Since opening in 1996 the Candy Bar has become the number one hotspot for lesbians in and around Soho. It’s the UK’s original full-time girls bar, the first women’s venue with a license to strip and has opened London’s eyes to the social scene of gay girls!

With three floors - including a chill out area, dance floor, pool table, strippers and girls and drinks aplenty - you’d be silly to even consider giving the Candy Bar a miss.

Where Is It?
Located opposite Soho Square in London’s very own gay village, the Candy Bar is just a short skip away from Tottenham Court Road tube station. You can’t miss it with its bright pink sign and the usual crowd of lesbians hanging around outside.

Address: 4 Carlisle Street, Soho, London. 020 749 4041

Has It Entered The Multimedia Age?
Indeed it has, and, with all the info to take in, it’s a good job that’s the case! The website is very up to date with a funky edge, with everything you need to know from opening times and prices, special offers, a diary, photos, to a message board and links to other clubs.

Check it out at www.thecandybar.co.uk

What Can People Expect?
Like Marmite, it seems to be the kind of place you either love or hate. It has a very diverse range of music and DJs depending on the night - including hip hop, r ‘n’ b, house, alternative and handbag - so there’s something for everyone.

There are three different floors, so even the pickiest of people should be pleased with this place; the top floor has a pool table and a seating area, which is nice and quiet so you can chill out with friends and indulge in a few games of pool. Then there’s the middle floor, which plays host to a very long bar which serves a huge range of drinks and has a cosy spot for more talking and getting to know that special someone…. And downstairs is the dance-floor, which is always the busiest spot in the place, and they’re all joined together with a snazzy looking staircase. 

What About the Deco?
The Candy Bar’s recently been refurbished and is looking much classier than it was before. Don’t worry though, it’s still cosy! What’s more, it’s captured the atmosphere very well as it’s not too camp or butch; in fact, it could be a straight bar if it wasn’t for all the lesbian flyers and magazines thrown about.

What Are the Punters Like?
Everyone seems to stick to their own gang, so if you’re brave enough to come alone it may not be the best place to meet new people and find your new best lesbian buddy.

Often there are regulars aplenty, and some punters think this makes it an arrogant and pretentious venue. However, this isn’t always the case and the Candy Bar is a generally friendly place to be. It always has a very thriving atmosphere and you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

What About the Talent?
I thought you’d never ask! Well, for a nice change, women are the most welcome here with blokes as guests. You get your butch, fem and anything in-between and the girls do come flocking. So, if you fancy a night on the pull, then Candy is defiantly your sweet.

It’s quite a chilled out place to be, but come along on a busy Saturday night when the strippers are on (make sure you turn up before 9pm to save yourself six quid on entry), to have a gawp and a good dance. Friday nights are less busy, and during the week it’s a great place to come to play a spot of pool and share a bottle of wine.

What Should I Wear?
Anything goes in the Candy Bar. Like most places in Soho, you can wear your tattiest jeans and a pair of trainers with a T-shirt and no-one will bat an eyelid.

What About the Booze?
There’s a Happy Hour (hurray!) between 5-7pm from Mondays to Thursdays and the bar stocks all spirits, bottled beers and alcopops. Pay a visit to the bar on the middle floor and there’s a wide range of shots and cocktails available, with prices and ingredients on the wall. But generally, it’s quite an expensive place to be - like most places around the area.

Anything Else I Should Know?
Entry to Candy Bar is free on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. On Tuesday nights the bar girls put on a strip-show and Thursday’s treat is pole-dancing. Entry is £3 after 9pm. On a Friday you’ll have to pay £5 after 9pm and £6 on a Saturday.

The only bad thing about the Candy Bar is its size. It’s a very small place considering how many girls do go there, so make sure you get there early if you want to grab a seat or get a good spot to watch the strippers.

They also have a policy where if you want to head downstairs you have to put any coats / large bags upstairs in the cloak room, where they charge £1 an item. However, this is probably the best solution, as myself and other ladies I know who have paid the bar a visit have had their wallets stolen. So be careful and keep your valuables close to you.

The Candy Bar
4 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, 020 749 4041, www.thecandybar.co.uk

Monday-Thursday: 5-11pm; Friday-Saturday: 5pm-2am; Sunday: 5-11pm

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