The more I visit pubs across the UK for our Hairy Traveller YouTube channel, the more I realise the importance pubs play in the local community. The Angel of Bow on a Saturday afternoon is just such one of these occasions.
More Drag than a Drag
To be honest I had suffered enough of drag shows during my time in Southeast Asia. There is just so much lip-synching Lady Gaga while massively over-coiffured a lifestyle editor can take. But the bottomless drag branch at the Angel of Bow was a totally different – and rather uplifting experience. And that was even before I drank my second pint.
Drag has a long tradition in the UK. In Shakespearean times all roles were played by male actors. It is believed the term ‘drag’ refers to the way the often young actors used to drag their costumes across the stage. Drag also plays a strong role in the traditional British pantomime with dames entertaining children for generations.
There is nothing about the drag show at the Angel of Bow that is suitable for children.
The prosecco is limitless, or you can have up to five pints of lager – a light brunch –, and the entertainment is adult. I find myself laughing out loud at several of Topsie Redfern’s jokes. And there was no lip-synch in site.
However, the main appeal of the performance is how Topsie incorporates the audience into her act. At one stage one of us joins her on the stage to sing a duet. It is incredibly poignant, reinforcing my view that the pub is at the heart of the community.
The Angel of Bow also has Wednesday open mic nights, quizzes and even a Thursday backgammon night, however I feel the drag brunch is the highlight.
Eating at the Angel of Bow
The previous day we checked in at noon before trying some of the other pubs in Bow, London for our Hairy Traveller YouTube channel.
We return in the evening for dinner. The Angel is a family-run guest house which sources all its ingredients locally wherever possible. Some 98% of the food is made from scratch in the kitchen. Even its house lager is brewed just down the road in Walthamstow.
I often find fish and chips to be underwhelming, but the offering at the Angel of Bow is served in a crisp batter and the fish is fresh. It provided me with much-needed nourishment after our Eastend pub crawl.
Staying at the Angel of Bow
We had booked in for the night. The rooms are full of character, with the feel of a local B&B. At first, I was a bit concerned as we had shared bathrooms on the corridor, but in truth it mattered little. And at least you don’t have the annoying sound of the extractor fan to keep you awake.
I slept early and soundly and awoke to discover the room had an excellent coffee machine.
The only slight snag was there is no second B to our B&B. The pub didn’t open until noon, and needing some nourishment we decided to go the cafe just along the road where I had poached eggs and bubble and squeak which were nourishing, as well as a coffee that did not compare with the one in my room.
Eastend Excursions form the Angel of Bow
If you wish you can make the Angel of Bow your base for further exploration of the Eastend of London. The pub offers a seven-night package that includes a Jack the Ripper tour as well as a visit to old gangsters’ haunts, or for the less blood thirsty a trip to Colombia Road Flower Market.
We contented ourselves with sharing a plate of the mezze while listening to Topsie singing and entertaining locals and tourists alike. It was a thoroughly great time, and a real tonic – sadly sans-gin – after what has been a sad period for me recently.
Angel of Bow
For more details, or to book a room at the Angel of Bow, click here.
To book the Bottomless Drag Brunch (£39.95 for two hours entertainment, brunch and unlimited prosecco), click here.
