Candy Bar, Soho

Candy Bar, Carlisle Street

Candy Bar, Soho was a notable lesbian bar located in the heart of Soho, London, known for its significant role in the LGBTQ+ community. Established in the mid-1990s, it emerged as a vibrant space for lesbian and queer women to socialize, offering a safe haven away from the predominantly male-centric gay bars of the time. The venue was renowned for its lively atmosphere, themed nights, and as a pivotal location for activism and community building within the lesbian community.

History

Candy Bar's inception dates back to the 1990s, a period marked by a burgeoning visibility of LGBTQ+ spaces in London, yet with limited options catering specifically to lesbian and queer women. Its opening represented a bold step in offering a dedicated venue for women in the heart of Soho, an area synonymous with LGBTQ+ nightlife. Over the years, Candy Bar became synonymous with lesbian culture in London, hosting a variety of events, from DJ nights to poetry readings, that celebrated and supported the diversity of the lesbian community.

Cultural Impact

The significance of Candy Bar extended beyond its role as a nightlife venue; it was a cultural hub that played a crucial role in shaping and nurturing the lesbian community in London. It provided a platform for lesbian visibility and was instrumental in challenging societal norms surrounding LGBTQ+ identities. The bar's existence during a time of significant social change for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK made it a historical landmark for many.

Closure

Despite its popularity and importance within the community, Candy Bar announced its closure in the early 2010s. The reasons cited were a combination of rising rents in Soho, changing social attitudes that led to a decrease in the need for LGBTQ+ specific spaces, and the increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream venues. The closure of Candy Bar marked the end of an era for London's lesbian scene, with many mourning the loss of a space that had offered community, solidarity, and visibility for over two decades.

Legacy

The legacy of Candy Bar lives on through the memories of those who visited the venue and the impact it had on London's LGBTQ+ landscape. It is remembered not just as a bar, but as a community space that contributed significantly to the visibility and acceptance of lesbian and queer women. The story of Candy Bar is a reminder of the importance of such spaces in providing a sense of belonging and identity for marginalized communities.