![gay bars london ontario gay bars london ontario](https://gaycities-listing-images-production.imgix.net/originals/restaurants-300971-Tango-Cafe-&-Grill-Rundles-87cfe.jpg)
But, adds Smith: “It may equally have been that the market traders and lorry drivers attracted gay customers, because they liked a bit of trade.” In the 2015 film Save the Tavern, writer and historian Rupert Smith says the pub likely became a gay bar in the post-war period, when cabaret was common pub entertainment and drag performers likely brought in the gay crowd.
![gay bars london ontario gay bars london ontario](https://media.timeout.com/images/101646143/320/210/image.jpg)
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern – London’s oldest surviving gay bar – was first built in 1863 on what was the old Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, a debauched Victorian fairground that was the place to dress up to see the latest in arts and culture, but also, where the shady groves and alleys were perfect for a discreet assignation. “In London we’re seeing an accelerated, scaled-up form of gentrification, driven by global finance, and it’s causing pressure on all kinds of small-scale cultural spaces.”Ĭlubs and bars come and go all the time, but when over half the city’s queer venues are gone, it begs the question: what exactly are we losing? And how can we stop it?
![gay bars london ontario gay bars london ontario](https://gaycities-galleries-production.s3.amazonaws.com/222/10460512_888777271182655_2491863159345937764_n.jpg)
“These types of venues are often a re-working of precarious buildings or in a slightly precarious area when they first open,” says Campkin, adding there’s a long history of gay and lesbian businesses being pioneer gentrifiers. Others are affected by rent increases, steep business rates, and licencing issues. “Some become affected by big infrastructure developments like those in King’s Cross, Islington, and Crossrail in Tottenham Court Road.” “But it’s very difficult to say that a space has closed because of one factor, or make a direct connection,” says Campkin, Director of UCL Urban Laboratory. The G-word – gentrification – plays a large part in queer space loss according to UCL’s 2017 study, which was conducted by Ben Campkin and Lo Marshall. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being safe in the majority, or surrounded by like-minded people. These spaces are vital – the recent rise in hate crime makes this painfully clear – but as is obvious the moment you step into the RVT, this is just as much about thriving as it is about safety. All of London’s nightlife is under pressure, but queer venues are closing at a faster rate than mainstream bars and clubs: a study from University College London (UCL) found that London has lost 58 per cent of its LGBTQ+ venues in the past decade. Campaigners for the now-closed Black Cap in Camden are still fighting to save the legendary pub and performance venue, and the Friends of the Joiners Arms are trying to secure the site of the former Hackney standard. Right now, the RVT is safe again following a major community effort, but this wasn’t the first campaign necessary to save the venue – and it probably won’t be the last. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) is an LGBTQ+ institution: its Grade II-listed status isn’t actually for the building, but to recognise how this has always been a vital and enduring venue to support queer life in the capital. “if you’re feeling unsafe come talk to one of us, this place is for everyone.” “This is a safe space,” says the show’s presenter, Shakona Fire. The performance pauses here and there as people share updates on transitions and sing birthday songs. One drag king gives us a rousing lesson for Gay History Month, before a glitter-dripping boylesque spectacular makes the audience whoop and squeal as Sebastian Angelique strips down to their butt tassels. Performers mill about the tight space – looking only slightly more fancy than some of the guests – wearing dramatic outfits, clouds of big hair, and striking makeup.īar Wotever has been running for 15 years, and it’s a talent show as well as a community group. Rex is already blasting from the speakers. It’s just gone 7 pm as we step inside the rounded walls of the classic Victorian pub, and T. It’s Tuesday night at South London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and that means Bar Wotever – queer cabaret spectacular. These spaces are vital, as a recent rise in hate crime makes painfully clear – but how much longer can they survive? The capital has lost 58 per cent of its LGBTQ+ venues in the past decade.