How to celebrate International Women's Day in London

Doña is an independent women-owned cocktail bar in Stoke Newington where it's just as much about the mezcal as it is about the artistic events they host. It was born out of two friends' shared love for high-quality mezcal, community living & music, which it has perfectly encapsulated. Alongside the extensive list of cocktails, their timetable of events spans everything from drag shows to queer comedy night. The space is decorated in an eye-catching fashion, with tasselled lampshades, velvet chairs and striking decor.

You might've seen Darjeeling Express on Netflix's award-winning series, Chef's Table; if so, you'll know that an all-female team runs the kitchen. This women-owned and operated restaurant serves an à la carte lunch menu and set dinner menu designed for combining, sharing and feasting. It's a casual and relaxed spot, and you might even get to meet owner Asma Khan herself; she likes to wander around tables chatting with guests. In traditional India, sons are still preferred over daughters, and second daughters even less so, so Darjeeling Express has decided to donate a percentage of their profits to the Second Daughters Fund, a charity in India that sends celebration packages for the birth of the second daughter and continues to support her through her education.

Feast on delicious traditional Thai cuisine at Nipa Thai, where they run an all-female, all-Thai kitchen led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr. The menu is chock full of dishes like coconut soup with mushrooms and stir-fried chicken or pork with chillies and basil leaves, as well as the head chef’s signature dish, a classic pad Thai. There’s a classy, luxurious feel about the place, with cosy carpeted floors and polished wooden furniture.

Tonight Josephine is more than just your average Insta-worthy cocktail bar; this snazzy neon-pink bar is an ode to Napoleon's rebellious wife, Josephine. Napoleon famously once (allegedly) ignored her advances by saying, 'Not tonight, Josephine,' but she brushed him off and continued to live a lavish and sassy lifestyle without him. Sip on zingy cocktails, like the London Lady and Razzle Dazzle, or book one of their themed bottomless brunches.

Celebrate International Women's Day at the London Irish Centre this year, where they're hosting an evening of comedy, music, and conversation hosted by writer and actor Jessica Regan. Full details of the show's line-up are yet to be announced but you can expect to see some exciting special guests.

This bar, café and store on Mare Street is female-owned by Diddy Valley, who has wanted to open a bar since she was a child. You can expect a menu of classic cocktails, wine, beer and spirits and a food menu of small plates perfect for sharing. You can also stock up on top-quality produce sourced from independent suppliers.

There are two Luminary Bakeries in London, one in Camden and one in Stoke Newington. They're both social enterprises that work to empower and equip women in bakeries around London. There's a big focus on supporting women with social and economic disadvantages, prepping them to gain the skills to have a successful and comfortable future. The menu here is jam-packed with baked goodies, like brownies and sweet treats, best paired with one of their hot drinks.

Bibliophiles and oenophiles, rejoice; BookBar has you covered. This female-owned bookshop and wine bar was opened by Chrissy Ryan in 2021 and has been making waves in London ever since. It's been the setting for various events, such as talks by renowned authors like Caleb Azumah Nelson and Emily Ratajkowski. They also host supper clubs and book clubs.

For International Women's Day this year, the Barbican is hosting a film-focused event to celebrate women in cinema. They will be showing a collection of short films and animations which have been carefully curated to celebrate women behind the camera. Take a stroll around the adjoining conservatory afterwards to get your fill of plants.

Pole dancing is a great way to build strength and feel empowered within the fitness community. It’s run by Nigerian-born Londoner Kelechi Okafor, who opened the studio in Peckham in 2016 and offers a range of classes, from pole fitness and yoga to self-defence classes - another great way to feel empowered. Treat yourself to one of their classes to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.

The iconic Natural History Museum is renowned for its architecture as much as for its fascinating contents. The museum is running a number of free tours throughout February and March to mark Women's History Month and International Women's Day, with each one focusing on the scientific achievements of women as you check out the interesting exhibits.

Feel empowered by learning the seductive art of burlesque dancing at Soho School of Burlesque. This intimate boudoir-style studio offers drop-in classes, ongoing courses, and party classes that are great for birthdays and hen dos. Classes are taught by burlesque and cabaret professionals – try one out for a unique way to celebrate IWD.

St Martin-in-the-Fields sits in the heart of London and is known for its classical music programming as much as for being a place of worship. It's hosting a special concert to celebrate International Women's Day. The BBC Singers and guest conductor Ellie Slorach will be joined by sitar player Debipriya Das to perform pieces composed by women.

Islington Museum in Clerkenwell is a free local museum dedicated to the history of Islington. The museum is holding a day packed with events to celebrate International Women's Day, including a tour by the museum's curator that'll explore the significance of women in the museum's collection. The permanent collection includes artefacts dating back to the 1700s.

The Moniker by Drake & Morgan, a stylish bar and restaurant in The City, is collaborating with legendary UK comedy house The Comedy Store for International Women's Day. They'll be hosting an all-female stand-up comedy night on the day, featuring top comedians Thanyia Moore, Helen Bauer, and Ria Lina. Tickets to the hourlong show include a three-course dinner and a welcome cocktail.

Named after a famed suffragette and launched by prominent chef Sally Abé, The Pem celebrates women any day of the week, but is hosting something special for IWD 2024 regardless. Abé is bringing back her signature four-hands dinner series, where she'll collaborate with leading female figures in hospitality – Romy Gill MBE, Candice Brown, Poppy O'Toole, and Chantelle Nicholson – for one-off dinner events throughout March, complete with welcome champagne and live DJ music.

Michelin-starred Scandi restaurant Ekstedt at The Yard is serving a celebratory dinner for IWD. Although eponymous Niklas Ekstedt isn't a woman, three of his head chefs are. The head chef from his Stockholm restaurant is jetting over to London to join the team for a unique collaborative menu focusing on fish and seafood, with optional wine pairings from Christina Weiss, another expert in her field.

To celebrate International Women's Day, Humble Grape is hosting an exclusive tasting event on March 21st at their Crouch End location, dedicated to honouring women transforming the wine industry. Spotlighting pioneering female winemakers, the event offers guests the chance to sample four wines crafted by talents like Miltza Zikatanova from Villa Melnik, a family-owned winery in South West Bulgaria. Inspirational female entrepreneurs like Dominique Woolf, founder of The Woolf's Kitchen, will also share their tales of success in breaking business barriers.