We live in a time of drag! Drag cabaret, drag karaoke, drag pole dancing, even drag aerobics classes, are popping up across London. However, nothing can compete with classic drag brunches.
With the timeless format of bottomless drinks, endless pastries, sizzling bacon, and the hottest drag superstars in the city, London’s drag brunches have been thriving, with new shows and venues being launched every month! Entertainment enthusiast Mark T Cox shares his pick of some of the best drag brunches in town.
Strictly Come Drag Queen
When & where: Every Saturday, The Breakfast Club, Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf, a thriving center for business, commerce, and wealth, is also home to one of London’s best-loved drag brunches; truly, opulence in all its glory. Every Saturday at The Breakfast Club, indulge in two hours of unlimited prosecco, bucks fizz, and draft beer (and food, of course) while professional queens deliver stunning performances, lip-syncs, and extravagant routines, hosted by the beloved queen ‘That’s Drag’. Moreover, participate in Strictly Come Drag Queen’s spin-off game show where you can live out your drag fantasy on stage. Sounds intimidating? It’s the weekend; who cares? And the bubbles will help!
Drag Brunch
When & where: Every Saturday & Sunday, Dalston Superstore, Dalston
Hop on the Overground (the ginger line) to the East London neighborhood of Dalston to see how the trendiest Londoners live. Packed with vintage shops, trendy cafes, markets, and a major center for LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events, Dalston Superstore sits right in the heart of this lively district. For a decade, this venue has hosted alternative club nights, live performances, art exhibitions, and even second-hand drag costume sales. Every Saturday & Sunday, pop in for the famous drag brunch. This super fun, relaxed, and welcoming brunch has a local, warm feel. With alternating hosts and themes each week, you can expect quality food and coffee, served alongside lip-syncs, arts and crafts, live music, and perhaps even an impromptu conga line.
Drag Brunches with Dolly Trolley
When & where: Third Saturday of each month, The Fence, Farringdon
What could possibly be more fun than a drag brunch? How about a drag AND burlesque brunch? Dolly Trolley is an international cabaret sensation blending drag and burlesque. While you enjoy delicious food and sip your bottomless drinks (prosecco or Aperol Spritz), Dolly and her guest stars deliver high-energy, lively performances. If the weather is nice, they might even perform the show outside in the garden, allowing you to soak up the sun. This fun, silly, feel-good event features cowboy hats, plenty of sequins, countless costume changes, and occasional bum tassels—not nipple tassels, but bum tassels.
Drag Royalty Brunch
When & where: Monthly, various venues across London
We’ve all seen our share of drag queens, but what about the rest of the royal family? The Drag Royalty Brunch brings an exclusive, fabulous, fun bottomless brunch for fans of drag kings, hyper queens, and other under-represented drag acts. The art of drag is wider and more diverse than you might think. Leave everything you think you know about drag at the door and step into the vibrant world of drag royalty. Before the show, get glittered up at the complimentary biodegradable glitter station, with all donations benefiting the LGBTQI+ homeless charity The Outside Project, which helps vulnerable people from the community find safe housing.
Vinegar’s Filthy Brunch
When & where: Monthly, The Prince of Wales, Brixton
Head down south to Brixton, where Vinegar Strokes, the star of the West End hit musical ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, hosts a unique brunch featuring fabulous food, delightful cocktails on arrival, world-class cabaret entertainment, audience games, guest performers, and live music. Indeed, a treat for your ears, eyes, and taste buds—let the glamorous Vinegar serenade you with a ballad while you savor your avocado toast.
Comedy Drag Bottomless Brunch Gameshow
When & where: Every Saturday, Beach Blanket Babylon, Shoreditch
Renowned Ginger Phlappage brings a reimagined comedy drag brunch to the heart of trendy Shoreditch. With a massive cast of drag stars from across London, this brunch is ideal for any festive occasion—be it a birthday, hen party, retirement celebration, or even a funeral party! Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon filled with games like ‘Wheel of Certain Misfortune’, lively performances, and two hours of bottomless prosecco and espresso martinis.
