Singing sensation Bella Penfold gives Opium London the X Factor

London’s latest glam nightspot, Opium London, celebrated its restaurant’s launch party this week – complete with leggy supermodels, TV stars and socialites. The night was shamelessly glamorous and showed off the venue’s sleek interiors, elegant cocktail menu and exquisite food, but little did these ultra stylish guests know, that the venue opened its doors a few weeks ago to a flurry of fun-loving queer females for a private black and gold themed party.

Hosted by my LGBTQ+ events company LEZevents, this unspeakably glitzy end of year shindig, featured a live performance by talented rapper Naviyah, an erotic dance by the mesmerising Vee Slinky and a one of a kind vocal performance by X Factor’s Bella Penfold.

This sapphic star, who was recently signed to Storm Models, received nationwide fame after singing Joss Stone’s Fell in Love with a Boy in the audition stages of the hit TV show. Her husky-toned rendition of  blinded by your Grace led to Simon Cowell pressing his golden buzzer during the knee-trembling six seat challenge and she was one of the only four girls to be chosen by the famous music mogul to go through to the quarter finals.

Bella and I all in black and gold

Beloved by the LGBTQ+ community for her out and proud, fun-loving, laid-back self, she is seen by many as a role model to other young lesbian and bisexual women for being so open about her sexuality under the intrusive glare of the media spotlight.

No wonder I was so keen to book this gorgeous soul to perform at my last party, and where better to hold this special social soiree than at the West End’s latest nightlife venture – Opium London.

I’d been hearing about this brand spanking new, slinky looking venue on the nightlife grapevine since its opening two months ago, so was excited to host my event there on Friday 28th December last year – and what a night it was…


Known for their hedonistic club nights and decadent supper clubs in Spain, Opium London, with its slinky black marble surfaces and eye-catching LED installations, is certainly making its mark on the capital’s fine dining and clubbing scene. But its not just making its mark on the heteronormative, party-adoring masses. By offering a safe (and swanky) space for queer women, Opium London has set a commendable example to London’s nightlife industry and earned the respect of the capital’s LGBTQ+ community.

Who says gay and glamour don’t mix?

The next LEZevents party will take place on Sunday 17th February for a special Valentines roast lunch and party at the gloriously kitsch The Little Blue DoorDetails on tickets can be found on the LEZevents Instagram page.

Images: Nina Pennick

Mitra Msaad

Editor in Chief