There was pride, emotion and much excitement as The Black Cap was reborn in Camden High Street last Saturday (March 21).
The Victorian pub was a famous LGBT and drag venue from the 60s onwards but had fallen on hard times in recent years with squatters, weather damage and several bids to turn it into flats.
But following a 10-year campaign to bring the derelict pub back to life it’s now been lavishly restored as a cabaret venue and LGBT bar by new owners LT Management.
The all-ticket launch night saw more than 220 people celebrate the historic return to a space that campaigners had fought hard to protect – holding a weekly vigil outside.
There was a cabaret with top drag performers, but many shared the pub’s emotional significance on The Black Cap’s Facebook page with one posting: “She’s more than just a venue for so many of us… thank you does not express how grateful I am to the amazing people who stood firm over her dark years and the new team taking her forward to create a future for those who follow on from us older gals lol xx. Love ya all always ❤️ 😘 💛”
Others were wowed by the transformation inside with one writing: “Just been for a few drinks. The inside is gorgeous, and the disco loo is superb 🤣”
While one visitor from Argentina posted on Instagram: “I was there yesterday and it’s an AMAZING place!! Congrats!! I’m from Argentina, and the cider was a 10!”
With another praising the opening night energy: “You’ve done an amazing job with the venue! 👌🤩 And what a fab opening night, thank you! 🍾🥂🙌💖”
The Black Cap itself dates back more than 250 years and became known as ‘the Palladium of Drag’ for performances by stars such as Paul O’Grady – aka Lily Savage.
Artefacts connected to the late star are now on display in the pub – as is the original Black Cap sign.
Along with state-of-the-art lighting and sound inspired by Ibiza’s leading stages there’s now a garden roof terrace and upstairs hotel rooms decorated to honour the performers who have played the venue over the years.
Jean Charles Sibille, of LT Management, said: “We are absolutely delighted with how the reopening has gone so far, and it has been wonderful to see such a warm response from the community and our visitors.
“The Black Cap is a venue with a special place in London’s cultural life, and we are very proud to welcome people back through its doors. We also have six beautifully designed hotel bedrooms, which we expect to be in great demand, especially as more people travel to Camden to experience the new era of the Cap.”
The Black Cap is now open from 12pm daily on Camden High Street.
