Where to see the best drag shows in London

Sibling to popular LGBTQ-friendly venue Dalston Superstore, The Karaoke Hole is a glamorous karaoke and drag bar, hidden in a basement beneath Voodoo Ray's. Led by outrageous hosts, nights at The Karaoke Hole include chaotic karaoke free-for-alls, mass singalongs, kitschy cocktails, and all sorts of queer cabaret, comedy and variety shows. The Superstore programme a few doors up the street is worth checking out as well.

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, a landmark of London's gay nightlife since the 1980s, holds protected Grade II status for its historic significance to the LGBTQIA+ community. This Victorian pub turned cabaret venue offers a diverse range of events, including cabaret shows, live music, comedy, fetish events, and offbeat experiences like Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote. The tavern also hosts the fortnightly Bar Wotever, one of the best queer cabaret events in the capital, where you can catch both established and up-and-coming queer performers.

One of the top gay pubs in an area famous for its gay nightlife, the Admiral Duncan is home to a line-up of resident cabaret queens. You can stop by pretty much any day of the year and catch one of the different daily shows, including drag cabaret and karaoke nights. The assortment of drinks at this welcoming pub includes something for everyone, from cocktails, prosecco and wine to draft beer and spirits.

Located beneath Aldwych Street, CellarDoor is a unique and intimate bar that combines the essence of 1930s Berlin with the vibrant energy of New York City. Housed in a converted former toilet, this hidden gem offers a nightly line-up of live music, cabaret performances, burlesque shows, and fabulous drag entertainment. In addition to the varied assortment of drinks available, the venue even offers snuff for sale.

For over four decades, Two Brewers has stood as a legendary bar in Clapham, playing a major role in London's vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene. This iconic establishment is renowned for its drag cabaret shows, featuring some of the capital's most celebrated drag queens. Every single day of the year, patrons are dazzled by glitter-filled extravaganzas, including lip-sync battles, campy pub quizzes, karaoke singalongs, and "Drag Race" viewing parties.

Sticking to a tried-and-true recipe of cocktails, neon lighting, and sassy party nights, the Tonight Josephine bars have a youthful, carefree vibe to them. In addition to offers such as 2-for-1 cocktail happy hours, they host different kinds of drag entertainment, from karaoke nights to themed bottomless brunches and drag bingo.

In the heart of East London, the beloved Bethnal Green Working Men's Club stands as a historic nightlife spot. Within its basement venue, an array of dazzling shows and performances takes place regularly, including drag shows, cabaret acts, sex-positive events, and much more. The club takes pride in fostering inclusivity and providing a safe and welcoming space for all patrons.

Recognised as a leading producer of new theatre, comedy, and cabaret, Soho Theatre presents a diverse range of performances. Operating as a charity and social enterprise since the early 1970s, Soho Theatre has a rich history of supporting and promoting talented artists. With a focus on producing and co-producing innovative plays, they consistently champion unique voices that push boundaries and think outside the box. Shows by acclaimed drag performers are a regular part of the repertoire.

For decades, the vibrant Duke of Wellington pub in Soho, known for its warm and inclusive atmosphere, has been a cherished gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community. The venue offers a lively array of events, such as regular drag bingo nights, pub quizzes, and DJ sets that will have you dancing late into the night. Drinks include draft beer, tantalising cocktails, prosecco, and wine.

A 120-year-old music hall and theatre, The Clapham Grand presents a diverse range of performances that encompass comedy, drag nights, movies, and live music. It's also a particular favourite of “RuPaul's Drag Race” contestants, with a who's who of the show having performed their acts here, and more incoming all the time.

If you like drag brunches, but feel like they could do with a bit more table tennis, head to the Old Street branch of Bounce. The modern neon venue hosts regular drag bottomless brunches every last Saturday of the month. While a resident drag queen hosts the event, an in-house DJ takes care of the soundtrack, and Bounce's Games Gurus lead ping pong tournaments and other competitions.

Located within the renowned Brasserie Zédel, The Crazy Coqs is a hidden gem – a plush performance venue concealed within the Art Deco splendour of its surroundings. This extraordinary space sets the stage for a diverse range of shows, including cabaret, live music, comedy acts, and magic shows, with drag performers regularly in the mix. Impeccably crafted cocktails will make the night even more unforgettable.

Halfway to Heaven is a vibrant bar and cabaret venue that continuously buzzes with a plethora of thrilling events. Proudly serving London's LGBTQIA+ community for over three decades, this establishment has become a beloved institution. Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment as you enjoy regular cabaret and drag shows, karaoke nights, game shows, live music, and uproarious laughter.

Trapeze is a circus-themed venue in Shoreditch that stretches across three dynamic floors, from the basement dance floor to the ground-floor funfair bar and the VIP mezzanine. Entertainment is the name of the game here, including all sorts of shows. Fridays are reserved for dazzling cabaret featuring a mix of burlesque, drag, comedy, and more, accompanied by a two-course dinner and bottomless drinks.

For more than three decades, The White Swan has proudly stood as an enduring icon of London's vibrant gay nightlife. Nestled beside the Limehouse DLR Station, this beloved establishment beckons with a funky neon-lit basement club. Talented DJs take to the decks, seamlessly blending dance and club classics while drag hosts add to the atmosphere.

At the Proud Cabaret venues, glamour and excitement reign supreme. Proud Cabaret offers a feast for the senses, as mesmerizing dancers, enchanting circus performers, and captivating burlesque stars take to the stage. Each performance is meticulously crafted to deliver the ultimate wow-factor, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every guest. Their weekend drag bingo nights include a three-course dinner and revelry late into the night.

Taking inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere of New York City's Meatpacking District, Eagle London is a dynamic and independent gay club. In addition to its globally famous Horse Meat Disco parties, it's the current home of Duckie, a series of Saturday afternoon parties that feature DJs, drag performances, and more. Best of all, they end early in the evening, so you've got plenty of time to get a good night's sleep in – or head on to another rager afterwards.

Brixton Jamm offers a complete escape from reality with its impressive array of attractions. This multifaceted destination boasts a teched-out club, an intimate bar, a bustling street food courtyard, and even an artificial "beach” you won't want to leave. The venue hosts all sorts of shows and events, including hilarious drag bingo, a raucous and spicy event held every Saturday.

She Soho is a contemporary venue on Old Compton Street, exclusively open to queer women, non-binary individuals, and their guests. Inclusive and diverse club nights are the highlight of the program, but there's more to the entertainment than just wild clubbing. She Soho showcases a diverse events line-up, from drag king cabaret to mesmerising burlesque performances, celebrating the talent and artistry of the queer community.

A female-owned, Harlem-inspired mezcal bar in Stokey, Doña features tassel chandeliers, velvet chairs, and other flamboyant decor. It's more or less the perfect setting for a fabulous drag show, and the venue doesn't disappoint. The weekly events include drag cabaret shows, as well as live music, comedy nights, and more. Paired with artisanal mezcal cocktails, you're sure to have a fun night out.