Clapham gay pub in running for national award after online lockdown parties are watched by around 30,000

A landmark gay pub has been shortlisted for a national award after keeping its customers entertained during lockdown with online parties and drag contests watched by up to 30,000 people.

The Two Brewers in Clapham High Street, pictured above, is a finalist in the Keeping the Community Entertained category of The Great British Pub Awards – Pub Heroes.

During lockdown, the Two Brewers took its entertainment schedule online, with the use of Facebook Live.

Events included the Power of Four, the weekly Sunday night drag show, which ran for the whole of lockdown.

The team staged  Eurovision: Drag Contest, hosted by the Vixens and with UK Eurovision entrant and star of the West End, Lucie Jones, as special guest.

The team also created Clapham House Party online, the alternative to the legendary Two Brewers’ Annual Street Party, and Lockdown Legends, which took place instead of the annual Drag Idol competition, giving performance opportunities to new and upcoming drag performers from the safety of their own homes. In total, these events reaped online viewing figures of over 30,000 people.

Jimmy Smith, general manager of the Two Brewers, said: “This is brilliant news.

“It is great to be recognised in this way. I always say that the show must go on and I am thrilled that were able to live up to this mantra during lockdown.

“Our live performances at the Two Brewers are legendary and we were not going to let a pandemic stop us. We are the best LGBTQ+ pub in the country and we have high standards to live up to.

“I would like to thank my team and all our performers for their hard work and commitment. It definitely would not have been possible without them.

“We are now at the mercy of our fans to vote for us. Please get online, follow the link below, and vote for the Two Brewers!”

The Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes recognise and reward the incredible efforts by pubs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In spite of the lockdown and being forced to close their doors, many pubs remained at the heart of their communities, providing help and support in many different ways.

With more than 600 entries across 15 categories, the shortlisted pubs will now face a public vote to be crowned overall winner.

Each winner will be offered the opportunity to submit an application for up to £10,000 each to fund a business improvement or upgrade or to put towards a community project.

Coca-Cola will fund a further £1,000 donation to a local charity or good cause supported by each of the winning pubs.

To vote click here.