Are egg benedict and bottomless mimosas too dull for you? Well, I’ve got the solution for you. Add some outlandish wigs, thick makeup and questionable dance moves, and you’ve got a drag show.
Drag brunches are becoming increasingly popular – which is excellent news for the weekend warriors looking for brunch with a lot of laughter.
But with so many pancake stacks and lip sync battles to choose from, it can be challenging to pick which one.
I’ve done the leg work and found the hottest brunch spot locations in London that will fill your belly with good grub and chortles.
The Best Drag Brunch in London Near You: Map
1. Blame Gloria’s Bottomless Disco Brunch: Best All-Round Drag Brunch
The term ‘brunch’ is getting stretched here because Blame Gloria hosts their showdown at 3:30 pm. Regardless, Blame Gloria serves up the classics in more than one sense of the word.
Eggs and cocktails are delivered whilst the queens bring stars such as Michael Jackson, Cher and Freddie Mercury to life. The legend says that Gloria taught David Bowie how to do his make-up, with some rumours that she even dated Jimi Hendrix. Gloria’s name was well known in the party scene, so it makes sense that she hosts one of London’s wilder drag brunch events.
It’s not a cheap experience, at £55 per person. But the price includes the show, food and bottomless booze. So you don’t need to worry about who’s getting the next round of drinks.
Hosted every other Saturday, the disco brunch is an unforgettable riot of booze, dancing and debauchery. You can book tickets online. If you can, arrange a table with a good view of the stage. The way the seats are arranged means that some of the audience don’t get a great view of the performers, which can get quite annoying.
There are two locations in London, one near Covent Garden and the other near Clapham Junction. Both host brunch on Saturdays, with the same priced tickets.
Address (Covent Garden): 20 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HP, United Kingdom
Or near Clapham Junction: 89-91 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HW, United Kingdom
Phone Number: +442081917665
2. Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch at Salsa Temple: Party Brunch
Although less famous for its brunch and drag, the Salsa Temple puts on a show. Their brunch menu is essentially a lunch menu – no eggs or pancakes here. But they serve some burgers (gluten-free options are available upon request).
However, the ticket includes a jug of their Havana rum punch and bottomless prosecco for the 90 minutes, plus four hours of entertainment. Ooft.
The Salsa Temple brings club, and party vibes, with mood lighting and minimal natural light. You can certainly lose track of time and seamlessly slip from brunch to party mode. If you care less about food and more about partying, you can opt for a brunch-less ticket and just enjoy the show. The queens entertain with the classic lip sync and dance-off, but also include some games and competitions to get everyone off their seats and in boogie mode.
Ticket prices range between £18 and £50, depending on whether you opt for food and bottomless drinks.
Address: Victoria Embankment, Temple, London WC2R 2PH, United Kingdom
Phone Number: +442073953690
Email: [email protected]
3. Mrs Riot Bottomless Drag Brunch
If you’re tired of mimosas, Mrs. Riot serves some fancy unlimited cocktails, like the Pink Bellini – yum! The tickets cost approximately £50 and include drinks, cupcakes, and entertainment.
While the cupcakes are unlimited, I would have preferred a full meal instead. The venue also offers proper meals, but these must be ordered in addition to the drag brunch ticket. Despite the limited food options, the atmosphere and service at the event are impeccable.
Their drag stars include ITV hit Margo Marshall (I’m sure some drag enthusiasts will recognize the name). The entertainment is pretty wild and even includes fire breathing. Not that the queens need to worry about burning their eyebrows off!
If you don’t mind a boozy brunch that is light on the ‘brunch’ and heavy on the ‘booze’, Mrs Riot’s might be the place for you.
Address: 10 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS, United Kingdom
Phone Number: +442030044139
4. 80’s Bottomless Brunch at Nikki’s Bar
One of the longstanding watering holes in London, Nikki has been serving up looks and burgers for over ten years.
Nikki’s has a few brunch options: the 2000s, the 90s or 80’s shows. But the 80’s one just takes the cake for me. The ’80s was known as the decade of drag; as such, it’s the ideal way to dive deep into the queendom and enjoy some rowdiness.
The food at this drag bar is not particularly noteworthy. There are only a few burger options available. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure they have what you need. The menu is budget-friendly, but mostly consists of bread-based items. If you need gluten-free options, it’s a good idea to check with them to see if they have any available.
Their lounging double bed with neon ceilings looks seedy, but is actually just a fun place for photos and hanging out.
Tickets will cost between £30 and £50 for the 2 hours show.
Address: 39 Hoxton Square, Hackney, London EC1V 9LE, United Kingdom
Email: [email protected] (for dietary requests)
Phone: +442081918835
5. Ginger’s Big Drag Bottomless Brunch at Balls Brothers Austin Friars: Best Food
If the establishment’s name doesn’t get you excited for some laughs, I don’t know what will.
A classier establishment, you can feel a little more highbrow as you enjoy some smashed avocado on toast, in a nicely decorated building, with a half-naked queen gyrating to some classic pop anthems.
My favourite thing about Ginger’s Big Drag Brunch is the food. Although drinking is crucial to a bottomless brunch, I also want a proper meal with my debauchery. Ginger’s Bottomless Brunch serves up a two-course brunch and unlimited prosecco. Who doesn’t love a bit of dessert with their brunch?
The drag performances are perhaps a little tamer than other establishments, but you’re still in for a decent show. Plus, they include some games, quizzes and a decent dose of audience participation, whether you like it or not.
Situated in Shoreditch, its location is ideal for continuing a pub crawl after a heaty and hilarious brunch.
Tickets cost between £45 and £49 for the event plus food.
Address: Balls Brothers – Austin Friars, 10-11, Austin Friars, London, EC2N 2HGN
Phone: +447897942161
Email: [email protected]
Tips for an Awesome Boozy Drag Brunch in London
- Make a reservation. Drag brunch events in London can be quite popular, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance to ensure you have a spot.
- Check the dress code. Many drag brunch events have a dress code, so it’s a good idea to check in advance and make sure you’re dressed appropriately.
- Consider the timing. Drag brunches often start early, so it’s a good idea to set your alarm and make sure you’re there on time.
- Bring cash. Many drag brunch events are cash only, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you to pay for your meal and drinks.
- Have an open mind. Drag can get pretty crazy, and nothing is off-limits. So, if you are easily offended or don’t like rude behaviour, consider booking an ordinary brunch instead.
Drag brunches vary significantly, from a relaxed dining experience with a show to all-out drunken madness. So, to avoid disappointment, try to understand what sort of experience you’re looking for and book accordingly.