Royal Vauxhall Tavern

Had this place recommended and it did not disappoint. Nice fresh venue, good selection of drinks (they had good non alcoholic too for those like me who don’t drink), lovely staff, fun shows, friendly visitors… a good night out

I was invited by a friend to support this historical venue for the LGBT community. So we went a big group of 11. Didn't know what to expect but I was happily surprised. What a lovely welcoming atmosphere. The place has an old charm and a very well stocked bar. Watched a few acts loved the whole entertainment very different from what I am use to but never the less extremely enjoyable. Overall a very lovely experience.

This place is just fantastic! A historical queer venue that's seen battles, bravery and beauty through the ages. This stage focused pub is small enough for performances to feel intimate, but big enough to get a good vibe and big cheers. The owners and staff are all really friendly and run an inclusive and relaxed space. Wheelchair assessable, and will make reservations for those who need a space for them. There's a large verity of shows, performances and music themes nightly. Whenever you go, the atmosphere is always friendly and fun. Love it!

Fantastic night. One of the owners was a bit snappy at the bar which was taken offence to. But redeemed himself by giving a free drink. Entertainment was brilliant, both Suz and Mary mack were hilarious, had great engagement with the audience and were decent singers. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Good fun night out. The acta we saw on Saturday night were not really great. Not funny, not tragic. Just confusing with people not knowing how to react. Miming to the audio of old commercials/adds has been done millions of times before and way more successfully than what we saw on our last visit.

The shows here in Sunday are some of the best in the world. It is always packed with a great energy from the croud and the shows are truly entertaining. The Queen's sing live and are funny as all hell. If ever in London on a Sunday, it is a must go to. There other nights look fun but I have yet to check it out. Charlie Hyde is a regular here from Drag Race too. I fell in love with him long before drag race by seeing him here!

Went to their Star Wars themed drag night, never been to this venue before, best night out I've had in ages! Blown away by the talent, humour, creativity and intelligence of all the acts, can't wait to go again <3

Incredibly sad news to hear that James and John have decided to sell up and move on. Over many years the RVT has built itself up to be a landmark of the London Gay Scene and without doubt James and John have played a significant part in achieving that, through some extremely challenging times. Very sad to see them go.

I love places like Royal Vauxhall Tavern - places loaded with charm, good people, and a lot of relaxed & excited queer energy. During our visit to London, a friend suggested checking out RVT, and I'm so thrilled he did. We actually spent my birthday here, watching the "graduation" of the recent iteration of Queerlesque. We cheered and laughed and teared up and were so moved by the powerful, entertaining, honest, and lovely folks who performed. The bar staff was super friendly, from the door person to the folks behind the bar.

I'm an American and during my London trip I wanted to check out some local drag shows and boy am I glad I did! I saw a show at this historic building and it was bar none, the best experience I ever had! I saw Bright Lights hosted by Virgin Xtravaganza. They had an amazing set with many amazing performers. There was ample seating, it wasn't too crowded or overpacked which really allowed to get close to the stage and enjoy the show. The show was a sociopolitical, but still fun & very entertaining! Lots of live singing!

Stumbled upon this place with my partner after the UK Black Pride event in the Pleasure Gardens nearby. It was JAM-PACKED with guys and there was a drag queen performing Queen (how appropriate!). We were only able to catch that song which was the finale but the floor quickly turned into a dance club. The drinks were pretty well priced, and the floor was busy enough but not too busy that you couldn't move. Everyone there was very friendly and I didn't have a single bad encounter with anyone. I would come back again and again!

THIS VENUE IS OPEN AND OPERATING. Sort of a duh for such an historic and storied place, but since Yelp activity lags in the UK and there's no recent review here, I just wanted to let any curious patron know. Further, RVT no longer has a working website, which can throw new people off. They post all of their events and updates on their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TheRVT/ I tried to update this information manually, but unfortunately, the Yelp system is too archaic to register the change without an error message. Hence, my need to post this short update.

Amazing venue with some of the most amazing nights! Quite small and very intimate. It's extremely popular amongst LGBT community therefore therefore you can always meet there some most unique and colourful personalities. Great any type of cabaret nights. Make sure to arrive early to get your seat close to the stage.

Oh the RVT, so many happy memories here, especially because it's where I met the love of my life who sadly passed away in 2013 It's London's oldest established Gay bar and has had many battles over the years to keep open, another one is in full swing at the moment The RVT was built in 1863 at Spring Gardens, Kennington Lane, on land which was originally part of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. It started life as a Victorian music hall .After the war, returning servicemen and local gay men were attracted to the venue, which held shows of female impersonators, the forerunner of drag shows. By 1975, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern had two bars around a kidney shaped bar which doubled as a stage for the drag artists to dance along in their stilettos from the tiny apron stage at one end. Prior to the cabaret starting the bar would be cleared of glasses and drinks and the staff would clean the bar ready for the drag to dance along it in their heels. The public bar attracted local workers and had a dart board whilst the lounge attracted the local gay community. Notable acts from this era include "Carla", famous for her Barbra Streisand impersonation and "The Great Lee Paris" on a Saturday night with Land of Hope and Glory, and There'll always be an England.[ Freddie Mercury was also a frequent visitor during the seventies. The RVT survived local redevelopment throughout the 1970s and 1980s and maintained its independence as a gay venue. Many of London's top drag artists performed there, including Hinge and Bracket, Regina Fong and Adrella. Diana Dors also appeared there.[Lily Savage, the drag persona of Paul O'Grady, was a regular performer for eight years, with shows four times per week Legend has it that Princess Diana visited the RVT in the late 1980s, disguised as a man and accompanied by ,Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett. In 2005, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern was taken over by gay businessmen Paul Oxley and James Lindsay. With a new lighting and sound system the venue opened seven nights a week and maintained its popularity. In November 2014 the RVT was sold in a multi million pound commercial deal. James Lindsay, former joint owner, was retained and appointed by the new business owners.

As one of London's best kept secret, this little tavern has the chance to be able to host some pretty outrageous alternative music, cabaret and club nights. Due its eccentric nature and atmosphere it also has the reputation of attracting a dominantly gay crowd. Don't be put back by this however, since this venue welcomes one and all and if you come with an open mind you will be able to have a very good time. I once came here with my classmates for a performance when we were studying 'Queer Theory'. The show was very interesting, full of laughter and rather eye-opening. The tavern is much smaller than I had expected, but then this might be a good thing since it created a more intimate atmosphere. The stage is raised appropriately, so even if you do not get a chance to grab a seat up front, you will not struggle to see the performances. Check the website for an up to date line-up and come down here for an a nice alternative to your usual boring pub nights.

Looking like a pub from a forgotten era. The venue that gave birth to Lily Savage has refreshed and revitalised in recent years, with a paint job and new sound and lighting systems breathing life into the place. Standing alone at the bottom of Kennington Lane and South Lambeth Road, surrounded by a small patch of grassland, is an old Victorian pub. It doesn't look much from the outside. A recent paintjob has smartened up the walls but can't alter the impression that this is the last pub standing, the only venue in the area not to be redeveloped or turned into a Starbucks. But behind these doors lies a wealth of gay cultural history. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is London's longest-surviving gay venue. It endured the Blitz, and the devastating impact of AIDS. It even survived the defection of its greatest star, Lily Savage, to the world of daytime television. And like all true survivors, the old girl is currently enjoying a bit of a comeback. Walk past any night of the week and you'll hear music, laughter and possibly even the sound of a man in a wig singing 'Maybe This Time' by Liza Minnelli. The historic Royal Vauxhall Tavern plays host to comedy, cabaret, jazz, gay, bingo and club nights 7 days a week, treating London's alternative gay and his friends to endless evenings of unadulterated fun. Attracting mainly thirty-something beardy alternative gays and their straight friends, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is consciously uncool. The crowd is here for pure, unadulterated fun, whether they want to boogie to the eclectic tunes, see a live music act or catch the hysterical cabaret, with stars throughout the week such as Amy Lame and the Dame Edna Experience hosting different evenings such as the infamous Saturday night shindig, Duckie. The staff follow the lead of the management, keen to chat and keep the punters coming back to the bar for more. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is nothing if not diverse, with a fine selection of indie, glam rock, 80's pop and electro pop dominating the club nights, and jazz and live music alongside comedy and drag acts making up the cabaret. An attitude-free, diverse night out for anyone gay or straight.

I still suck at life drawing but that's not really the point of a night with Dr Sketchy, which was what drew me to the RVT. Even Dusty Limit's warm up exercises couldn't save me ("Draw without looking at the page!" "Time to draw a random animal" "The theme for this one is Nobel Peace Prize") but it was enough to bask in the reflected glow of Patrick's prize for his cubist rendition of male burlesque artist Mr Meredith. Just don't suggest that's a teddy bear in the corner there, apparently it's a marmoset from the Secret Monkey round. Riiiight. A chaotic, unpredictable night, where endearingly the organisers do seem to have a genuine interest in helping you to achieve your artistic potential, no matter how cack-handed you might be. Attracts a diverse crowd of all abilities and was a really good laugh.

The RVT Is a London institution and long may it remain so! Duckie on a Saturday night is always a fun evening out with its eclectic mix of music and Cabaret!

The RVT is legendary in South London. One of the oldest gay pubs in "Sarf" London, the RVT started life as a Victorian music hall. After the war, returning servicemen and local gay men were attracted to the venue, which held shows of female impersonators, the forerunner of drag shows. Diana Dors, Freddy Mercury and Paul O'Grady are synonymous with the RVT. Not much has changed. There is always something on during the week, usually something edgy, something from the Edinburgh Festival or something avant garde. Saturday night is hosted by Amy Lame, but on Sunday afternoon/evening a visit to SLAGS Chillout is an absolute must. On Bank Holiday weekends, you need to get there at least three hours before the show. The queues are long but worth the wait. The "legend that is the Dame Edna Experience" (aka Jonathan Hellyer), Simon La Vans, Sean Sirrs and Andy Almighty put on an absolutely fantastic night. Jonathan's show is a "must see". It should be mandatory for all gay tourists to London to see the show.

This is the gayest gay bar in gay town... except it's not in gay town, it's in Vauxhall, Victoria's younger and slightly dishevilled brother. Being a straight guy in this place can be daunting as there's a tendancy for wandering hands and eyes That said as soon as you talk to any of the friendly patrons the tension is broken and you feel like the prettiest girl at the dance! My band has performed here twice and we love it. The guys who run the Hello Duckie night on Saturdays (Amy Lame and Simon Casson) are wonderful hosts who know how put on a rocking night! (£6 entry too) Last time we played, they also booked on the amazing "Meow Meow" an international star who's currently selling out the Soho theatre, though I expect she doesn't hit the dance floor in there afterwards for some much deserved grinding. Extra stars for the DJ who played some blinding hits inc; Ride like the wind by Christopher Cross and Miss you by the Rolling stones

This is pretty consistently my favourite gay venue in London but it's certainly one that will come down to personal taste. It's not in the least bit trendy or a place for finding other 'beautiful people' but then that's what I like about it. This place is all about the stage. From sit-down shows on Wednesday and Thursday to being rammed in like a sardine at the weekend for clubnights with a cabaret twist it's all about the stage and what's going on it. The RVT won 'Best Cabaret Venue' at the London Cabaret Awards this year and it is well deserved. The events on Wed/Thurs in particular are more accessible for the general public in the sense that you won't be pressed up against a load of beary, sweaty men if you get there early enough to nab a table. The cabaret on show here though is always subversive, gender-bending and participatory so if you're of a nervous disposition or easily offended it's probably not for you. My personal fave is David Hoyle who does a few runs a year so keep an eye out. Friday-Sunday nights are more focussed on clubbing, with cabaret thrown in for good measure. Duckie on Saturday Night is particularly good and you will not hear the excellent mix of music (everything from classic rock n roll to non-commercial dance music) at any other gay club in London (that I've discovered or heard of). It will be very busy but as long as you can deal with that it's fun. Sunday afternoon/evening is also the incredible S.L.A.G.S./Chillout with The Dame Edna Experience, officially THE best solo drag show I have ever seen. He's hilarious, not afraid to be political and controversial and has the most incredible singing voice. Fri-Sun evenings in particular are VERY male, 90%+ of the clientele will be men, many of them burly men with beards, though friendly and there for a fun night dancing with mates. I have taken Lesbian and Straight mates (both male and female) and they have had fun but you will certainly need to be comfortable in places with a 'masculine energy'. The bar is basic (beers, wine, spirits - don't expect a cocktail) but service is usually pretty quick even when busy. In summary: If you're gay you need to check this place out, if not then check one of the shows anyway or get a gay friend to take you.

don't go - it's already too crowded!!! LOL Prepare to be bumped, splashed on and groped. For the best time you will ever have as a gay man - go to DE experience on Sunday. I manage it about every 6 weeks. Not because the act borders on offensive and rude (it does) but because it take that long to recover. The best entertainment for your buck (£7) in London and possibly Europe. Warning - you have to be real drunk to truly enjoy yourself. I tried it once sober and hated it. hint - get there about 3pm to get your wrist band. Go to Sunday lunch and have at least 2 bottle of Campaign and return at 5:00 to see the show. Only go if you love to party and be outrageous. Ducky on Saturday night is a very similar mind set!!

I love this place. It is one of the best gay pubs you can go to, especially south of the river. I have normally frequented it on a Sunday night and what a hoot indeed. Yes it is hot and sticky, and you have to weave your way through people to get in and out or to the loo but that is part of it all. The Dame Edna drag show is awesome. Be warned though if you are part of the PC police this act or indeed pub is not for you. On a summers night the patrons spill outside to the picnic benches and up on the grassy mounds next to the pub. I haven't had a bad night there yet.

A friend and I decided to check out Vauxhall's new 'village' and to say we were disappointed is an understatement. For a start there is no village. There are two bars and then a host of clubs of the seedier or druggie variety. Great. Anyway, we wandered from Barcode to this bar, queued for a good while to get inside and then once inside we were so crammed into the corners, couldn't get to the bar or the toilets. The crowd seemed to be enjoying it but we hated it, just thought it was dreadful. I've heard the venue is good midweek and Sundays when they have acts but i can honestly say i shan't be going back there anytime soon. Loathed it and left it quite quickly.

We decided to go here for halloween as friends had told us this place rocks. When we arrived, I was immediately struck by how small the place was. For some reason I was imagining something much larger. There were booths around the outside which were reserved and a bar like seating area facing the small intimate stage. A few tables and chairs could be found in front of the stage. So there we were in our fancy dress almost feeling out of place (as only a handful of people were in fancy dress) as we sat on the bar like stalls with a great view of the stage ready to watch some kick ass halloween fun. Well we were really dissapointed. There was simply no halloween atmosphere. Yes we heard a few halloween jokes from the host but the acts that followed (two acts) were un-festival comedians and although somewhat funny, did not reflect the night. There was absolutely nothing halloween about their performances. Although we will make a point of coming back, we strongly wished we had chosen a different venue for halloween.

You don't have to be gay to enjoy the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. I was drawn here by the Cholmondeleys and the Featherstonehaughs, an alternative dance troupe who are staging their latest show in these unusual settings. I don't want to give anything away - the show is just brilliant, the costumes disturbingly beautiful, and I am tempted to come back for the remaining five shots of Russian Roulette.

This delightfully down-at-heel and eccentric boozer is a regular haunt for a predominantly gay crowd in the increasingly 'pink' zone of Vauxhall, south london. Although definitely gay the pub welcomes anyone and everyone - there's a really warm and friendly atmosphere. The parties here are legendary - throngs of people queue outside at weekends - and there is a real sense of 'anything goes' and then the rest... Nights range from the extra kitsch to the experimental avant-garde. There's always something weird and wonderful going on - be it burlesque cabaret or in-your-face drag queen comedy. I went on a wednesday night and was treated to a hilarious show of of-beat dancing and games. Go with an open mind and ready to have fun!

This bar/theatre is actually one of those life-changing landmark venues for me personally, as this was the stage of my debut performance as Becky 'Balabusta' Fisher, the compere of Middle Eastern Drag King troupe the Schmooze Brothers (theschmoozebrothers.com). Granted this story might not be your average On Friday night, down at the RVT I pub banter opening, but nonetheless since World War II, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been a key influence on the capital's gay scene. It has survived the Blitz, endured the AIDS epidemic and is known across the London as being the first gay venue my parents tentatively stepped into unscathed! Always popular, always diverse and entertaining, this venue holds something magical for people of ALL persuasions!

My first visit ever to Vauxhall led me to this venue for a Dr Sketchy event. As soon as I walked in I was transported to some of my favorite cabaret stages back in Kansas City. This is the kind of place I'd totally want to come for a night of drag queens, comedy and burlesque. While I have no idea if they offer all these things, though my assumption is that they do, I was there for the burlesque with a twist. I ordered a cider and some chips (nice ones that came with their own sides of S&V) to keep my hands busy when not sketching. The staff was friendly, the show was fun, and the flier I received on the way out seemed to indicate a lot more fun in the Tavern could be had. It's a bit out of the way for me, but it's easy to get to from the tube station, which is helpful. I would definitely re-visit for another show in the future and to experience a bit more of real culture and clientele.

The RVT has a long and proud (puns gleefully intended) place in London's gay history, but welcomes everyone, and these days the small stage is more or less in use every night for drag, burlesque, cabaret, or any sort of performance you can imagine. They even host their own festival, the Hot August Fringe, in, you guessed it, August. It's the events that get you in the door, and perhaps dazzled by the dozen or so glitter balls on the ceiling, you don't mind the over-priced drinks and food of unpredictable quality (sometime's it's good, but you just never know what sort of a day they're having in the kitchen)... but you wouldn't pop in for a quiet drink or bite to eat. I don't think it's even an option. As long as they keep putting on great entertainment, the negatives are forgivable. And it was most definitely not a teddy-bear!

I've had the pleasure of spending two evenings at the RVT in recent months, both times as a participant of Dr Sketchy's fabulous drinking and drawing events. A pretty bog standard London pub by day, by night the RVT comes to life and is well equipped for performers with a modest but centrally located stage. Drinks seemed a bit pricey but probably typical for the area, and it's really easy to get there via Vauxhall tube and rail or squillions of buses that stop round the corner. As for the entertainment, well, I can't wait to go back for another night of artistic abandonment and silly fun, and would happily make Dr Sketchy's a monthly event in my calendar. The confidence I gained from both sessions to just have a go and draw at home prompted me to actually spend money in my local art shop instead of wistfully browsing around, wishing I could draw. It's not that my current masterpieces are any good, believe me, but at least now I'm happy to try!

Agh this is a favourite so much I signed the petition to save the RVT. I'll throw a tenner in as my contribution for the community purchase ha no joke. Th Japanese have bought it (I think) We went early so the door price didn't apply (for those of you who know I am a guest list King ha and as always I was recognised by some as the Paradise Man. I mean that was over a decade ago) if you go after 11 thought its five english pounds so be warned. Also cash only on the door and no cash point inside but they do cash back. The music was as camp as ever. The crowd mixed. Old and new. Fashionistas to those who don't give a damn and we respect each and everyone one of them. There were 2 acts on. One hocus pocus come "bear" tribute and one well all I would say is she was on point (ballet dancing) and she died in an awful way at the end. That's all I could make out. No matter I nested a little spot outside the toilet (not in a seedy way for all you filth bags) I was up high in a speaker where I held court singing and dancing and generally acting as the toilet police. Agh good times. The drinks where as you wild expect. Not very strong and a little expensive and they had no champagne however I didn't care I was happily merry and made new friends. Love this place if you've not been go before its flats!!!!

I attended the QYPE event 'Dr. Sketchy' at RVT (Royal Vauxhall Tavern) The event was the most random mix of events. . . Burlesque with Drawing? And comedy cabaret?? 3 nights for the price of one!!! After a comical burlesque dance that went from Star Trek to tit tassels in less than 30 seconds, it was drawing time! This was like Pictionary on acid! The room, packed full to capacity, all abilities were 'beavering' away, trying to come up with the best or funniest picture they could. This Parlour type game was great fun: to draw using their left hand in a minute without looking was a challenge for even those with artistic ability! We had a great laugh, mostly at my rubbish pictures. Great fun.

Dr Sketchy (Doc.tor Sket.che); Definition: a night out with friends and drinks for a burlesque themed life drawing class, the potential to be a great evening and one class that one might just pay all attention too. Synonyms: entertaining, witty, vibrant, hilarity, convivial, pleasure, orgasmic, flirty. The actual in all its fabulousness: Sexy lines and serious scribbles, entertainers dazzling with themes of sweet sweet cupcakes, intense orgasms and flirty feathers. A mission to draw, not well, just creatively with lots of imagination and monkeys, and body parts, and blindness, and artistic license. Summary: Class by name, class by nature. Class; (klas, klahs) - noun, Definition: 1. excellence; exceptional merit 2. elegance, grace, or dignity, as in dress and behaviour 3. a number of persons or things regarded as forming a group by reason of common attributes, characteristics, qualities, or traits; kind; sort: a class of objects used in daily living.4 a group of students meeting regularly to study a subject under the guidance of a teacher: The class had arrived on time for the lecture.

Went to Drag Bingo here on a Monday night, and it was absolutely terrific. The entertainment was top notch (Timberlina is hilarious!), the atmosphere is friendly and fun, and the drinks are exceedingly cheap (£16 for a bottle of Prosecco!). Apart from feeling like a great little haunt, the history of the place is also a bonus - and now being a listed building, it's likely to stick around for a while! Hoorah!

Probably the best venue in the UK for alternative minded queer people. Duckie's on a Saturday night has been my favourite for some years. If David Hoyle is playing, try to go see him. His shows are always close to the edge and totally memorable.

Simply the most amazing venue with so much variety in entertainment and dancing happening.... with an incomparable sense of community...

If you're looking for a well-attended, unpretentious London gay pub, then look no further. It's particularly good for a night out with friends, but it's extremely loud, so expect to be shouting at the top of your lungs. No matter the night, it's pretty much always a good choice, and deserves to be applauded for its inclusivity.

Great ambiance - legend of a pub!!! It's in such a great location and is an institution in Vauxhall!!

When in London a few years back, a friend took us to DUCKIE, the most fun club night ever! The performance was amazingly funny and the other patrons were very friendly and nice. It was definitely a night to remember!

Every Saturday night this boozer plays host to one of London's most exciting nights - DUCKIE. The brainchild of comedienne Amy Lame, this is a gay and lesbian night filled with cabaret performance and ass shaking dance moves. Having such a high profile hostess means large crowds are attracted and some very renowned performers get up and strut their stuff. I've seen some wonderful performances - check their myspace or facebook for latest listings but it's worth the trip just for the music - super gay, super cheesy, super duper. I've taken many straight male friends and they've had an absolute riot. Look out for ladies go in free nights, and their special festivals of masculinity and femininity - amazing!

You must stop here when in London. One of the most memorable nights of my last time abroad.

I can't review the typical nights at this venue, but I came here for the Dr Sketchy burlesque life drawing night, which was hugely enjoyable. The slightly faded glamour of the interior (stage with plush red curtains, big mahogany bar) was the perfect setting. The drinks are expensive, though - £5 for a large glass of red wine poured out of an individual plastic bottle. You can have food brought to your table - didn't try it, but the Thai platter that was served up next to me looked nice.

Absolutely love the RVT. There is something different on every night of the week, but the absolute best night is Sunday. The Dame Edna Experience is a show everyone who wants to be shocked and non PC must see. Very queer, very gay, very good.

I went to their Ducky night, and loved it, so much I went back the next week, and several times after that. Packed venue, big cheesey anthems, full on dance floor, lots of draught on tap...although mostly the usual standard lagers and stuff...the wine is 'ok'. ...but not too pricey on the door or at the bar, and a great mix of colourful queens, bears and lezzers...and a safe environment for straight girls. Lovely door staff, strict but lovely, although one had a very scarey mask on one time. They have a quirky acts on each week...comedians, mime, musicians, all good...even when they're not so good...all the fun of the fair. Love it x

A truly fun evening. I went with some friends on a Sunday and we caught DE Experience. We had a great time. Great talent, friendly crowd. Leave your PC sensibilities at home!