Gay Club in London
Guide To Royal Vauxhall Tavern
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) in London is a historic and beloved LGBTQ+ entertainment venue. Its rich history, diverse events, and inclusive atmosphere have made it a vital part of the LGBTQ+ community in the city. As the Best London Cabaret Venue award winner, the RVT continues to be a hub for cabaret, performances and club nights.
A Historic Venue with LGBTQ+ Heritage
The RVT holds a special place in London’s LGBTQ+ history. It was built between 1860 and 1862 in Vauxhall, on land that was once part of the iconic Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Originally constructed as a public house, the RVT has always served as a gathering place for the community. After World War II, it became particularly popular among returning servicemen and local gay men, hosting drag shows and performances by female impersonators.
Legends and Performers of the RVT
Over the years, the RVT has hosted numerous iconic drag artists and performers. Notable acts from the past include “Carla” with her Barbra Streisand impersonation, “Jackie Sh*t” with her political tombola, and “The Great Lee Paris” with his Saturday night rendition of “Land of Hope and Glory.” The venue has also seen renowned performers like Hinge and Bracket, Regina Fong, and even Diana Dors grace its stage.
One of the most famous regular performers at the RVT was Lily Savage, the drag persona of Paul O’Grady. Savage entertained audiences four times a week for eight years, becoming a beloved fixture of the venue.
A Challenging Era: Discrimination and a Raid
In 1987, the RVT faced discrimination and harassment when it was raided by officers wearing rubber medical gloves. The raid was conducted under the pretext of investigating allegations of drunken behaviour. However, no complaints had been made by Vauxhall residents. The use of surgical gloves was explained as a precaution against infection by hepatitis B or AIDS. During this time, HIV/AIDS was wrongly stigmatized as a “gay plague,” this raid is seen as an example of increased discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
A Royal Visit: Diana, Princess of Wales
The RVT’s history took an intriguing turn when Diana, Princess of Wales, reportedly visited the venue in the late 1980s. Disguised as a man, she accompanied Cleo Rocos, Freddie Mercury, and Kenny Everett. According to Rocos, Diana went unnoticed as attention was focused on Mercury, Everett, and Rocos herself. However, conflicting accounts by Mercury’s personal assistant, Peter Freestone, suggest that Mercury was not involved in this outing and never met the Princess.
A Change in Ownership and Preservation
In 2005, the RVT was taken over by gay businessmen Paul Oxley and James Lindsay. They revitalized the venue with a new lighting and sound system, opening it seven nights a week and maintaining its popularity. However, in November 2014, the RVT was sold to property developers in a multimillion-pound commercial deal. Concerned about the venue’s future, the community formed RVT Future, a campaign group dedicated to preserving the RVT as a site of LGBTQ+ community and culture.
Their efforts paid off when, in September 2015, the RVT became the UK’s first Grade II-listed building recognized for its importance to LGBTQ+ community history. The campaign received support from influential figures such as the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and actors and entertainers like Ian McKellen and Paul O’Grady.
Awards and Recognition
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has received accolades for its contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant events. In 2010, it won the Fringe Report’s Best Venue award; in 2012, it was recognised as London’s Best Cabaret Venue.
Vibrant Events at the RVT
The RVT is renowned for its diverse lineup of events, shows, and performers that cater to all areas of the LGBTQ+ community.
Royal Vauxhall Tavern Pictures
Royal Vauxhall Tavern Reviews
+ Add A Review
Amazing gay venue for late nights on the weekends
We attended the Belinda Carlisle fundraising event tonight that we paid £99 per person for.
Belinda was fantastic, as was Sophie Ellis Bextor and Kathy Valentine.
The event was a success with lots of money raised for the Animal People Alliance.
However. The event was dangerously oversold and the venue WAY over capacity. To the point where you could not move to get to any available exit in an emergency.
It’s a shame because I’ve previously had wicked nights out at the RVT, but tonight was too much. At one point people were even stood outside dancing and cheering Belinda on, because there just wasn’t enough space in the venue. For £99 per head it wasn’t worth being pushed and shoved continuously and honestly I didn’t feel safe.
Sorry RVT, historic LGBT venue or not, I shan’t be back.
We go every Christmas for the panto, which is always riotous fun!
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.
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
