Women-Led Bars And Restaurants In London: Female-Run Venues

In a city home to all kinds of food and drink offerings, we thought it was time to show a little love for the fabulous females that are running things behind the scenes. From dynamic duos cooking up authentic flavours to Michelin-trained chefs, places with Top 50 Cocktail Bars accolades, and a restaurant inspired by a famous suffragette, we're taking a look at the female-run bars and restaurants in London that are well worth a visit.

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Wahaca features top-notch tacos and margaritas, courtesy of Thomasina Miers.

Central

Peggy Jean: Part of the Daisy Green family - founded by Prue Freeman and her husband - this floating barge restaurant in Paddington Basin is bringing a taste of Australia to London. But it's not doing it on its own. Sister sites include Scarlett Green, Ziggy Green and Paradise Green.

Bao: Founded by Erchen Chang and Shing Tat (plus the latter's brother), Bao is slinging out scrumptious Taiwanese treats, with a focus on the eponymous fluffy bun. Find it in Borough and King's Cross.

Wahaca: We bet you've heard of this Mexican powerhouse, but did you know it was founded by a woman? Thomasina Miers, to be more exact. Thanks to her, you can now get your fix of sustainable grub and wacky interiors.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club: Founded by Holly Brooks and Rachel Wisson, this oh-so-chocolatey cocktail spot knocks up sweet tipples, fabulous afternoon teas and fun events right in Farringdon. We highly recommend its iconic chocotini.

Swift: One of our favourite women-led bars in London, Swift is shaking up signature cocktails in a gorgeous setting. Saunter over to its Shoreditch, Soho or Borough haunts to take advantage of its enticing offerings.

Mere: Craving something different for dinner? One of the most famous female chefs in the UK, Monica Galetti, whips up dishes that uniquely combine both classical French cuisine with South Pacific flavours.

Wild By Tart: Starting as a catering company between two culinary queens (Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison), Wild by Tart quickly grew a following for its seasonal dishes made with sustainably sourced produce. Now, you can experience the tasty food yourself at its Belgravia restaurant, bar, cafe and events space.

Darjeeling Express: Garrick Street's Darjeeling Express is serving up traditional Calcuttan street food and plates. Inspired by owner Asma Khan's childhood, meals here are sure to please.

Lady Of The Grapes: The fittingly named Covent Garden wine bar embraces the term 'women supporting women'. Owned by Carole Bryon, the place showcases female vintners along its shelves.

Club Mexicana: Boasting sites in Covent Garden and Seven Dials, Club Mexicana is all about meatless eats packed with flavour thanks to the brains behind the operation, Meriel Armitage. Head here for short 'rib' tacos, loaded nachos and buffalo chick'n burritos.

Jikoni: Treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal in a gorgeous location at Marylebone's Jikoni. On the menu? Plates inspired by cultures across South Asia, the Middle East, East Africa and Britain, courtesy of author and food journalist Ravinder Bhogal's culinary vision.

Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison bring lavish interiors and botanical decor to their pick of the best female-run restaurants in London.

North

Luminary Bakery: A social enterprise from Alice Williams that's helping to support and create jobs for disadvantaged women, this all-female Stoke Newington bakery is dishing up sweet treats and doing good while they're at it. Enough bread.

Chuku’s: Founded by brother-sister duo, Ifeyinwa Frederick and Henry Southan Emeka, Chuku’s is not only critically acclaimed, but it's also the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant – we mean cassava fries, honey suya prawns, oh - and the scotch bonnet jam is sublime.

Sambal Shiok: Get your fix of Malaysian flavours from this Holloway Road gem. Order yourself a signature laksa, noodle salad or rice bowl and see why the critics are such fans of Mandy Yin's cooking.

Keystone Crescent: A gorgeous members' club in King's Cross, Coralie Sleap's hidden cocktail lounge is providing you with late-night drinks in a luxury setting. The best part? The monthly fee is just £12.

Caravan: Crispy chilli tofu, confit duck leg, rose harissa pizzas... Co-founded by Laura Harper-Hinton, Caravan has gained a name for itself for delicious seasonal brunches and all-day menus alongside expert coffees. Find them in Fitzrovia, Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, King's Cross and the City of London.

Doña: Specialising in smoky mezcal tipples and live music, Thea Cumming and Lucia Massey's all-pink basement bar in Stoke Newington is a must for fun nights out.

Prawn On The Lawn: Sustainable and freshly caught fish straight from the shores of Cornwall? The Islington restaurant has an incredible menu of seafood, as well as an on-site fishmongers where you can get your catch of the day to go.

Get your fix of Australian cuisine from Darcie & May Green's restaurants.

South

Wood & Water: Seeking out women chefs and restauranteurs in London? Wood & Water is the brainchild of the prolific April Jackson. This Brixton joint whips up contemporary Caribbean cuisine alongside banging bottomless brunches.

The Begging Bowl: Head over to Jane Alty's spot in Peckham for a Thai feast of charcoal-grilled celeriac, minced duck salad and stir-fried Brussels tops. To drink? Themed cocktails and craft beers.

Peckham Cellars: Pairing fine wines with small plates, Helen Hall showcases one of the best women-owned bars in London and is serving up some serious date night vibes.

The Laundry: A stylish neighbourhood bistro, cafe and wine shop, South London's The Laundry has got you covered morning, noon and night, seven days a week.

Kudu: Nestled along Peckham's Queens Road, Kudu is providing you with mouthwatering South African eats, sleek interiors and tasty drinks, making for one of the best women-led restaurants in London.

Nandine: Camberwell's Nandine, run by Pary Baban and husband Pola, has gained a lot of love for its unique Kurdish menu - think baharat spiced fries, smoked aubergine platters and gourmet kebabs.

Naughty Piglets: Founded by Margaux Aubry and Joe Sharratt, Naughty Piglets is a quaint bistro, perfect for a little date night. Enjoy delicious sharing plates, alongside a wide range of vino.

Run by April Jackson, Wood & Water is featuring decadent Jamaican fare.

East

Ballie Ballerson: Fancy heading to one of the coolest female-owned bars in London? Founded by Wenny Armstrong, Ballie Ballerson is everyone's favourite ball pit venue, complete with Instagrammable interiors, bottomless brunches and fab cocktails.

The Vurger Co: One of the best vegan restaurants and the brainchild of Rachel Hugh, The Vurger Co is cooking up vegan fast-food favourites in Shoreditch. Tuck into Beyond Meat patties, crispy 'chicken' bites and creamy shakes.

Little Duck The Picklery: The wife and husband duo running this intimate Dalston spot (and its Soho wine bar Ducksoup) are bringing you biodynamic wines, affordable set menus and a regularly changing array of things to eat.

Mildreds: Beloved among vegans, Mildreds is dishing up incredible veggie and plant-based bites to hungry diners across Dalston, Soho, Covent Garden, Camden and more. Hit it up for pad Thai, gyozas and burgers - the Korean fried chicken patty is a must.

Mambow: Young female chef Abby Lee is the name on everyone's lips right now. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London and worked at Puglia's Michelin-starred Pasha Ristorante, but has now brought her own modern Malaysian restaurant to Lower Clapton.

Rochelle Canteen: Something of a national treasure, this renowned Shoreditch restaurant is housed within a former school bike shed and founded by two of London's most influential women in food.

Burro E Salvia: Just a hop, skip and a jump from Shoreditch station, Gaia Enria's pasta palace has got all your tortellini needs sorted.

Lucky & Joy: Trade in bog-standard chow meins and chicken balls for something a little different at Ellen Parr and Pete Kelly's mostly veggie Chinese haunt in Clapton.

Tayer + Elementary: With draught cocktails and yummy snacks on the roster, Tayer + Elementary serves amazing drinks in just seconds. Founded by Monica Berg and Alex Kratena, the venue really ups the ante when it comes to unique dining experiences.

The George Tavern: Live music and classic grub come together at Pauline Forster's Whitechapel pub. Head here for Sunday roasts, beers on tap and a jam-packed roster of entertainment.

Swift co-owner Mia Johansson is shaking up drinks and fun times at this London female-owned bar.

West

The Pem: With award-winning chef Sally Abé at the helm and Michelin-trained Laetizia Keating heading up the kitchen, this British fine dining destination in Westminster is as female-run as they come. Plus, the restaurant is inspired by Emily Wilding Davison (aka 'Pem') - a suffragette renowned for campaigning for equal rights for women.

Haya: Victoria Paltina's swoon-worthy Mediterranean restaurant scores 10s across the board for its stunning dinner offerings and weekend brunches in Notting Hill.

Myrtle: Venture over to Chelsea where modern European food with an Irish flare is on the menu at Anna Haugh's eatery. The icing on the cake? An extensive selection of international wines.

The River Cafe: Loved by food critics and acclaimed chefs - a good sign if we ever saw one - this famous Hammersmith restaurant is the handiwork of Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray.

Core By Clare Smyth: Hit up one of the best woman-run restaurants in the UK, which boasts three Michelin stars, and experience Smyth's incredible food. If that wasn't enough, she's also won the World's Best Female Chef award.