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"Drag queens love everytime of the year, but we especially love Christmas as we get to make the most money!," says Jonny Woo, drag performer and co-owner of the Divine, the newest queer bar at the heart of Dalston, 

Jonny was  behind the iconic club The Glory and has been instrumental in fostering inclusive spaces for London’s drag culture, places that anyone with an idea for a show can take to the stage—whether they are a novice or an experienced luvvie. 

Hosting Xmas markets, serving festival drinks and decked with Santa balloons, the Divine goes hard on Christmas. So, we've asked Jonny and the family Woo on their best spots for a cozy camp Christmas in London. 

The Nelson's Head has recently reopened as a gay bar, and it's a very cozy place. You can get a beautiful Sunday lunch there as well!

The Divine is unhinged, so be ready for an unhinged crazy Christmas!  
It's also good for a cozy, cozy Christmas drink. 

Cozy Christmas in the city starts off along Columbia Road. They do carols, lots of Christmassy shops there, and obviously the beautiful markets are very, very festive.

Dalston Superstore down the road from the Divine is a great place to snuggle up to the queer community at Christmas.

Somerset House is nice and cozy to skate at Christmas because of the beautiful, luscious surroundings of the architecture being in the centre of London—I think London always manages to give everyone in the city a big hug Christmas!

The Divine's Guide to a Cozy, Camp Christmas in London

Shy One

DJ, Shy One plays an eclectic range of music on her sets. From grime to hip-hop and jazz, her sound reflects the rich cultural history of her London home, a city she can only really describe as wildly "diverse." Having lived in the city so long, she has seemingly experienced London's many layers, and has over time found the underground culture and niche spots that attract likeminded people.

From queer clubs to vegan Caribbean spots, we caught up with Shy One at Peckham's 

 over this weekend to uncover many of her favourite event spaces, bars, restaurants and music venues -- some of which have a particular focus on celebrating the LGBTQ+ and Black community.

I love TOLA on Peckham High Street. It's in the heart of Peckham and has a great rooftop.

My friends do cute stuff at Ridley Road Market Bar -- it has a jazzy soul vibe.

An LGBT+ space which is a club, cafe and gallery. A great meeting spot for friends and having a night out.

This is an indoor spot just off Rye Lane, you can get amazing food. Any food stalls that aren't dressed up -- those are the ones you wanna go into as that's really where you find the best food.

Vegan and run by Rastas. I love it! I get a bit of everything when I go there. Love the tofu.

They've got bangin' cocktails, natural wines, they do coffee in the day time. The staff they've got there are wonderful.

Another Black-owned venue. It's in Hackney Wick, there's a lot of amazing people who play in there. Amazing staff, security, everything! Has a great sound system and is a wonderful programme.

Dalston Superstore

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