The Black Cap

Drag bar · London Camden

Historic drag stage on Camden High Street, reopened on 21 March 2026 after eleven years of closure. Known as the Palladium of Drag.

• Reopened 2026
• Drag shows

Address

171 Camden High Street
NW1 7JY London

Opening hours

According to Travel Gay Mon–Thu noon–midnight
Fri and Sat noon–2 am
Sun noon–11 pm

Shows

Drag at the weekend, Queer Quiz on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, Sunday show

Crowd

Mixed LGBTQ+

Location

Camden High Street, near Camden Town

What makes The Black Cap special

After a years-long community campaign and a refurbishment costing around £2 million, The Black Cap is back. On the ground floor is Lily’s Bar with stage and dance floor, named after Lily Savage; there is also the smaller Shufflewick Bar. On display are the original sign and items on loan from the career of Paul O’Grady. The line-up features well-known drag names such as Victoria Scone.

Shows

In October 2026 the programme includes a Queer Quiz on Tuesdays, karaoke with Polly Glamorous on Wednesdays and drag shows from 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The calendar is on the website.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: official website (programme Oct–Nov 2026), Scene Magazine (11 Mar 2026), Lou Reviews (8 Apr 2026), Travel Gay (updated Apr 2026). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before you go.