Queer London

QUEER LONDON

THE GAY LIBERATION FRONT STONEWALL / SINK THE PINK PETER TATCHELL / HEAVEN LESBIANS AND GAYS SUPPORT THE MIGRANTS / LADY PHYLL PXSSY PALACE / THE ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN / SOHO THE GLORY / BISHOPSGATE INSTITUTE / OLD COMPTON STREET / HAMPSTEAD HEATH GAY’S THE WORD / CARAVAN CLUB / PRIDE

A GUIDE TO THE CITY’S LGBTQ+ PASTAND PRESENT

Alim Kheraj Photographs by Tim Boddy

NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

BARS

E A S T LONDON

DALSTON SUPERSTORE 117 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB dalstonsuperstore.com Dalston Kingsland Overground Dalston Superstore isn’t so much a bar as it is a lifestyle. Opened in 2009 by Dan Beaumont, the man behind monthly cult Hi-NRG night Disco Bloodbath at the now shuttered Joiner’s Arms, and Matt Tucker and Dan Hope, whose weekly Trailer Trash party was at On the Rocks (now Basing House in Shoreditch), it took the lineage of LGBTQ+ venues like the George and Dragon and club nights like Richard Mortimer’s infamous Boombox and ran with it. Superstore embodies alternative queer nightlife, and in those first five years the venue was, in Beaumont’s words, ‘achingly fashionable’, drawing a crowd of artists and creatives, who, to this day, are the bedrock of the venue’s success. The parties that Superstore hosted also separated it from the clubs and bars of Soho – lesbian nights, trans and non-binary nights, bisexual parties and events for queer people of colour were regular occurrences, creating an environment that was truly inclusive.

That attitude has only solidified in the subsequent decade, and Superstore is now the heart of East London’s vibrant queer scene. Loud and proud on Kingsland Road, it’s still a liberated, hedonistic and decadent nightlife spot, throwing some of the most legendary parties in the city. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find it at Superstore. Want Bollywood?

They’ve got you covered. What about classic pop

or techno? Head down to the sweltering basement club and you might find both! Like Alice tumbling into Wonderland, you don’t always know what you’re in for, and that’s part of the appeal. However, it’s diversified, too. Open seven days a week, during the daytime the space welcomes people to grab a coffee or lunch, or just to hangout and use it as a place to work (no hidden desk charges, either).

Food, which is incredibly good value, is also served in the evenings and on weekends, when you can pop down for one of the iconic Drag Brunches (it’s brunch but with drag queens!) Superstore also acts as an exhibition space, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ artists and creators, and fledgling drag performers and DJs are often given the chance to develop and grow there. They host regular charity events, promoting and fundraising for queer organisations.

What really makes Dalston Superstore, though, is the people. Sure, it might be the coolest queer bar in London, but the regulars, performers, DJs, bar staff and bouncers all resist pretension and form a real community. This energy enters you the moment you step through the door, infusing every interaction you have, be it with your friends, strangers or potential lovers. You’ll be BFFs with someone for the night, only to forget their name the next morning; or you’ll take someone home thinking it’s a one-night stand and end up happily married. Superstore is more than just a 2,000 square foot bar in Dalston: it’s also a live, beating organism that feeds, protects and nurtures London’s LGBTQ+ community.

5

BARS

E A S T LONDON

DALSTON SUPERSTORE 117 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB dalstonsuperstore.com Dalston Kingsland Overground Dalston Superstore isn’t so much a bar as it is a lifestyle. Opened in 2009 by Dan Beaumont, the man behind monthly cult Hi-NRG night Disco Bloodbath at the now shuttered Joiner’s Arms, and Matt Tucker and Dan Hope, whose weekly Trailer Trash party was at On the Rocks (now Basing House in Shoreditch), it took the lineage of LGBTQ+ venues like the George and Dragon and club nights like Richard Mortimer’s infamous Boombox and ran with it. Superstore embodies alternative queer nightlife, and in those first five years the venue was, in Beaumont’s words, ‘achingly fashionable’, drawing a crowd of artists and creatives, who, to this day, are the bedrock of the venue’s success. The parties that Superstore hosted also separated it from the clubs and bars of Soho – lesbian nights, trans and non-binary nights, bisexual parties and events for queer people of colour were regular occurrences, creating an environment that was truly inclusive.

That attitude has only solidified in the subsequent decade, and Superstore is now the heart of East London’s vibrant queer scene. Loud and proud on Kingsland Road, it’s still a liberated, hedonistic and decadent nightlife spot, throwing some of the most legendary parties in the city. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find it at Superstore. Want Bollywood?

They’ve got you covered. What about classic pop

or techno? Head down to the sweltering basement club and you might find both! Like Alice tumbling into Wonderland, you don’t always know what you’re in for, and that’s part of the appeal. However, it’s diversified, too. Open seven days a week, during the daytime the space welcomes people to grab a coffee or lunch, or just to hangout and use it as a place to work (no hidden desk charges, either).

Food, which is incredibly good value, is also served in the evenings and on weekends, when you can pop down for one of the iconic Drag Brunches (it’s brunch but with drag queens!) Superstore also acts as an exhibition space, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ artists and creators, and fledgling drag performers and DJs are often given the chance to develop and grow there. They host regular charity events, promoting and fundraising for queer organisations.

What really makes Dalston Superstore, though, is the people. Sure, it might be the coolest queer bar in London, but the regulars, performers, DJs, bar staff and bouncers all resist pretension and form a real community. This energy enters you the moment you step through the door, infusing every interaction you have, be it with your friends, strangers or potential lovers. You’ll be BFFs with someone for the night, only to forget their name the next morning; or you’ll take someone home thinking it’s a one-night stand and end up happily married. Superstore is more than just a 2,000 square foot bar in Dalston: it’s also a live, beating organism that feeds, protects and nurtures London’s LGBTQ+ community.

5

BARS

THE GLORY 281 Kingsland Rd, Haggerston, London E2 8AS theglory.co Haggerston Overground

have become highlights of the queer social calendar.

It’s not just performance: in the past, the Glory has hosted HIV/AIDS awareness events, events about queer history and talks centred on LGBTQ+ activism.

For any person who feels ostracised by London’s gay

Before LGBTQ+ visibility went semi-mainstream and

scene, the Glory offers a place all queers can call

attitudes towards queer people shifted more positive,

home.

the humble gay bar offered a refuge for LGBTQ+ people. They weren’t just drinking dens or a place to

THE GRAPES

hook up, but community spaces providing support

76 Narrow St, Poplar, London E14 8BP

and information, as well as a safe space to socialise.

thegrapes.co.uk

For some reason, over the last two decades the

Limehouse Overground/DLR

holistic nature of queer venues started to dissipate.

But with the sharp decline of LGBTQ+ venues in the

There has been a pub where the Grapes sits since

capital over the last decade, and with a rise of anti-

1583, and the current building dates back to 1720s.

LGBTQ+ rhetoric and hate crimes, queer venues are

It’s not an LGBTQ+ venue, but it is LGBTQ+ friendly,

once again becoming hubs for the community. This

mainly because the venue is owned by British actor

is personified by the Glory, a pub opened in 2014 by

Sir Ian McKellen and director Sean Mathias. The pub

iconic London drag performers Jonny Woo and John

quiz, hosted every Monday, is legendary, and Sir Ian

Sizzle. On the surface, it’s just another gay boozer, and

is known to drop in to take part.

it’s a good one, too: there’s ample seating, including sofas, a nice selection of beers, cocktails and an

THE KARAOKE HOLE

outside smoking area. The bar staff are convivial

95 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB

and the prices aren’t absurd. On the weekends, the

thekaraokehole.com

basement fills up with queers getting their groove on

Dalston Kingsland Overground

at one of the inclusive and diverse club nights. That isn’t to say that things are sedate upstairs: the main

From the creative minds behind Dalston Superstore,

bar is always rammed, perfect if you don’t mind

the Karaoke Hole is one of London’s more unique

squishing and sweating with a bunch of queer folx.

spaces. Described as an ‘LGBTQ+ powered venue’

The Glory is far more than a pub, though. Since it

(meaning zero tolerance on homophobia, transphobia

opened in late 2014, it has become one of London’s

or harassment), the K-Hole, as it’s lovingly referred to,

premiere queer performance spaces, offering one of

is a chaotic karaoke bar with a difference. Instead

the city’s most exciting fringe events programmes.

of private booths, singers get up on stage and sing

Woo and Sizzle are open to, and often foster, new

their favourite songs in front of a live audience – aka

talent. Many a drag king or queen, cabaret star and

other punters. Each night a different drag performer

thespian in the making has made their debut on

will host, singing songs, manning a smoke machine,

the Glory’s charming, if admittedly battered, stage. The

telling jokes and generally encouraging drunk people

annual Man Up! drag king contest and LIPSYNC1000

to sing Celine Dion songs. The drinks aren’t too

7

BARS

THE GLORY 281 Kingsland Rd, Haggerston, London E2 8AS theglory.co Haggerston Overground

have become highlights of the queer social calendar.

It’s not just performance: in the past, the Glory has hosted HIV/AIDS awareness events, events about queer history and talks centred on LGBTQ+ activism.

For any person who feels ostracised by London’s gay

Before LGBTQ+ visibility went semi-mainstream and

scene, the Glory offers a place all queers can call

attitudes towards queer people shifted more positive,

home.

the humble gay bar offered a refuge for LGBTQ+ people. They weren’t just drinking dens or a place to

THE GRAPES

hook up, but community spaces providing support

76 Narrow St, Poplar, London E14 8BP

and information, as well as a safe space to socialise.

thegrapes.co.uk

For some reason, over the last two decades the

Limehouse Overground/DLR

holistic nature of queer venues started to dissipate.

But with the sharp decline of LGBTQ+ venues in the

There has been a pub where the Grapes sits since

capital over the last decade, and with a rise of anti-

1583, and the current building dates back to 1720s.

LGBTQ+ rhetoric and hate crimes, queer venues are

It’s not an LGBTQ+ venue, but it is LGBTQ+ friendly,

once again becoming hubs for the community. This

mainly because the venue is owned by British actor

is personified by the Glory, a pub opened in 2014 by

Sir Ian McKellen and director Sean Mathias. The pub

iconic London drag performers Jonny Woo and John

quiz, hosted every Monday, is legendary, and Sir Ian

Sizzle. On the surface, it’s just another gay boozer, and

is known to drop in to take part.

it’s a good one, too: there’s ample seating, including sofas, a nice selection of beers, cocktails and an

THE KARAOKE HOLE

outside smoking area. The bar staff are convivial

95 Kingsland High St, Dalston, London E8 2PB

and the prices aren’t absurd. On the weekends, the

thekaraokehole.com

basement fills up with queers getting their groove on

Dalston Kingsland Overground

at one of the inclusive and diverse club nights. That isn’t to say that things are sedate upstairs: the main

From the creative minds behind Dalston Superstore,

bar is always rammed, perfect if you don’t mind

the Karaoke Hole is one of London’s more unique

squishing and sweating with a bunch of queer folx.

spaces. Described as an ‘LGBTQ+ powered venue’

The Glory is far more than a pub, though. Since it

(meaning zero tolerance on homophobia, transphobia

opened in late 2014, it has become one of London’s

or harassment), the K-Hole, as it’s lovingly referred to,

premiere queer performance spaces, offering one of

is a chaotic karaoke bar with a difference. Instead

the city’s most exciting fringe events programmes.

of private booths, singers get up on stage and sing

Woo and Sizzle are open to, and often foster, new

their favourite songs in front of a live audience – aka

talent. Many a drag king or queen, cabaret star and

other punters. Each night a different drag performer

thespian in the making has made their debut on

will host, singing songs, manning a smoke machine,

the Glory’s charming, if admittedly battered, stage. The

telling jokes and generally encouraging drunk people

annual Man Up! drag king contest and LIPSYNC1000

to sing Celine Dion songs. The drinks aren’t too

7

BARS

pricey and there’s a good variety, including cocktails,

of the footie, the Old Ship hosts weekly cabaret

most importantly, inclusive nature of the Adelaide; this

slightly worn venue for a plethora of events, including

which is handy if you’re considering getting up on

and drag shows, drawing some of the city’s best

venue is capital ‘Q’ Queer, welcoming people of all

drag, karaoke, cabaret and more. In 2020, the pub

stage. Though people there are receptive to anyone

queens like Baga Chips, Charlie Hides, regular dame

sexualities and gender identities and presentations.

was closed for refurbishment, and all their LGBTQ+

who has the chutzpah to sing, even if that person is

Saucy Sophie and Maisie Trollette, who at age 86

The door staff come with this in mind, too, and if

activity was moved to The William Morris Bar and

tuneless, you do get some incredible vocalists. If

is the UK’s oldest working drag performer. There’s

there’s any homophobic or transphobic nonsense

Kitchen in Walthamstow.

you’re lucky, you might even find someone performing

a real community to the Ship, too: the pub has two

it’s swiftly dealt with. If all that doesn’t sell it, the gay

‘…Baby One More Time’ with the full choreography.

gay football teams and a ladies’ dance troupe, and

rumour mill has it that Bjork once huffed poppers here

THE WHITE SWAN

Be warned: it does all get a bit disorganised,

regularly hosts charity events for St Joseph’s Hospice

in the basement bar at a party.

556 Commercial Rd, Limehouse, London E14 7JD

especially later in the night. But usually by then you’ll

and the LGBTQ+ homeless charity, akt. The Old Ship

be pissed and sharing a bottle of Prosecco with

is keeping the Docklands’ queer history alive.

bjswhiteswan.com THE STAR OF BETHNAL GREEN

Limehouse Overground/DLR

359 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 6LG

someone you’ve just met, planning to make your popstar dreams come true by singing a duet of ‘(I’ve

THE QUEEN ADELAIDE

starofbethnalgreen.co.uk

Something of an East End institution, the White Swan

Had) The Time Of My Life’.

483 Hackney Rd, London E2 9ED

Bethnal Green Tube

(previously BJ’s White Swan) was standing before

thequeenadelaide.com THE OLD SHIP

Bethnal Green Tube

17 Barnes St, Limehouse, London E14 7NW

Shoreditch and Dalston blossomed into a queer Like a lot of venues, the Star of Bethnal Green only

playground. Previously associated with geezers and

rolls out its rainbow flag for specific nights, but those

amateur male strippers, the pub was fairly seedy,

oldship.net

They say the best things come in small packages, and

nights are some of the queer scene’s cult favourites:

with soft-core videos playing on screens in what

Limehouse Overground/DLR

that’s certainly true for this beloved East London haunt.

Douche Bag served up alternative pop and electro

was a stark and fairly uninviting establishment. That

After the closure of the iconic queer pub The George

with a helping of hot boys, while Unskinny Bop, ‘a

being said, it always drew crowds, with things getting

The Docklands have always been a queer person’s

and Dragon, owners Liliana and Richard packed their

queer disco for fatz, fagz and freakz’, centres queer

riotous on the weekends. It was allegedly the place

playground. In the 20th Century, The Prospect of

things, including the oversized benched seating, and

womxn. Unfortunately, Douche Bag is coming to

where comedian Michael Barrymore came out, and

Whitby in Wapping was known to draw sailors and

moved down the road to occupy this lithe pub that’s

an end, although resident DJ Mike Menace can be

was frequented by Sir Ian McKellen. In 2014, however,

labourers who fancied themselves a feller, while the

filled with character. On the red walls there’s an array

found playing tunes all over the shop, from the RVT

it was given a camp facelift that would leave Cher

Shadwell Park Stairs in the Rotherhithe Tunnel had a

of ephemera, including a cut out of Elvira, a sun with a

to Dalston Superstore. Unskinny Bop, thankfully, still

jealous. The pub was completely refitted, restructured

reputation in the ‘30s for being a cruising spot. That’s

smiley face, a poster of Divine and copious amounts of

calls the Star of Bethnal Green its home. A word of

and even extended with the addition of the neon-lit

not to mention the countless Molly houses, which

fairy lights. Towards the rear, there’s a small bar offering

warning, though: after you’ve had a few drinks, be

Funky Basement Club. Following its comeback,

in the 17th and 18th Centuries drew all sorts of men

your usual fare, and even some diverse non-alcoholic

careful not to fall off the venue’s stage (it’s easier than

the White Swan began hosting cabaret, karaoke

who performed unspeakable deeds. It shouldn’t be

bevs for any non-drinkers. On the weekends, if you

it sounds…)

and drag shows, as well as club nights playing a

surprising, then, that tucked away on a corner just up

venture back past the loos (which leave something

from Limehouse station is an unassuming LGBTQ+

to be desired) and descend the stairs, you’ll find a

THE VICTORIA

the weekends. Notably, it was the home of anarchic

friendly pub that dates back to 1820. Managed by

labyrinthine basement club. One room is filled with

86 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London E17 4QH

queer party Cybil’s House, an inclusive celebration of

John Fell, who previously ran the now shuttered

antique furniture; another filled with seats, the walls

facebook.com/victoria.walthamstow

LGBTQ+ weirdness featuring dancing, performances

Booty’s Riverside Bar, the pub is a proper East End

mirrored; and in the final room, sweaty bodies brush

Walthamstow Central Tube

and general madness. Open until 2am during the

boozer. Its charming frontage is like something ripped

up against each other on the dancefloor. You’ll also

from a soap opera, but inside things are a little more

find a bar downstairs and alternative stairs that lead

This proper old-school boozer is the definition of a

raucous reputation remains, and unlike accusations

subversive, with rainbows and kitschy knick-knacks

up to the street. The Queen Adelaide doesn’t have a

local LGBTQ+ pub. During the week, you’re more

levied at other queer East London venues, there’s

accompanying the traditional wood panelling. Out

formal event structure: one Saturday night might be

likely to find straight blokes drinking beer in here,

no pretension or trendy affectations. Also, if you cop

magazine once described it as feeling ‘like a John

queer country themed, while the following week could

but on the weekend the space is invaded by local

off with someone, you can head next door to Sailors

Waters film set in Middle-earth’. Likewise, instead

be Britney vs. Christina. That’s the ramshackle and,

queer folk who descend on this well-loved and

Sauna for a bit of fun.

8

mixture of pop, house and commercial dance on

week, and even later on weekends, its pre-facelift

9

BARS

pricey and there’s a good variety, including cocktails,

of the footie, the Old Ship hosts weekly cabaret

most importantly, inclusive nature of the Adelaide; this

slightly worn venue for a plethora of events, including

which is handy if you’re considering getting up on

and drag shows, drawing some of the city’s best

venue is capital ‘Q’ Queer, welcoming people of all

drag, karaoke, cabaret and more. In 2020, the pub

stage. Though people there are receptive to anyone

queens like Baga Chips, Charlie Hides, regular dame

sexualities and gender identities and presentations.

was closed for refurbishment, and all their LGBTQ+

who has the chutzpah to sing, even if that person is

Saucy Sophie and Maisie Trollette, who at age 86

The door staff come with this in mind, too, and if

activity was moved to The William Morris Bar and

tuneless, you do get some incredible vocalists. If

is the UK’s oldest working drag performer. There’s

there’s any homophobic or transphobic nonsense

Kitchen in Walthamstow.

you’re lucky, you might even find someone performing

a real community to the Ship, too: the pub has two

it’s swiftly dealt with. If all that doesn’t sell it, the gay

‘…Baby One More Time’ with the full choreography.

gay football teams and a ladies’ dance troupe, and

rumour mill has it that Bjork once huffed poppers here

THE WHITE SWAN

Be warned: it does all get a bit disorganised,

regularly hosts charity events for St Joseph’s Hospice

in the basement bar at a party.

556 Commercial Rd, Limehouse, London E14 7JD

especially later in the night. But usually by then you’ll

and the LGBTQ+ homeless charity, akt. The Old Ship

be pissed and sharing a bottle of Prosecco with

is keeping the Docklands’ queer history alive.

bjswhiteswan.com THE STAR OF BETHNAL GREEN

Limehouse Overground/DLR

359 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 6LG

someone you’ve just met, planning to make your popstar dreams come true by singing a duet of ‘(I’ve

THE QUEEN ADELAIDE

starofbethnalgreen.co.uk

Something of an East End institution, the White Swan

Had) The Time Of My Life’.

483 Hackney Rd, London E2 9ED

Bethnal Green Tube

(previously BJ’s White Swan) was standing before

thequeenadelaide.com THE OLD SHIP

Bethnal Green Tube

17 Barnes St, Limehouse, London E14 7NW

Shoreditch and Dalston blossomed into a queer Like a lot of venues, the Star of Bethnal Green only

playground. Previously associated with geezers and

rolls out its rainbow flag for specific nights, but those

amateur male strippers, the pub was fairly seedy,

oldship.net

They say the best things come in small packages, and

nights are some of the queer scene’s cult favourites:

with soft-core videos playing on screens in what

Limehouse Overground/DLR

that’s certainly true for this beloved East London haunt.

Douche Bag served up alternative pop and electro

was a stark and fairly uninviting establishment. That

After the closure of the iconic queer pub The George

with a helping of hot boys, while Unskinny Bop, ‘a

being said, it always drew crowds, with things getting

The Docklands have always been a queer person’s

and Dragon, owners Liliana and Richard packed their

queer disco for fatz, fagz and freakz’, centres queer

riotous on the weekends. It was allegedly the place

playground. In the 20th Century, The Prospect of

things, including the oversized benched seating, and

womxn. Unfortunately, Douche Bag is coming to

where comedian Michael Barrymore came out, and

Whitby in Wapping was known to draw sailors and

moved down the road to occupy this lithe pub that’s

an end, although resident DJ Mike Menace can be

was frequented by Sir Ian McKellen. In 2014, however,

labourers who fancied themselves a feller, while the

filled with character. On the red walls there’s an array

found playing tunes all over the shop, from the RVT

it was given a camp facelift that would leave Cher

Shadwell Park Stairs in the Rotherhithe Tunnel had a

of ephemera, including a cut out of Elvira, a sun with a

to Dalston Superstore. Unskinny Bop, thankfully, still

jealous. The pub was completely refitted, restructured

reputation in the ‘30s for being a cruising spot. That’s

smiley face, a poster of Divine and copious amounts of

calls the Star of Bethnal Green its home. A word of

and even extended with the addition of the neon-lit

not to mention the countless Molly houses, which

fairy lights. Towards the rear, there’s a small bar offering

warning, though: after you’ve had a few drinks, be

Funky Basement Club. Following its comeback,

in the 17th and 18th Centuries drew all sorts of men

your usual fare, and even some diverse non-alcoholic

careful not to fall off the venue’s stage (it’s easier than

the White Swan began hosting cabaret, karaoke

who performed unspeakable deeds. It shouldn’t be

bevs for any non-drinkers. On the weekends, if you

it sounds…)

and drag shows, as well as club nights playing a

surprising, then, that tucked away on a corner just up

venture back past the loos (which leave something

from Limehouse station is an unassuming LGBTQ+

to be desired) and descend the stairs, you’ll find a

THE VICTORIA

the weekends. Notably, it was the home of anarchic

friendly pub that dates back to 1820. Managed by

labyrinthine basement club. One room is filled with

86 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London E17 4QH

queer party Cybil’s House, an inclusive celebration of

John Fell, who previously ran the now shuttered

antique furniture; another filled with seats, the walls

facebook.com/victoria.walthamstow

LGBTQ+ weirdness featuring dancing, performances

Booty’s Riverside Bar, the pub is a proper East End

mirrored; and in the final room, sweaty bodies brush

Walthamstow Central Tube

and general madness. Open until 2am during the

boozer. Its charming frontage is like something ripped

up against each other on the dancefloor. You’ll also

from a soap opera, but inside things are a little more

find a bar downstairs and alternative stairs that lead

This proper old-school boozer is the definition of a

raucous reputation remains, and unlike accusations

subversive, with rainbows and kitschy knick-knacks

up to the street. The Queen Adelaide doesn’t have a

local LGBTQ+ pub. During the week, you’re more

levied at other queer East London venues, there’s

accompanying the traditional wood panelling. Out

formal event structure: one Saturday night might be

likely to find straight blokes drinking beer in here,

no pretension or trendy affectations. Also, if you cop

magazine once described it as feeling ‘like a John

queer country themed, while the following week could

but on the weekend the space is invaded by local

off with someone, you can head next door to Sailors

Waters film set in Middle-earth’. Likewise, instead

be Britney vs. Christina. That’s the ramshackle and,

queer folk who descend on this well-loved and

Sauna for a bit of fun.

8

mixture of pop, house and commercial dance on

week, and even later on weekends, its pre-facelift

9

THE JOINERS ARMS AND A HISTORY OF GAY NIGHTLIFE IN EAST LONDON

fuelled by the creative energy of the city’s East End —

eventually reared their head. In 2014, after successfully

has emerged as a grittier, fashion-forward and often

battling the council to keep its late license, the Joiners

outrageous hotbed of gay night life.’

Arms lost its war against property developers, shutting its doors for the final time in January 2015. The Nelson’s Head

The Nelson’s Head on Horatio Street completed the

befell a similar fate after rent increases forced them to

trifecta of the Joiners and the George, what later became

close, as did the George and Dragon. Battye and Sanguino

known as the ‘Shoreditch Triangle’. Opened in 2007, the

managed to relocate, moving further down Hackney Road

pub had an early license, which meant that on Sunday

to the Queen Adelaide, while the team from the Nelson’s

morning, queer folks would drop in to continue the party,

Head set up shop south of the river in Kennington.

be that from the Joiners, the George and Dragon or There have been queer venues in London’s East End

‘00s. In 1997, the Joiners Arms opened on Hackney

further afield. A few years after they opened, however,

The Joiners, however, wasn’t so lucky. Nevertheless,

for decades, operating both in and out of the shadows.

Road. According to its manager, the late David Pollard,

these drop-ins became unmanageable. The pub began

a community group, Friends of the Joiners Arms,

But unlike places like Soho, the history of these spaces

the pub was the first gay venue to open under Tony

opening at a respectable 10am, although Sunday nights

successfully convinced Tower Hamlets council to stipulate

isn’t as well preserved – partly because, historically, East

Blair’s just-elected Labour government. Grotty and rough

remained popular.

that any new development built in the space must include

London hasn’t been the most affluent or well-off area of

around the edges, it wasn’t anything to look at, and in

the city; and partly because, like so much of queer history,

that first year Pollard operated a darkroom on the pub’s

Around this time, the LGBTQ+ scene was also spreading

25 years. These closures were also offset by the arrival of

it just wasn’t documented due to fear of persecution. Of

first floor. He later cleaned things up, albeit only slightly.

up Kingsland Road and into Dalston. Vogue Fabrics, later

the Glory, the queer cabaret pub from Jonny Woo and

course, the East End had its fair share of Molly houses

In 2002, the George and Dragon popped up just down

renamed vFd, opened in 2007, and in 2009 Beaumont

John Sizzle. Similarly, parties like Sink the Pink, Savage,

(gay brothels) and cruising spots, and according to Matt

the road. Run by Richard Battye and Liliana Sanguino,

and Matt Tucker and Dan Hope, who ran TrailerTrash,

Mariah & Friendz, Chapter 10, Knickerbocker and,

Houlbrook’s book Queer London: Perils and Pleasures in

this fairly traditional boozer was transformed into a queer,

established Dalston Superstore, which soon became

most recently, Adonis, started to provide an alternative

the Sexual Metropolis, 1918-1957, the sheer amount of

kitschy fantasy, decked out with antiques that belonged

the most fashionable place in the area. In 2010, Wayne

to the queer club, making room for LGBTQ+ people in

men living in the lodging houses in the docklands meant

to Battye’s late grandmother. The George and Dragon

Shires, who has been a feature on the underground queer

traditionally heterosexual spaces or unusual venues. As

that homosexual relations were almost an inevitability.

even had its own exhibition space, the White Cubicle

scene since 1989, opened his own venue, East Bloc, just

for the return of the Joiners Arms? At the time of writing,

toilet gallery in the ladies’ loos. Founded by Pablo Leon

off Old Street roundabout.

the pub’s original building still sits empty on Hackney

In terms of pubs and clubs though, the East End’s history

de la Barra in 2005, it exhibited work by the likes of

is murky, although there definitely are examples dotted

Wolfgang Tillmans, General Idea, SUPERM (Brian Kenny

throughout the 20th Century. The Railway Tavern pub in

and Slava Mogutin) and Terence Koh.

Limehouse, known locally as Charlie Brown’s (named after the pub’s landlord), was in operation from around

Such creativity spread out into the rest of East London’s

1840 to 1990 and it did draw a queer crowd. Likewise,

queer scene. In 2006, Richard Mortimer, the founder of

there are reports of drag acts performing at the Royal

fashion magazine Ponystep, began his über-trendy party

Oak on Columbia Road between the 1940s and 1960s.

Boombox at Hoxton Bar and Grill, which drew an eclectic

Indeed, two performers, Lil and Maisie, regulars. Had they

mix of fashionistas, musicians and artists, while nights like

been alive today, Lil may well have identified as gender

Gutterslut and underground electronic rave TrailerTrash

nonconforming or trans. Things become a bit clearer

gave things a little bit of edge. In 2007, Dan Beaumont,

in the ‘70s and ‘80s: pubs like the Arabian Arms (now

Charlie Porter and Dave Kendrick began Macho City, a

Metropolis Strip Club) and the George IV in Limehouse

Hi-NRG disco party at the Joiners Arms every Thursday,

were known for their cabaret and drag shows, while the

and by 2009 Gay Times magazine had dubbed this ‘the

London Apprentice on Old Street, which was gay pub

most exciting gay venue in the UK’. Soon creatives like

from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, was famous. Indeed, the L.A.

Alexander McQueen, Rufus Wainwright and Christopher

was where the Terrence Higgins Trust’s first meeting was

Kane were dropping in to this grotty, anarchic, unassuming

held, and the venue even boasted a basement club called

and electric queer pub. As the New York Times put it:

The Toolbox, which drew a leather and ‘macho’ crowd.

‘Soho and Vauxhall may be the heart of London’s Queer

The area really came out the closet in the ‘90s and the

as Folk-watching, muscle-boy scene. But Shoreditch —

10

a pub that should be run as an LGBTQ+ venue for at least

Road. Thankfully, no matter what developers turn the Still, the forces of gentrification and redevelopment

space into, the Joiners will eventually return.

THE JOINERS ARMS AND A HISTORY OF GAY NIGHTLIFE IN EAST LONDON

fuelled by the creative energy of the city’s East End —

eventually reared their head. In 2014, after successfully

has emerged as a grittier, fashion-forward and often

battling the council to keep its late license, the Joiners

outrageous hotbed of gay night life.’

Arms lost its war against property developers, shutting its doors for the final time in January 2015. The Nelson’s Head

The Nelson’s Head on Horatio Street completed the

befell a similar fate after rent increases forced them to

trifecta of the Joiners and the George, what later became

close, as did the George and Dragon. Battye and Sanguino

known as the ‘Shoreditch Triangle’. Opened in 2007, the

managed to relocate, moving further down Hackney Road

pub had an early license, which meant that on Sunday

to the Queen Adelaide, while the team from the Nelson’s

morning, queer folks would drop in to continue the party,

Head set up shop south of the river in Kennington.

be that from the Joiners, the George and Dragon or There have been queer venues in London’s East End

‘00s. In 1997, the Joiners Arms opened on Hackney

further afield. A few years after they opened, however,

The Joiners, however, wasn’t so lucky. Nevertheless,

for decades, operating both in and out of the shadows.

Road. According to its manager, the late David Pollard,

these drop-ins became unmanageable. The pub began

a community group, Friends of the Joiners Arms,

But unlike places like Soho, the history of these spaces

the pub was the first gay venue to open under Tony

opening at a respectable 10am, although Sunday nights

successfully convinced Tower Hamlets council to stipulate

isn’t as well preserved – partly because, historically, East

Blair’s just-elected Labour government. Grotty and rough

remained popular.

that any new development built in the space must include

London hasn’t been the most affluent or well-off area of

around the edges, it wasn’t anything to look at, and in

the city; and partly because, like so much of queer history,

that first year Pollard operated a darkroom on the pub’s

Around this time, the LGBTQ+ scene was also spreading

25 years. These closures were also offset by the arrival of

it just wasn’t documented due to fear of persecution. Of

first floor. He later cleaned things up, albeit only slightly.

up Kingsland Road and into Dalston. Vogue Fabrics, later

the Glory, the queer cabaret pub from Jonny Woo and

course, the East End had its fair share of Molly houses

In 2002, the George and Dragon popped up just down

renamed vFd, opened in 2007, and in 2009 Beaumont

John Sizzle. Similarly, parties like Sink the Pink, Savage,

(gay brothels) and cruising spots, and according to Matt

the road. Run by Richard Battye and Liliana Sanguino,

and Matt Tucker and Dan Hope, who ran TrailerTrash,

Mariah & Friendz, Chapter 10, Knickerbocker and,

Houlbrook’s book Queer London: Perils and Pleasures in

this fairly traditional boozer was transformed into a queer,

established Dalston Superstore, which soon became

most recently, Adonis, started to provide an alternative

the Sexual Metropolis, 1918-1957, the sheer amount of

kitschy fantasy, decked out with antiques that belonged

the most fashionable place in the area. In 2010, Wayne

to the queer club, making room for LGBTQ+ people in

men living in the lodging houses in the docklands meant

to Battye’s late grandmother. The George and Dragon

Shires, who has been a feature on the underground queer

traditionally heterosexual spaces or unusual venues. As

that homosexual relations were almost an inevitability.

even had its own exhibition space, the White Cubicle

scene since 1989, opened his own venue, East Bloc, just

for the return of the Joiners Arms? At the time of writing,

toilet gallery in the ladies’ loos. Founded by Pablo Leon

off Old Street roundabout.

the pub’s original building still sits empty on Hackney

In terms of pubs and clubs though, the East End’s history

de la Barra in 2005, it exhibited work by the likes of

is murky, although there definitely are examples dotted

Wolfgang Tillmans, General Idea, SUPERM (Brian Kenny

throughout the 20th Century. The Railway Tavern pub in

and Slava Mogutin) and Terence Koh.

Limehouse, known locally as Charlie Brown’s (named after the pub’s landlord), was in operation from around

Such creativity spread out into the rest of East London’s

1840 to 1990 and it did draw a queer crowd. Likewise,

queer scene. In 2006, Richard Mortimer, the founder of

there are reports of drag acts performing at the Royal

fashion magazine Ponystep, began his über-trendy party

Oak on Columbia Road between the 1940s and 1960s.

Boombox at Hoxton Bar and Grill, which drew an eclectic

Indeed, two performers, Lil and Maisie, regulars. Had they

mix of fashionistas, musicians and artists, while nights like

been alive today, Lil may well have identified as gender

Gutterslut and underground electronic rave TrailerTrash

nonconforming or trans. Things become a bit clearer

gave things a little bit of edge. In 2007, Dan Beaumont,

in the ‘70s and ‘80s: pubs like the Arabian Arms (now

Charlie Porter and Dave Kendrick began Macho City, a

Metropolis Strip Club) and the George IV in Limehouse

Hi-NRG disco party at the Joiners Arms every Thursday,

were known for their cabaret and drag shows, while the

and by 2009 Gay Times magazine had dubbed this ‘the

London Apprentice on Old Street, which was gay pub

most exciting gay venue in the UK’. Soon creatives like

from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, was famous. Indeed, the L.A.

Alexander McQueen, Rufus Wainwright and Christopher

was where the Terrence Higgins Trust’s first meeting was

Kane were dropping in to this grotty, anarchic, unassuming

held, and the venue even boasted a basement club called

and electric queer pub. As the New York Times put it:

The Toolbox, which drew a leather and ‘macho’ crowd.

‘Soho and Vauxhall may be the heart of London’s Queer

The area really came out the closet in the ‘90s and the

as Folk-watching, muscle-boy scene. But Shoreditch —

10

a pub that should be run as an LGBTQ+ venue for at least

Road. Thankfully, no matter what developers turn the Still, the forces of gentrification and redevelopment

space into, the Joiners will eventually return.

Sink The Pink have been ‘queering the norm’ with their outrageous parties, fabulous performances and genderfuck antics since 2008. Founded by best friends Glyn Fussell and Amy Redmond in response to the lack of truly inclusive and exciting nights out in London, the night has grown from its cult beginnings at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club to selling out shows at London’s Troxy, Roundhouse and Brixton Academy.

Those initial nights in East London were chaotic, anarchic and insane amounts of fun. Featuring performances from drag artists, heady pop tunes and a crowd of people dressed up in all manner of spangled outfits, it regularly reached capacity, providing the city’s misfits with a space that they could explore their gender identities and sexualities through unbounded self-expression. The move to the Troxy only extended this, offering bigger performances, guest sets from pop legends and a truly bacchanalian queer fantasy.

Sink The Pink is more than just legendary club nights, though. Over the years, they have become a collective melting pot of creatives, artists, choreographers, performers and designers, whose skills and talent have diversified what STP has to offer. This includes annual pantomimes, festival appearances and their ‘Sink The Pink Street Party’, a day-long jamboree of queer artists, popstars and drag in Finsbury Park. Sink The Pink even has its own spin offs, like cult dance party Savage Disco, which ran at Metropolis Strip Club between 2014 and 2019, and Mighty Hoopla, a 25,000 capacity festival dedicated to pop music and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

The Sink The Pink team have performed all around the world, from Sao Paolo to New York, worked with brands like Hunter and YSL, and collaborated with popstars such as Years & Years, Little Mix and actual Spice Girl Mel C, who went on tour with the collective’s drag performers in 2019. Sassy, fierce and fabulous, Sink The Pink have changed queer London for the better.

SINK THE PINK

Sink The Pink have been ‘queering the norm’ with their outrageous parties, fabulous performances and genderfuck antics since 2008. Founded by best friends Glyn Fussell and Amy Redmond in response to the lack of truly inclusive and exciting nights out in London, the night has grown from its cult beginnings at the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club to selling out shows at London’s Troxy, Roundhouse and Brixton Academy.

Those initial nights in East London were chaotic, anarchic and insane amounts of fun. Featuring performances from drag artists, heady pop tunes and a crowd of people dressed up in all manner of spangled outfits, it regularly reached capacity, providing the city’s misfits with a space that they could explore their gender identities and sexualities through unbounded self-expression. The move to the Troxy only extended this, offering bigger performances, guest sets from pop legends and a truly bacchanalian queer fantasy.

Sink The Pink is more than just legendary club nights, though. Over the years, they have become a collective melting pot of creatives, artists, choreographers, performers and designers, whose skills and talent have diversified what STP has to offer. This includes annual pantomimes, festival appearances and their ‘Sink The Pink Street Party’, a day-long jamboree of queer artists, popstars and drag in Finsbury Park. Sink The Pink even has its own spin offs, like cult dance party Savage Disco, which ran at Metropolis Strip Club between 2014 and 2019, and Mighty Hoopla, a 25,000 capacity festival dedicated to pop music and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

The Sink The Pink team have performed all around the world, from Sao Paolo to New York, worked with brands like Hunter and YSL, and collaborated with popstars such as Years & Years, Little Mix and actual Spice Girl Mel C, who went on tour with the collective’s drag performers in 2019. Sassy, fierce and fabulous, Sink The Pink have changed queer London for the better.

SINK THE PINK