whereis.gaywhereis.gay
The Black Cap
BarsAccommodation

The Black Cap

Camden’s legendary LGBTQ+ pub and drag institution, reborn for a new generation

London, UK
Visit websiteDirections

Neighbourhood

London

Category

Bars

Vibe

bar, drag +7

Official website

blackcapcamden.co.uk

About The Black Cap

The Black Cap is one of London’s most important historic LGBTQ+ venues. Located on Camden High Street, the pub became a recognised gay meeting place in the 1960s and later earned the nickname the “Palladium of Drag” for its central role in British drag and cabaret. For decades, performers including Mrs Shufflewick, Regina Fong and many later generations of drag artists appeared here, while the venue also provided space for LGBTQ+ community groups and social gatherings. The Black Cap closed in 2015, prompting a long campaign to protect and reopen the venue. After more than a decade away, it finally returned in 2026, restoring a permanent LGBTQ+ pub and performance space to Camden. The current programme includes regular drag, cabaret, karaoke, open mic nights and other live performances. The building also includes guest accommodation, making it both a nightlife destination and a place to stay in north London.

What to expect

A historic LGBTQ+ pub combining a traditional Camden drinking spot with a strong drag and cabaret programme. Some evenings are relaxed and social, while scheduled performances and weekend nights can be much busier.

Vibes

bardragcabaretlive entertainmentkaraokeopen michistoric venueCamdenNorth London

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

The Black Cap reopened in 2026
The venue has been associated with London’s LGBTQ+ community since the 1960s.
Regular weekly events include Drag Bingo on Mondays, Open Mic on Tuesdays, Karaoke on Wednesdays and Cabaret on Thursdays
Guest bedrooms are available upstairs

Gallery

Location

The Black Cap

171 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JY, United Kingdom

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.6

77 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    5.0
  • Google Maps
    4.6

Been here? Rate The Black Cap

One tap to help others choose.

Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Skoods R
Skoods R

a month ago

Stayed here for one night. Fabulous room. Spotless clean and comfortable ~ full of quirky old items, giving real character but with all modern facilities. Thought it would be noisy on main high street but wasn’t disturbed at all. Highly recommend

Review from Google Maps

Andy “Warhol’s Favorite” Wig
Andy “Warhol’s Favorite” Wig

4 months ago

Lovely to have this DRAG institution back and on it’’s feet. One of the most beautiful ‘LGBTQA+’ bars in London now. Lovely decor upstairs and down. Nice nods to it’s past everywhere including The Shufflewick Bar’ upstairs. There’s a roof terrace opening soon. Nice toilets. Nice staff. Area around is a bit iffy so be careful with your personal items when coming or going, but inside it feels very safe and welcoming. Security at door.

Review from Google Maps

Daniel D. Reimer
Daniel D. Reimer

5 months ago

The legendary return of the Black Cap! It's been worth the wait. Amazing new stylish and cosy interior. Friendly staff and pleasantly mixed crowd. Sadly when we went the drag performer only did lip snyc rather than singing live for which it wouldn't be really worth moving out of Soho. And no urinals, so long toilet queues. Other than that very fun vibes and atmosphere.

Review from Google Maps

Michael Wing
Michael Wing

3 months ago

We stayed for two nights at the Black Cap. Room's are fabulously themed and decorated. We stayed in two different rooms, both were fantastic. Only been open for guests last six weeks. Everything within the rooms is new. Kettle, Hairdryer and large TV within, guests have access to free Wi-Fi. Mattresses are firm with a soft mattress topper. Four very soft pillows placed on the beds. Beautiful spacious monsoon showers, comfortably fitting two. Black Cap is located on a busy street. Accommodation is above the bar. From the rooms we stayed in, we heard very little. 100% recommend a stay.

Review from Google Maps

Tobias Hill
Tobias Hill

5 months ago

Saturday (28 March) was a glitter‑drenched milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, and a joy to be among those revelling in the camp splendour of The Black Cap as it welcomed the public for the first full weekend in nearly eleven years. It’s wonderful to see this iconic venue spring back to life—warm team, sharp management, and all its old magic polished to perfection. The Cap is clearly back, and in fabulous hands. There’s no place like home! 🎉💕🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🧙🏻‍♀️🕺💃🏼🪩🎶🙌🏻✨

Review from Google Maps

Read more on Google Maps

Be the first to review The Black Cap

Share your experience to help the LGBTQ+ community find great places.

Claim this listing

Own or manage this venue? Claim this listing to update details, photos, opening hours and contact information.

Help keep this listing accurate

Seen something wrong? Tell us if this venue has moved, closed, changed opening hours or needs an update.

Listing details

Last updated
7 August 2026
Listed in
London › United Kingdom
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google

More venues in London

Similar venues nearby, same category first.

View all
Arch Clapham — Bars in London

Arch Clapham

Bars · London

4.7
Zodiac — Bars in London

Zodiac

Bars · London

4.7
She Soho — Bars in London

She Soho

Bars · London

4.5
Little Ku — Bars in London

Little Ku

Bars · London

4.4(1)
All venues in LondonBrowse all Bars