Drag Race UK's very own cis-tem offender gives us her favourite LGBTQ+ nightlife spaces in East London that hosts gag-worthy drag.
LessThe Glory is an East End pub and LGBTQ+ performance venue with a basement disco at weekends and shows throughout the week. Bimini says it is where she was “first born on stage” in 2017, and is a “hub for alternative performances, styles of drag and are very welcoming of everybody and anyone”. It is owned by London drag entertainers Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, as well as Colin Rothbart.
Described as “East London’s premiere queer pleasure palace”, Dalston Superstore has hosted performances from iconic LGBTQ+ club talent such as Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna and the late Andrew Weatherall. “Dalston Superstore can go from disco to house to club, depending on the DJ and the night,” says Bimini. “Every night, there’s something different. It’s so much fun!”
“If you wanna go there for the huns, get absolutely slashed, have fun on the mic and pretend you’re Whitney Houston, this is the place to go.” Karaoke Hole, Dalston Superstore’s “cheeky little sister”, is open every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm and is hidden a few doors beneath Voodoo Ray’s. Some of East London’s finest queer talent unleash their vocals on stage as they belt iconic pop anthems and drag up your mothertucking life. Bimini tells us: "You’re gonna see all types of drag!"
Harpies takes place weekly at Metropolis. The club night follows the structure of a Las Vegas strip club, turning the venue into a party destination where guests can watch choreographed live shows, pay for private dances or enjoy London’s best DJs on the other floors. To ensure an inclusive environment, the club feature dancers of all genders and sexualities. Bimini says it boasts “trans, non-binary and all different performers and bodies that dance” and “house-y, sexy songs”.
As the winner of Sink the Pink 2019, Bimini “owes” the acclaimed club night with their phenomenal career trajectory and says they gave them “a lot of confidence and a platform to perform. Founded in 2008, Sink the Pink is the largest LGBTQ+ collective and club night in the UK, and reportedly came to fruition as a response to “too many bland and non-inclusive nights out”. It features a diverse array of LGBTQ+ entertainers with parties, performances and immersive productions.