The 70s gay trend is returning, to Eagle London
Sunday Tea dances have a particularly special place in LGBT+ history. After they fell out of favour as a way for heterosexual singles to meet following the Great Depression, they were re-adopted by gay people in the USA from the late 50s onwards as a discreet, speakeasy opportunity to dance and socialise with like-minded folk at a time when it was still largely illegal to do so. Initially they were popular in well-heeled resorts such as Fire Island, but began spreading throughout cities after the Stonewall Riots in 1969, becoming the perfect post-party pick-me-up for a whole generation.
If you mention Eagle’s tea dances to gays of a certain vintage, you’ll hear nothing but wide-eyed, nostalgic musings. Back in the day, the now-notorious club night Horse Meat Disco debuted as a Sunday afternoon pursuit before it grew into its current late night incarnation. And after a considerable absence from Sabbath schedules, they’re making a welcome return at the Vauxhall bar with Teapot! They hope to recapture the relaxed, social spirit with their new series of weekly parties, so we spoke to Mark Oakley, head of Eagle London, to see why they’re bringing back this much-loved tradition!
Hey Mark, Eagle Sunday tea dances are returning! When did you first start putting them on?
Eagle London and Horse Meat Disco originally opened our doors at 1pm and stayed open till 1am every Sunday, fast becoming the weekly disco Gymkhana now in its 14th year.
Why are you bringing them back?
From listening to our customers and watching the changes happening to Vauxhall, we feel the time is right to reintroduce a Tea Dance, recharged and rebooted for the next generation to enjoy!
For those who’ve never been to one, how would you describe them?
Essentially, a laid-back Sunday afternoon with delicious bites to eat, cold brew HER Coffee, our very special Long Island Iced Teapot For Two, a full bar and garden bar all with a unique soundtrack and visuals carefully selected by Lee Benjamin, as well as the Horse Meat Disco Radio Show streamed live and some very special guests. Artists and creatives can exhibit and everyone can visit for free and stay on for our Legendary Horse Meat Disco From 8pm.
Is this going to be a regular thing now?
Yes, we will be opening every Sunday from June 3rd from 1pm.
What do you normally spend your Sundays doing?
I’ve had the pleasure in hosting Horse Meat Disco every Sunday for over 14 years and still get excited every time our residents Jim, James, Luke and Severino or a special guest turn on that first track.
Teapot will be every Sunday starting 1pm June 3rd, at Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5QY
