Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has been instructed to secure a new tenant for London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ cabaret and nightclub venues, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT).

Built in the 1960’s, this much-loved Grade II listed public house in Vauxhall has long served as a vital part of the London LGBTQ+ scene. Over the years, the culturally and historically significant venue has established a reputation as a vibrant and diverse entertainment venue, playing host to an impressive number of resident drag and cabaret performers, including Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage, Jonathan Hellyer as The Dame Edna Experience, Hinge & Brackett, Diana Dors, Regina Fong, Adrella, The Trollettes, Lola Lasagne and Myra DuBois.

Since 2014, the legendary venue has been solely operated by James Lindsay and has now come to market on a leasehold basis as James is looking to retire. This presents an exciting opportunity for new owners to inherit a highly profitable business, with a turnover of circa £1.7m and 30+% EBITDA.

James comments, “The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has an incredible history and offers a diverse cultural calendar of events, with a healthy twelve-month line-up of confirmed cabaret, performance and club nights. Whilst I’ve loved every minute of operating RVT, the time has come to retire so I have engaged Christie & Co to help us find a new custodian for the business. Christie & Co has existing knowledge of the building and a history with the venue, having advised the landlord on the freehold advice, so it seems appropriate to retain that knowledge on advising on the leasehold interest and we look forward to finding a new operator to take over the venue with their assistance.”

David Wilson, Associate Director – London Pubs & Restaurants at Christie & Co is managing the sales process. He comments, “Christie and Co is absolutely delighted to bring to market this unique leasehold opportunity at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern, which is only available due to James’ planned retirement. With an annual turnover in the region of £1.7m, this highly profitable venue is sure to attract interest from a variety of operators looking to add a famous London pub business to their portfolio.”