The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (aka the RVT)
Indestructible Victorian pub with a singular gay history — including drag performances since the middle of the last century — and a relentless party spirit, known to its own as the RVT and now registered with the local council (Lambeth) as an Asset of Community Value. Themed nights showcase comedy and alternative cabaret, most famously former Saturday-regular Duckie [see entry], which moved out after its swansong do on 2 July 2022. From late Sunday afternoons expect stimulated shirtl...
READ MORE
Hours
Mon to Thu 7pm—midnight
Fri 6pm–9pm (club night), 10pm—4am
Sat 9pm—4am
Sun 4pm—11pm
Hours
Mon to Thu 7pm—midnight
Fri 6pm–9pm (club night), 10pm—4am
Sat 9pm—4am
Sun 4pm—11pm
Your support makes our travel guides possible
We believe that LGBTQ+ people deserve safe vacations that allow them to be their authentic selves. That's why our City Guides aren't locked behind a paywall. Can you contribute today?
Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated
Reviews
Add a review
So much fun
I love the drag shows at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. This is the best place to get a few beers and laugh with your friends while hilarious performers stir up trouble.
Unique
Looks quite uninviting from the outside. This is a quirky venue in what is becoming a gay village in Vauxhall. Quite gritty and down to earth. But it is an institution for some and they have some quality cabaret acts.
First to Review
Feels like the real London
At first I was put off, the music was loud and I wasn't sure if this was my crowd: a mix of hipsters, bearish types and regular guys. But as the evening wore on it was clear that everyone was there to have a great time. A fun mix of electropop, 80s music (they even played El Debarge's Rythym of the Night) kept the crowd bopping. An inspired performance by local gender bender Johnny Woo made the night even more fun (if a bit surreal). This is a must do when in Vauxhall (and worth a trip here regardless).