Drag culture continues to thrive across London, with an ever-growing community of fans and performers lighting up the city’s nightlife. From the buzzing heart of Soho to the edgy streets of Dalston, drag venues are attracting more and more visitors, offering everything from fierce performances to unforgettable party vibes.
Whether you’re a seasoned drag enthusiast or just curious to experience the magic, London’s drag scene has something for everyone. Here are three of the hottest venues to catch incredible shows and dazzling queens – so dive in and discover where the city’s most unforgettable performances come to life.
Admiral Duncan
The Admiral Duncan is a stalwart of London’s gay scene; it’s a proper pub slap bang in the centre of Soho, but there’s always a little drag on behind its blue façade. Most nights offer something, from cabaret to karaoke. They do a very decent pint, too.
54 Old Compton Street, W1, admiral-duncan.co.uk
The Divine
How aptly named the Divine is. This inclusive, LGBTQIA+ bar, club and performance mecca in Dalston offers fun every night of the week. Look for the return of Lipstick 1000 — not incorrectly billed as “London’s fiercest drag battle” — as well as cheekily named parties (sample: Douche Station, Hot Tramp, Pop Load), each dedicated to nothing but bangers.
33-35 Stoke Newington Road, N16, thedivine.co.uk
The Karaoke Hole
Billed as the “bratty little sister of Dalston Superstore” (also very much worth a visit), the Karaoke Hole sits beneath Voodoo Ray’s offering, well, karaoke. Plus drag. It only runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 7pm, but is worth clearing the diary for: the idea is fun with the kitsch dialled up as high as it’ll go, and cocktails galore. Prepare to drink, sing and wake with a cheerfully foggy head. dalstonsuperstore.com
95 Kingsland High Street, E8, thekaraokehole.com
Clapham Grand
One of London's most famous venues, this spot blends history with cutting-edge drag performances. Whether the venue is hosting a packed club night or a dazzling drag show, the energy is guaranteed to be electric. Expect big, theatrical productions; lively crowds; and a night you won't forget.
21-25, St John's Hill, SW11 1TT, claphamgrand.com
VFD
No, this isn't a tribute to the ominous acronym from A Series of Unfortunate Events – it stands for Vogue Fabrics Dalston (phew). This is where east London's queer crowd comes to let loose, with the Dalston bar being all about wild drag shows, fierce DJs and a night full of fun. It's a small venue but the intimate space just means you're never far away from the action – and the cocktails are as bold as the performances.
66 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB, vfdalston.com
Two Brewers
It’s nigh on impossible to list London's best drag spots without including Two Brewers. Another Clapham venue, this pub has fast become a hotspot for a more relaxed drag night. While the performances, when on, go all out, it's also a chilled place to enjoy a pint – making it a great option to ease someone into the gorgeous glamour of a good ol' drag bar.
114 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UJ, the2brewers.com
