Summer 2018

35 Few institutions are as established as the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) is in the LGBTQ+ entertainment community. Officially the UK’s oldest gay bar and performance space, it seemed an obvious choice for the title of Best LGBTQ+ Entertainment Venue in LUXlife’s flagship Restaurant and Bar Awards for 2018. On the back of the win, we took a look into the history of the venue, and how it has built the peerless reputation it celebrates today. A Grade II listed building on the back of its importance to LGBTQ+ heritage, Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been an ardent stalwart of the gay community and champion of gay culture for over seven decades. Indeed, finding its roots shortly after the Second World War, it is currently the UK’s oldest gay bar – by no means a small achievement. Finding its niche in cabaret and drag acts, it has honed the talents of numerous nationally, and internationally, recognised performers, and hosted artists such as Liberty X, Bucks Fizz, and S Club Party – among many others. As part of their position as a centre for gay culture in London, RVT is a vocal advocate for charitable aid, raising more than £425,000 for cancer research, GMFA, Oxfam, the Terrence Higgins Trust and mental health. CEO James Lindsay has had the unenviable challenge of maintaining the Royal Vauxhall Tavern’s reputation over the last four years. Originally acting as joint owner of the business, he was in charge of negotiations when RVT was sold to Immovate in 2014. Under Immovate, RE180092 James was promoted to CEO, and has been leading the venue to increased sales and profit year on year. The success of the venue is reflected in the accolades it has received over the decades, crucially recognising it as a popular landmark and important icon in the culture. Indeed, RVT has amassed an enthusiastic community of supporters and frequent patrons, people who continue to be enchanted by the Victorian décor and unmatched atmosphere – a sheer celebration of gay culture. This community has rallied around the RVT during what has, decidedly, been a testing time for the business. Sadly, in recent years, the need for the protection granted by the listed status is only becoming increasingly necessary as Camden’s the Black Cap, and Soho’s The Candy Bar have seen their doors close, leaving RVT one of the last remaining cultural hubs for the gay community. In November 2016, and despite Lambeth council granting sui generis status, the RVT was put up for sale. As of writing, this issue hasn’t been resolved – though RVT’s Future Campaign is making efforts to halt the buy-out. Nonetheless, at least for the time being, it remains and continues to be a draw for those wanting to enjoy the very best entertainment, in a building overflowing with history and significance. For all of above reasons, Royal Vauxhall Tavern was an obvious choice as Best LGBTQ+ Entertainment Venue in LUXlife’s 2018 edition of the Restaurant and Bar Awards. The award serves as testament to its importance and position as a bastion of the LGBTQ+ community, a position that we hope remains unchallenged in the years to come. Company: Royal Vauxhall Tavern Address: 372 Kennington Lane, Lamberth, London, SE11 5HY, United Kingdom Website: www.vauxhalltavern.com Telephone: 0207 820 1222 A Bastion of the LGBTQ+ Community Taste