Quick summary: The Angel of Bow pub in East London is celebrating the eighth anniversary of its extensive restoration with a diverse schedule of community events, including a solstice barbecue, drag performances, and a monthly charity auction donating 10% of its proceeds to support individuals affected by complex neurological conditions. Having successfully navigated the profound financial challenges of the pandemic by pivoting to takeaway services, the historically preserved venue has transformed from a derelict property into a fully inclusive, wheelchair accessible social asset. This milestone demonstrates how dedicated hospitality management and an overt commitment to local diversity can combat urban isolation, serving as an effective blueprint for public policy initiatives focused on strengthening community cohesion and neighborhood well-being.
A beloved East London pub is marking eight years since its renovation and reopening with a packed schedule of events that highlight its role as a vibrant community hub.
In June, The Angel of Bow celebrates the eighth anniversary of its renovation and reopening with a series of events, including a birthday party, a solstice barbecue, and a combined drag brunch and auction.
When Gibson and Dominic bought the pub, it was derelict and carried an unsavoury reputation. The journey to restore it has been a true labour of love. Built in 1938 and miraculously left standing after the extensive Blitz bombing of East London, the building retains much of its original character.
After an intensive eight months of refurbishment, Gibson and Dominic opened the doors in June 2017, having created a unique and welcoming space for people to enjoy one another’s company. It took nearly a year and a half to establish the business, and their full entertainment programme is testament to what they have built. The grand piano is also a crowd-pleaser, with locals often jumping on it, sometimes still in their work clothes, to give impromptu performances.
The Angel of Bow even survived Covid by offering takeaway beer in two-pint bottles and food, including a full Sunday roast. The pub remains a community in its own right: the team has hosted funerals for locals, celebrated new babies, and seen many regulars become friends. 1 of their 1st regulars has become such a close friend that they and the landlord and landlady have even spent Christmas together.
Birthday party
Taking place on 13th June from 1pm, the day kicks off with The Angel of Bow’s weekly bottomless drag brunch, offering two hours of unlimited prosecco and a brunch dish, alongside some of the best drag performers around. It promises scandal, outrage, and plenty of laughter.
The drag queen hosting the birthday brunch is award-winning Topsie, the alter ego of actor and singer Nathan Kiley, who played Mary Sunshine in the West End production of Chicago. Topsie will also be present throughout the day and will perform again earlier in the evening between 7pm and 9pm. Later, a well-known local DJ will play house music from 9pm until midnight. Everyone who attends will receive free birthday cake.
Solstice barbecue
The solstice barbecue on 20th June takes place from 6pm–9pm, with pub manager Albion preparing a Mediterranean and Cypriot spread. The menu includes a butterflied leg of lamb cooked on poles, marinated chicken, sheftalia, and kofta, served with flatbreads and sides including homemade taramasalata. There will also be a talk on druidism, and customers are encouraged to take part in a druid fancy dress competition, with a prize for the best costume. Dancing naked in the moonlight, however, will not be permitted.
Drag brunch and charity auction
Also starting in June, The Angel of Bow will, on the first Saturday of every month, combine two of its popular attractions: the bottomless drag brunch and a charity auction. Guests are invited to enjoy a laughter-filled brunch with limitless prosecco, hosted by Christina Draguiler, London’s sequin-soaked Queen of quizzes, camp, and chaos. At 3pm, they can then bid on an eclectic mix of hand-picked and lovingly restored furnishings and one-off pieces, including Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian items as well as contemporary artwork, furniture, mirrors and objects of art. 10% of each sale will go to Shine, the UK’s leading charity supporting people affected by spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and related complex conditions.
Open to all
Landlady Odette Gibson said: “This is not one of those pubs that gets cliquey. We are open to all and fully inclusive. We welcome everyone, regardless of race, creed or colour, sexuality, or gender identity. (We even welcome druids now!) This creates a really great mix of people, which is always fun, and everyone gets along, which is wonderful. I’m sure this strengthens our community and has been a big part of our success so far. I can’t wait to see our customers, new and old, at the June events.”
The Angel of Bow is a five-minute walk from Devon’s Road DLR and is wheelchair accessible. More information is available on the pub’s website.