Royal Vauxhall Tavern

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!

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!!!

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!

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.

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.

Love this place for a little old boogie woogie on a sunday afternoon…

If you’re into anything then there’s something at the RVT for you! From the anything goes nights of Wotever World to cabaret nights and parties.
Although no disabled toilets as it’s all on one level (with normal toilets leading off the room) and most wheelchair users I know that go there have found a way to enjoy the night.

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.

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.

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.

I’m actually quite sad that RVT wasn’t more fun.
I came on a Saturday night as we were unwilling to pay a fiver for a bar up the road. RVT cost £6 but we were promised two free shows. (PS. It’s
not actually free if I had to pay to get in.)
The venue is quite small and the crowd was a bit older. We stayed for the first show. It was an all female orchestra who performed emo songs. I don’t remember the exact lyrics but the gist was that they don’t feel pretty. Not exactly something that I’d want to hear at 11pm on a Saturday night.
Overall, I just really wan’t impressed by the venue and the whole experience was tiring. We ended up leaving immediately after the orchestra stopped playing. I can’t say that I’ll return.

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

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!

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bei meinem Besuch am Samstag 23.03.2008 (Duckie) gabs eine doch sehr anstrengende Performance von Gastgeberin Amy Lamé. Sie stand auf der Bühne und belegte Toastbrot. Später legte die Rosie Kay Dance Co dann noch eins drauf mit zwei nicht wirklich nachvollziehbaren Tanzeinlagen. Wahrscheinlich wurden beide Darbietungen nur von den reichlich vorhandenen trinkfreudigen Durchschnittsbriten verstanden. Also lieber mal nicht zu viel erwarten von dem Laden. Später hat dann einem Taschendieb mein Handy noch wirklich gut gefallen. Er hats gleich mitgenommen. Also aufpassen wer hingeht!