Have you ever witnessed a place pulsate with history? The Royal Vauxhall Tavern stands before you. A Grade II listed building its red brick facade whispers tales of decades past. It’s not just a pub. It’s South London’s oldest surviving gay venue.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern opened in 1863. Built on land once part of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens it began life as a public house. After the Second World War returning servicemen and gay men found refuge within its walls. Drag shows became a staple. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern was a haven.
By 1975 the Tavern boasted two bars. A kidney-shaped bar doubled as a stage. Drag artists danced in stilettos. The public bar attracted local workers. The lounge welcomed the gay community. Carla’s Barbra Streisand impersonations were legendary. Jackie Sh*t’s political tombola was infamous. The Great Lee Paris’s Saturday night performances of Land of Hope and Glory were iconic.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern endured redevelopment in the 70s and 80s. It maintained its independence. Top drag artists performed there. Hinge and Bracket Regina Fong and even Diana Dors graced its stage. Lily Savage Paul O’Grady’s drag persona was a regular for eight years. She performed four times a week.
In 1987 police raided the Tavern. They wore rubber gloves. They investigated allegations of drunken behaviour. No such complaints had been made. The raid was seen as an example of discrimination against gay men. Lily Savage was arrested. She quipped that the officers were there to help with the washing up.
A rumour persists that Princess Diana visited the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in the late 1980s. She was reportedly disguised as a man. Cleo Rocos claimed this in her memoir. However Freddie Mercury’s assistant denies it.
In 2005 gay businessmen took over. A new sound system was installed. The venue opened seven nights a week. Its popularity soared. In 2014 it was sold to developers. A community campaign saved it. In 2015 it became the UK’s first building listed for its importance to LGBTQ history.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern continues to thrive. It hosts cabaret nights. It holds club nights. It’s a vibrant hub for the LGBTQ community. It’s a testament to resilience and a symbol of acceptance. It’s a living legend. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a legacy.