Molly Moggs (Closed Permanently)

A tiny, traditional-style corner pub at the entrance to (or exit from) Soho, Molly Moggs went all gay and dressed up in 2001 following centuries of heterosexuality and ultimately going to seed, with regular drag performances visible and audible from outside. Dame Julie Paid served as resident artiste until late March 2017, when the pub went dormant. In early June 2017 new management invited celebrated Molly Moggs fixtures Cookie MonStar and Diamond Pearl and DJ and sound-and-lighting pro Dave Bunce, together with bar manager Grace, to breathe new life into this Soho institution. Joining the cabaret roster were Soho newcomer and burlesque specialist Misty Vine, Rose Garden and Tiffany Wells, who takes her titular inspiration from Shelley Hack's character in the 1970s TV series CHARLIE'S ANGELS. In short, this is one of Soho's gay institutions that few people talk about. It's just there doing its thing, with spirit and a bit of kick. And occasionally the odd tourist wanders in unawares. Sadly the 2017 reboot did not work out, and the bar closed its doors for good on Sunday 20 August 2017. One and a half months later, on 8 October, it officially reopened as The Compton Cross [see entry].