Minister for Heritage, Tracey Crouch, has listed the Royal Vauxhall Tavern at Grade II on the advice of Historic England. The Tavern was sold last year to a developer, raising fears about its future.
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) is one of the most historically significant LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) venues in London, possibly in England. It has an international reputation and is built on a long tradition of hosting ground-breaking alternative cabaret performances from the early twentieth century onwards.
It was a place of safety for many in the LGBTQ community and a beacon of acceptance in less tolerant times. It carries on that role today as a site for campaigning and activism.
Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England, said: “The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is an enduring and important venue for the LGBTQ community. Built on the site of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, it carries on the tradition of alternative and bohemian entertainment which is bound up in this part of London’s history and identity.”
The building also has architectural interest. It is a handsome mid Victorian public house, with an impressive curved façade and strong architectural presence despite alterations at ground floor level. This building meets the test for listing for its combined special architectural and historic interest in a national context.