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Now, instead of peeling back a sticky velvet curtain and trudging down into a basement to buy a vibrator, a new wave of queer-friendly and female-owned shops is making the experience an absolute pleasure. The city’s saucy stores have had a major glow-up
Sh! (above)
Enter this Shoreditch store through the coffee shop next door and you’ll be greeted by a rainbow of silicone dildos, all handmade on site. The city’s first female-focused sex shop stocks toys that people with vaginas actually want – and also caters for queer and trans customers. The adult sex-ed classes are a riot, too.
31-35 Pitfield St. Old St tube.
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Atsuko Kudo
Whether you’re after a special outfit for a sex party, fetish club or your own bedroom, designer Atsuko Kudo, who creates couture latex for women and gender non-conforming people of all sizes and tastes, can sort you out. Choose from one of her plain or patterned catsuits, uniforms, mini dresses or chokers, or order a bespoke outfit.
64 Holloway Rd. Highbury & Islington tube.
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Clonezone
Traditionally for cisgender gay men, Clonezone now stocks vaginal and clitoral toys, and revolutionary new trans masturbator The Buck Off. Staffed by queer people and always supporting LGBT+ charities and events, it’s part of the new wave of conscious and inclusive sex shops.
35 Old Compton St. Piccadilly Circus tube.
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House of Harlot
Designers from House of Harlot, originally a wholesale latex clothing manufacturer, went on to work on catwalk garments with high-end brands like Dior and Marc Jacobs. Now the store is appointment only and you can book in for a custom piece or to browse the hats, knickers and full outfits for any fetish event.
1 Dock Rd. Royal Victoria DLR.
Honour
Celebrating its thirtieth birthday this year, Honour has a gender-neutral layout that rallies against exclusionary men’s and women’s sections in mainstream shops. Expect an intimate experience, with non-judgemental staff. Selling latex, love eggs and more, it’s a safe space for trans customers to explore their kinks.
86 Lower Marsh. Waterloo tube.
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London Alternative Market
This is a community market that hosts a rotation of traders who make their own bespoke products. Run by the kink-positive community, workshops are held each month on topics such as rope bondage, cross-dressing and make-up tips. There’s also a monthly ‘healthy mental practices’ group that covers sexuality and personal growth.
140 Leadenhall St. Bank tube. First Sunday of every month.