Guide To Halfway To Heaven

Had an amazing time celebrating my birthday here last weekend! Watching some amazing drag from Queenie, Victoria Scone and Karla Bear! The people were absolutely amazing and really helpful!

We sent an email asking whether it would be possible to make a reservation for a group. After a week without any response, I tried calling to follow up. When I mentioned the email, the call was abruptly ended without any explanation.

I called again, thinking it might have been a technical issue, and was then told by the same woman to never call again and that reservations are not accepted.

It’s completely fine if reservations aren’t possible, and even if emails can’t be answered within a week. The only thing I would reasonably expect from any establishment is to be treated politely and not to be shouted at nor spoken in a rude manner

Popped in for 1 drink whilst we waited for our train, as a straight couple we found the pub very cosy and welcoming. There was a drag show on downstairs which unfortunately we did not get a chance to see but was very busy. Great cosy pub.

After many years of having been here prior, as a straight, British born man of Asian origin, this was a place that felt entirely safe and comfortable. I’d previously frequented the upstairs pub and the downstairs bar over my years studying in London before graudating and it becoming a firm favourite in my regular places to go in the area.

However, a few years ago, whilst showing some around a friend visiting from America and accompanied by my girlfriend and a gay friend of ours, we popped in for a cabaret show downstairs. We had had a few drinks prior but nothing that put us so far over the edge for what occured next.

Having been left alone for a solid 30 or so minutes, out of nowhere the bouncers/security had suddenly decided I had done something wrong. I was physically and forcefully removed from my seat, with all accompanying me protesting greatly. No reason was given for why I was being removed, I had not behaved out of sorts at all, simply came in to support what I thought was a decent venue.

Being stood outside, I was understandably angry and frustrated and got into a heated argument with the bouncer/security. They refused to give me any reason as to why I had been kicked out and in frustration I hit the wall next to the door. The bouncer/security proceeded to use this as an excuse to phone the police, lie about what had happened (claimed I had broken the window of the establishment next door). This resulted in the Police falsely arresting me and holding me overnight due to my struggling to remain uncuffed.

Massive trauma, an unfair amount of physical restraint and a variety of issues later and I can confidently say that I strongly agree with all accusations of racism, discrimination and an attitude of ‘If we don’t like you, you’re out.’

Simply put, I’ll continue to warn all friends across all communities what a terrible and awful establishment this has become. Never have I been so poorly treated as a Londoner, patron of the place or human being.

I loved this place! Lgbtia+-friendly with gender neutral bathrooms. We visited in the early afternoon, but I would love to come back for one of their evening events. I felt very safe and seen here. The bartender helped me pick a delicious drink (they have many options)!