Iconic London LGBTQ+ venue reopens after six-figure refurbishment
Two Brewers in Clapham, London has had a refurb (Two Brewers)
Iconic Clapham LGBTQ+ venue Two Brewers has reopened its doors after a six-figure refurbishment, bringing new life to the London staple.
The bar and nightclub, which has been running since 1981, closed for part of October for a refresh both inside and out.
Patrons heading to the venue down Clapham High Street will now see a deep red exterior, instead of the previous black. There’s also rainbow lights at the entrance, making it clear Two Brewers is a safe space for London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Inside, both the main spaces have been revamped to give them distinct identities, while maintaining the bar’s beloved identity.
The front bar has been decorated with rich red and purple tones, providing a fun, vibrant atmosphere during the day and into the night.
The layout is now more open, with new seating and a rebuilt stage for the bar’s legendary cabaret schedule.
The back room has now been transformed into a dedicated club space, for those sticking around later into the evening. Most of the refurb investment there has centred on an immersive lighting experience.
‘Our aim was never to change what makes this venue so special’
Oliver Blatherwick, General Manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome guests back to the Two Brewers following this investment. Our aim was never to change what makes this venue so special, but to evolve it for the future while celebrating its incredible cabaret heritage and importance to London’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“Guests have loved the new look so far, particularly the transformed club space and lighting, and it’s been wonderful to see familiar faces returning alongside new visitors discovering us for the first time.”
As well as a refreshed interior and exterior, Two Brewers has brought in a £5 Happy Hour from Monday to Friday, between 5pm and 9pm. It is also working to continue strengthening its links with local LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups, as well as hosting its weekly quiz with London drag legend Sheila Simmonds.
Blatherwick continued: “This investment demonstrates a commitment to the future of the Two Brewers and its place at the heart of the community. We’re excited to see our performers make the most of the new stage, welcome even more guests through our doors and continue delivering the cabaret, club nights and sense of belonging that people know and love us for.”
Liam Martyn, Area Manager at Stonegate Group, which funded the investment, said: “Few venues hold the place in people’s hearts that the Two Brewers does. This investment shows a commitment to the future of the venue and its place within Clapham’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“We had a fantastic reopening week, with a particularly strong Saturday and a really positive response to the new look and feel. We wanted the refurbishment to feel like a natural evolution of the Two Brewers, and it’s been lovely to hear how well that has landed. The team and I can’t wait to see the venue continue to bring together performers, regulars, new visitors and the wider LGBTQIA+ community.”
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