interiors at Lavo (left), a 20-layer rainbow cake (right)]()
What: Housed in The BoTree hotel in the heart of Marylebone, Lavo has made a name for itself with its over-the-top and extravagant menu offerings. The site’s signature multi-layer chocolate cake has had a glow up and, for the month of June, guests can enjoy it in all its rainbow glory. Boasting 20 layers of rainbow sponge, split with layers of cream cheese icing, it's set to be a truly decadent delight.
When: 1-30 June
Where: 30 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2DR
Book now: Lavo
Shake Shack Pride Shake, various locations
![pride milkshake (left), burgers from shake shack (right)]()
What: Known for its classic burgers and over-the-top shakes, Shake Shack have launched a limited edition Pride Shake which will be available throughout the month of June. £1 from each sale will be donated to various LGBTQ+ charities, including Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons’ Trust, PRIDE CYMRU and Oxford Pride. This delightful shake is made of vanilla frozen custard, Biscoff sauce, whipped cream and topped with plenty of rainbow sprinkles and is available at all Shake Shack locations.
When: 31 May - 1 July
Where: 24 Market Building, WC2E 8RD; 1-2 Coventry Street, W1D 6BH; 80 New Oxford Street, WC1A
Book now: Shake Shack Covent Garden; Shake Shack Leicester Square; Shake Shack Tottenham Court Road
Celebrating in Soho? Rest assured all that partying is bound to make you peckish. Refuel at one of these best restaurants in Soho.