Name: The Common Press
Address: 118 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 6DG, UK
Rating: 4.8

London

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The Common Press is a shop in London. Located at 118 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 6DG, UK.

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Multi-award winning LGBTQ+ owned European vegan skincare brand. Dr. Botanicals creates clean, natural, cruelty-free skincare products using the world's finest botanical ingredients. Minority-owned and LGBTQ+ led team celebrating diversity and inclusivity in beauty.

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Join us on 23 March 2026 at 18:30 at The Common press in London for the launch of Lateisha Davine Lovelace-Hanson's debut pamphlet, 'the heart is a holding.' This event celebrates a collection of poems exploring birth, life, and death cycles across personal, intergenerational, and ancestral time. The evening includes readings, conversations with friends, and community reflection in a warm, inclusive setting. The event runs from 18:30 to 21:00, with opportunities for mingling and celebration.

Book Launch: the heart is a holding by Lateisha Davine Lovelace-Hanson

Polystation is a social space dedicated to reimagining relationships beyond traditional norms, focusing on non-monogamy, community, and kinship. It welcomes everyone regardless of gender or sexuality, whether practicing non-monogamy, questioning relationships, or exploring alternative connections. The event features facilitated open discussions where participants can share questions, insights, and personal experiences. It aims to foster an inclusive environment emphasizing honesty, agency, and connection.

Polystation: An Open Discussion on Redefining Relationships

Join us for the launch of 'Bad Queer', a debut verse novel by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan, exploring themes of first love, acceptance, and identity through the eyes of a non-binary teenager. The event features readings, speeches, a book signing, and complimentary drinks on arrival. The book delves into queer friendship, family secrets, and loving oneself, with illustrations throughout. The launch takes place at The Common press in London on Thursday, 26 March 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00, with doors opening at 19:00. Accessibility features include accessible toilets, step-free access, and wheelchair accessibility.

Debut Book Launch: Bad Queer by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan

Join the celebration for the launch of AcespaceLDN's third annual zine on International Asexuality Day. The zine features art and writing from Ace and Aro communities worldwide, highlighting diverse experiences including Trans+, disabled, and global voices. The event includes a speech from a guest, performances from the zine, the opportunity to purchase last year's printed zine, and download this year's digital edition. Meet fellow Ace and Aro individuals at this inclusive gathering.

The Invisible A - Zine Launch

A queer non-monogamous bi+ speed dating event designed for those who identify as bi+ (including trans and non-binary people). The event features ice-breakers, fun games, multiple speed dating rounds with conversational prompts, and supportive mingling for friendship and romance. It aims to foster community, address biphobia, and provide a stress-free environment for meeting like-minded individuals. The event is held at The Common press, London, on Saturday, 11th April 2026, from 19:00 to 22:00, with accessible facilities available.

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ENM Bi+ Speed Dating

An event scheduled for April 16, 2026, focusing on US and UK immigration policies. The event aims to provide insights into current immigration issues, featuring discussions and expert analyses. It is part of a series of informative sessions organized by The Common Press, taking place in London.

Beyond The Headlines: US & UK Immigration Policies in Focus

Join us for an evening exploring the relationship between herbs and queer communities through blind tea tasting and herbal preparations such as balms and tinctures. Participants will engage in sensory exploration of herbs, reflect through writing and drawing, and discuss the traditional and contemporary roles of herbal medicine in queer health. Led by trans medical herbalist Odhran, the session emphasizes community learning and the historical significance of herbs in queer support. The event includes guided plant encounters, discussions on herbal applications, and a focus on personal and collective healing.

Queer Herbal Medicine: Blind Tea Tasting

An in-person event organized by the National HIV Story Trust, bringing together diverse generations impacted by HIV for a night of storytelling, discussion, and community building. The evening includes an introduction by Arbër Qerka-Gashi, a panel discussion featuring Susan Cole-Halely, Ellie Harrison, and John Stevens, and a communal dialogue to share personal experiences. The event concludes with a social gathering over light refreshments, aiming to foster understanding and connection across lived experiences.

Before Us, Between Us: HIV Stories Across Generations

Join us for an evening celebrating poetry and community at The Common Press in London. The event features performances from Zain Rishi and friends, highlighting diverse voices and experiences. Attendees can enjoy readings, meet fellow poetry enthusiasts, and explore the latest works from the poets. The event is part of a series dedicated to fostering artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

The Common Press Poetry Night w/ Zain Rishi & Friends

Polystation is a social event focused on reimagining relationships beyond traditional norms, emphasizing principles of non-monogamy, community, and kinship. It provides an inclusive space for discussing new ways of connecting, open to all genders and sexualities, whether practicing non-monogamy, questioning relationships, or exploring alternative connections. The event encourages participation through open discussion, questions, and sharing insights, fostering honesty, agency, and connection.

The Common Press is highly praised for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse selection of books, particularly those featuring queer representation. Many reviewers appreciate the community space and events hosted there, although some have expressed disappointment with the quality of coffee and service. Overall, it is seen as a valuable addition to the community, encouraging repeat visits.

London’s gay community is centered in Soho, with Old Compton Street as its most iconic hub of LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture. The city also boasts vibrant queer scenes in Vauxhall, Shoreditch, and beyond, making it one of the most diverse and expansive gay communities in Europe.

The Common Press

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Events at The Common Press

Upcoming events

April 2026

Beyond The Headlines: US & UK Immigration Policies in Focus

Queer Herbal Medicine: Blind Tea Tasting

Before Us, Between Us: HIV Stories Across Generations

The Common Press Poetry Night w/ Zain Rishi & Friends

Polystation: An Open Discussion on Redefining Relationships

Past events (last 90 days)

March 2026

Book Launch: the heart is a holding by Lateisha Davine Lovelace-Hanson

Polystation: An Open Discussion on Redefining Relationships

Debut Book Launch: Bad Queer by Gayathiri Kamalakanthan

April 2026

The Invisible A - Zine Launch

ENM Bi+ Speed Dating

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BOYS! BOYS! BOYS!

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