The George and Dragon cabaret pub and community-favoured drinking hole is nestled near historic Greenwich. Perfect for a post-work work pint or a messy drag-fueled Saturday night. If you want your drag live, filthy, and with a cocktail umbrella, then look no further than The George and Dragon. Do you have a hangover thundering in your stomach and your brain trying to escape through our ears on a Sunday? Then jump on a bus to Greenwich. One of their fine roost of queens includes the Duchess, who not only hosts at the George and Dragon but also owns the gaff. This is a quaint traditional British pub, and during the week, they’re open for a late-night tipple and a game of pool. You are sure to find a warm welcome here. London needs venues like the George and Dragon. In a rapidly changing city of Veggie Prets, cocktails served in dry ice dispensers, and skyscrapers springing up that look like spaceships, sometimes what we need most is just a good old pint and a good old dance to Cher. And that’s what you can do at the George & Dragon! It’s by turns welcoming and debauched, glam and mad, camp and courageous! The George and Dragon the added appeal of being located in Greenwich, and provides a much-needed haven for local members of the LBGT community.

Venue Opening Times: Thu 6pm – 2am, Fri 6pm – 3am, Sat 6pm – 3am, Sun 5pm – 2am. Nearest Tube: Elverson Road.

We popped down to The George and Dragon and met the team, and got loving owner Paul Glenwright (aka The Duchess. See picture) to tell us all about one of the undisputed stalwarts of the London gay scene. 

Hey Paul! Describe the George & Dragon in one camp sentence.

The G&D is a gay bar that gay people can be proud of! A gay Mecca, solid and stable like the Rock of Gibraltar, catering for all.

The George and Dragon is a real institution…how have you seen the gay scene change over the years?

The scene has changed so much of the last nineteen years. It’s almost unrecognizable. The G&D has had to transform and develop on its journey, keeping up with the ever-increasing demands and expectations from customers, whilst balancing traditional values and heritage. It’s a travesty to see so many great venues disappear for residential properties, whilst The G&D is living proof that a great venue can work in harmony as both.

What’s it like running a gay pub in London?

Running a gay pub is not an easy option, especially for an independent venue. It’s not forty hours a week here, more like ninety! As South East London has become more gentrified, the clientele has been constantly changing and expectations with them. It’s hard to keep up, and is partly why the refurbishment we are completing has been in the works for three years.

Tell us a bit about the crowd, and the general vibe of the place.

We cater for all here at the G&D, from eighteen to death, offering DJs and cabaret to keep a balance. It’s also a great place to come from 4pm for an after work unwind and take full advantage of our Happy Hour!

What’s the best night you can remember having at the G&D? 

It’s very difficult to pick a BEST night over the years. There have been so many. As a very old drag queen told me when I was knee high “if you can remember a great night, you can’t have been there”!

Have any famous faces turned up?

We’ve had several “famous” people through the doors over the years, but it would be unprofessional for me to name them. They’ve always thanked me on leaving for my discretion and looking after them beautifully. After all, we are renowned for our excellent customer service.

What do you like best about your job?

I think it’s one of the nicest parts of my job when a customer thanks me for a great night. It really is good to be appreciated for working hard to ensure everyone has a good time.