Royal Vauxhall Tavern

The iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been a landmark of London’s gay nightlife since the 1980s. It was built as a Victorian pub in 1862, gradually becoming known for its cabaret shows. A century and a half later, it was awarded protected Grade II status, not just for its architecture, but also due to its historic importance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, the oldest surviving gay venue in South London is open daily, hosting a varied programme of events. On any given night, you might find cabaret shows, live music, panto, dance performances, stand-up comedy, fetish events, musicals and offbeat events such as the cult Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote, encompassing all areas of the LGBTQ+ community. The party really gets going on weekends, when the tavern, which has a 24-hour operating license, stays open until the early morning hours for its legendary club nights.

Located right next to Vauxhall Station, on the edge of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the pub features bright red decor and an abundance of disco lights surrounding its stage. There’s the usual assortment of beer, wine and spirits to sip on while watching the shows, and there’s also an outdoor area to get some fresh air if needed.