Bars & Pubs

The grand dame of this so-called 'gay village', the RVT is a true icon. Gloriously faded, a bit louche and with a colourful past (the gay Kray used to drink here, and Lily Savage got her start behind the bar), it just keeps surviving. Built in 1863, and serving confirmed bachelors since long before Kylie was born, it has withstood wrecking balls and outlasted many a trendier bar. The main attraction is Duckie, the eccentric Saturday club night, hosted by New Jersey's most famous lesbian expat, Amy Lamé. There, DJs the London Readers Wifes (sic) keep the sweaty, studenty crowd entertained with an irreverent mix of trash, thrash, punk and pop - expect to hear the Smiths, Human League, Bowie and Bolan as you fight your way to bathroom and bar. At midnight, there is postmodern cabaret (edgy performance art, yes; lip-synching Chers, no). The RVT also hosts a hodgepodge of cultural happenings during the week: drag queen bingo nights (Monday), comedy (Wednesdays), cabaret (Thursdays). The biggest laughs come on Sunday afternoon at SLAGS Chill-Out, with the Dame Edna Experience being rude and singing like Karen Carpenter from 5pm. In the evening, Muscle Marys whip off their tops and gear up for an evening of debauchery at the nearby clubs.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9