South East Sapphics is a monthly social for LGBTQIA+ women, trans and non-binary people to meet, chat and make new pals in a relaxed, friendly space. We’re proud to be a trans-inclusive community rooted in queer joy and connection with a lovely mix of ages, from 20s to 60s. Bring a mate or come alone - most people come solo and leave with new friends. We're looking forward to welcoming you!
What to expect:
A whole bar just for us - everyone is queer and everyone wants to make new friends ☺️
- A relaxed social evening, great chats with new people, a cute bar across two floors with an outdoor terrace, and a sapphic playlist (but not too loud so we can hear each other!). Downstairs is a quieter space until 10pm. Join us early for Happy Hour 7pm - 8pm with deals on beer and cocktails.
- All LGBTQIA+ Women, Trans and Non-Binary people are welcome. (Or FLINTA Woman, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, Agender). This is not an event for cis men.
- Ages range from 20 - 60+ but millennial vibes are particularly strong.
- Get access to our invite-only WhatsApp group on the night to get involved in local events throughout the month or find buddies for the things you want to do. People from the group regularly meet for book clubs, football matches, theatre trips and more.
About the venue:
We deserve a classy venue and HopScotch Taprooms is it. A much-loved bar in the heart of Crystal Palace, known for its expertly crafted cocktails, hidden whiskey bar, delicious sharing menu and generous grazing boards. It’s full of character and built almost entirely from recycled materials down to the repurposed glassware and wall panelling from Jimi Hendrix’s house. A classy venue and a killer sapphic playlist? What more could you ask for!
Getting there:
Nearest train stations: Gipsy Hill (southern) & Crystal Palace (southern, overground)
Nearest tube: Brixton then take the 3 bus to Crystal Palace
(322 and 432 also go from Brixton less frequently).
Accessibility:
There is one large step to enter the bar. The event takes place across two floors (ground floor and basement) with a small outdoor seated terrace on the ground floor at the back.
Ground floor: home to the main bar, there will be music playing in the background and plenty of seating. The ground floor is split level with two steps separating the levels.
Basement: down a short but narrow flight of stairs with a close handrail. The basement will have low lighting and quieter music until 10pm for a low sensory experience. There is a small genderless toilet on each floor, unfortunately neither of these toilets is accessible currently.
Terrace: Accessed via the ground floor, the terrace is seated and will be available until 11pm.
Front outdoor area: During the summer months there are tables outside at the side of the bar on the cobbled pathway. Access to this is step free.
Please feel free to email for more information or specific access requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you SEsapphics@gmail.com.
Host:
Hi, I'm Nat (she/her, AUDHD, Lesbian) host and founder of South East Sapphics ❤️
I started SE Sapphics because I wanted to meet other queer people in a space that doesn't centre cis men. After I booked a table for 15 people and 60 turned up, I realised that this was so needed! SE Sapphics started in July 2023 in the back of the pub and we're now so lucky to be able to take over a whole venue. The best thing about the community is that people genuinely use it. Throughout the month there are regular meets facilitated by our regulars and when someone needs a favour - from help moving to a cat sitter - there's usually someone who can help. So when you come to a social, you get so much more than just a night out. Look forward to seeing you soon!
