First Out is something of an institution on the London lesbian and gay scene. This friendly, gay-run (actually mainly lesbian-run) venue is now over twenty years old, and was the first ‘gay’ venue to be visited by many a lesbian or gay man on their coming-out voyage of discovery.

In all that time, the formula hasn’t changed: entirely vegetarian, it serves huge and fresh salads, quiches, casseroles, pasta dishes, soups, veggie burgers, nachos and the like. The quality is generally very good, and main meals are under £7, and cheaper snacks are available. They also do a good range of yummy cakes, patisserie and puddings. There’s no table service - you queue at the counter and take food to your own table.

They do a great range of drinks too, including fresh juices, fair trade tea and coffee, and even milkshakes. The small upstairs area is often very crowded, but the downstairs area, although a little cellar-like (no natural light), is quieter, and also has a licensed bar, with cocktails as well as the usual choice of alcoholic beverages (no real ale though - still, you can’t have everything). Toilets are downstairs (NB via steep steps).

There are regular art exhibitions (most works are for sale), special nights, and Fridays 19-23h is women’s night, with a regular DJ - men are allowed in only as guests of women customers. Details are provided on their excellent web-site.

The only downside is that service can be a little slow, as the counter atrea is rather cramped, but there are plenty of leaflets and reading material to browse and take away - the cafe acts as a sort of informal LGBT information centre in that regard.

Gay cafe and bar, tucked away behind the Centrepoint building. It's mixed but, for once, mostly lesbian, with a straight crowd of local workers coming in at lunchtime to take advantage of the delicious vegetarian food. It's not badly priced for it's location, the menu varies daily but there's always great quiche and cakes.

The venue is split into two, with the upstairs the more relaxed cafe area and the bar in the basement. The bar fills up at weekends with a friendly pre-club crowd. Friday nights are women only and a good alternative for those who would rather have teeth pulled than visit the Candy Bar.