Popular East London venue: Portuguese Love Affair is crowdfunding to open a new queer space in Hackney

A Portugal Love Affair has been lovingly serving delicious pastel de nata and other Portuguese products to the people of East London for 11 years. Now it’s asking for a little in return to convert its basement at 324 Hackney Road into a new queer space.

The store is run by Dina Martins and Olga Cruchinho, who are now crowdfunding to open Love Affair Basement (LAB), described as a “vibrant sanctuary where creativity and community thrive.”

The pair plan for the venue to host workshops, pop-ups and private dinners during the day and transform into a space for cabaret, cinema, drag performances and comedy at night. They also hope that a therapist will come regularly to support young trans and queer people.

With the help of crowdfunding, Martins and Cruchinho hope to raise £60,000. This includes a new kitchen, bar, restrooms, movable stage, lighting and sound system, soundproofing, and all the rent, salaries, and taxes that come with running a business.

Here you can do your part to make Love Affair Basement a reality. And if you need another incentive, depending on the size of your donation, you could receive a cocktail, a LAB tote bag, or your name on the LAB Wall of Fame in return.

The crowdfund ends on October 11th, with a Love Affair Basement launch party taking place on October 12th. See you there!

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