Housed in the impressive Clapham Grand; the London Alternative Market is the first community-supporting market which provides a place to shop, meet like-minded people and find out more about alternative lifestyles. They welcome all lifestyles including straight, bi, gay, poly, transsexuals and transvestites, Masters, Mistresses, slaves, and even just the plain curious. The organisers, stallholders and regulars are a diverse crowd of open-minded, tolerant people who are happy to talk about the latest clubs, events, fashions and fetishes in the Capital.
Held on the first Sunday of every month, LAM is particularly proud of the money and awareness they have raised for alternative scene charities and community projects. Profits from past events have been donated to the Spanner Trust, the Sexual Freedom Coalition, Backlash and Feminists Against Censorship.
The venue - a converted theatre - boasts some magnificent décor, plenty of seating for tired shoppers and two reasonably priced bars. Food is provided by Deviant Dinners and My Lady’s Crepes. The Grand is opposite Clapham Junction train station so it’s easy to get to using public transport and there is plenty of free parking in the surrounding area.
A great place to come and shop or just chill out in great company, LAM is rapidly developing a reputation for being one of the most social events in the London calendar and is welcoming to newcomers and long time fetishists alike. There is a monthly workshop and stage demonstration during the events as well as an update from the supported good cause. Details of monthly competitions and prize draws can be found on their website.
There is a wide range of products on sale including clothing, toys and equipment, accessories and furniture, with an emphasis on hand crafted products at affordable prices. Stalls include FairyGothMother corsetry, Pretty Pervy latex fashions, Jack’s Floggers, and Leather Delights toys and bondage equipment. There is also an impressive gallery of erotic artwork for sale, including work by some extremely talented alternative photographers and artists.
At the next LAM, on August 5th, there will be a demonstration from whip-cracking Alex Cobra and all profits will go into the LAM Fund.
The event runs from 11am to 6pm (with no entry after 5.30pm) and entry is just £4. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted entry and there is strictly no photography (including camera phones). There is no dress code for this event - jeans and t-shirts and other casual streetwear is perfectly acceptable - but many guests like to dress up in latex, corsets and other fetish fashions.
For a relaxed drink afterwards, head for Project Orange on St Johns Hill. It’s a refreshingly unpretentious bar with a good selection of international beers, some classic cocktails, and live bands playing in the basement bar once a month. The rock and indie music they play is a nice change from the chart tunes churned out by the chain bars that dominate the area, so if you like alternative music you’ll probably love this friendly venue.
