London Cabaret

London Cabaret

17 August, 2009
by: Gemma Bergomi

Cabaret was once considered an illicit, seedy pastime, enjoyed by balding, obese men who wandered alone into the red light district looking for cheap thrills. However, that's all in the past! Cabaret now involves a good knees-up, not apart, at any number of cosmopolitan venues around town. Whilst not quite as cultural as your traditional visit to the theatre, the booming interest in cabaret has left many a burlesque-virgin wondering 'where's the best place to go for Cabaret in London?'

Apothecary Bar

Tucked away in Camden, the Apothecary Bar maintains the interior of the Victorian Apothecary shop that it once was. Rich surroundings provide a classic feel lacking in other venues, and with the outdoor garden bar it's one of the few venues with outdoor cabaret events.

Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

Spurning the fanciful interiors of other venues, this club gets straight down to business with 70s furniture, and a local pub ambience. Shamelessly flaunting an unpredictable collection of acts,including a weekly dosage of bingo, the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club delights with some of the best party nights around.

Bistrotheque

With a selection of four rooms (Cabaret, Main Dining Room, Napoleon, and Oak) and a menu offering the best of British and French food you are spoilt for choice with Bistrotheque! It is a grand setting for some of the best regular and one-off shows around.

CellarDoor

Considered the most beautiful phrase in the English language, CellarDoor is now also one of London's more alluring venues, offering something different every night. With free nights such as Trash Tuesday and regular drink promotions if you get there early (hurrah!) it can be an affordable cabaret experience. They also run bigger-budget affairs such as High Tease.

Read Sandra's review of CellarDoor

Last Days of Decadence

Whilst stained glass windows are part of the decor, that's about the only thing this place has in common with a church. Anything but holy, Last Days of Decadence mixes regular burlesque and debauchery with a range of club, cabaret and live music nights. And if you are having a bad day LDOD are here to help with the ultimate British pick-me-up: a 'cocktea'!

Read Gemma's review of The Last Days of Decadence

Madame Jojo's

Located in Soho, right at the heart of London's cabaret scene, Madame Jojo's is a well established nightclub dating back to the 1940s. Regular shows include Kitsch Cabaret, London Burlesque Social Club, and A Night of Lamour, wild shows which leave little to the imagination.

Read Gemma's Review of Madame Jojos

The Peacock Bar

Indulgence is at the heart of The Peacock bar, where the day begins with homemade cakes and tarts, and ends as a glamorous cocktail party. Unveiling upcoming performers, regular nights Oh What A Wonderful Recession and A Night At The Sands Casino are a perfect match for the variously themed rooms.

Pigalle Club

Named after the infamous Pigalle district in Paris, this club is a regular haven for famous cabaret and chart-topping musical acts. Tassel Club and Afternoon Tease are the typical burlesque nights held at the Pigalle club, and with staff dressed in 1940s style outfits, you can't help but be caught up in the retro atmosphere.

Royal Vauxhall Tavern

With the prevailing cabaret night at the Royal Vauxhall tavern being Chill-Out/ S.L.A.G.S, it's pretty obvious this is a strictly alternative venue. A central part of the South London gay scene, it hosts a range of comedy, bingo and cabaret nights, often with a dash of drag to liven things up.

Volupte

Describing itself as 'the most decadent little supper club in town', this two-floored bar/restaurant is anything but little, boasting an amazing range of cocktails and food, and frequented by the biggest burlesque names in town such as Miss Polly Rae of the Hurly Burly Girls and Ivy Paige. Whether you are looking for a late night show or a sip of afternoon tea(se), Volupte has plenty to offer.


Check out Cabaret in London

Check out Theatre in London

Check out Things To Do in London

Gemma Bergomi