SESH

Doña Bar, located at 92 Stoke Newington High Street in London, is a vibrant and intimate nightlife venue celebrated for its dedication to independent music, arts, and culture. Opened in late 2018 by lifelong friends Thea Cumming and Lucie Massey, Doña quickly established itself as a vital hub within Hackney’s creative scene, notable for its inclusive ethos and distinctly Latin American aesthetic. The bar’s strong commitment to supporting underrepresented artists, particularly women and LGBTQ+ performers, stems from its founders’ desire to provide a safe and empowering space for diverse artistic expression.

The venue gets its name from the Spanish honorific “Doña,” reflecting both the Mexican influence in its décor and its sugary pink mezcal cocktails, for which it is particularly renowned. Throughout its existence, Doña Bar has maintained a dedication to underground and boundary-pushing music, hosting everything from late-night DJ sets to experimental jazz, spoken word, and cabaret. The intimate basement space—filled with velvet drapes and plush furnishings—has attracted both a loyal local following and visitors from across the city, while being regularly included in lists of London’s best small venues and bars.

Since opening, there have been no major changes in location, but the venue adapted impressively to the challenges posed by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, briefly hosting streamed performances and private events to maintain its presence and support the community. Through its ongoing programming, partnerships with collectives such as Sisu Crew, and occasional pop-up collaborations, Doña Bar remains a cultural touchstone in North London. Notable artists who have performed at Doña Bar include international DJs such as Tom Trago and Agaric, rising London jazz acts like Lex Amor and Matt Davies, vocalist and producer JayaHadADream, celebrated selectors from the Sisu Crew, multidisciplinary artist Vanessa Maria, and locals such as Laani, Tash LC, and Mafalda.

The eclectic bill has also welcomed regulars from London’s grassroots jazz and electronic scenes, positioning Doña as an incubator for emerging talent and innovative live performances.