Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club has been a landmark of the Bethnal Green neighbourhood since the 1950s. It was a place for the working class men in the area to gather for a drink and some conversation.

Bethnal Green was once known as the home of the notorious Kray Twins, and the gangster capital of the East End.

Beginning at the turn of the 21st century, gentrification has recently changed the face of much of the East End, including Bethnal Green.

At first glance, little has changed at the Club. It seems stuck in a time warp with plush if rather grotty carpeting, dark panelling, leatherette, and Formica. The downstairs area is mainly still a workingmen’s club, a meeting spot for the neighbourhood.

Upstairs, however, everything changes. Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is a trend-setter in the current burlesque and variety scene sweeping London; their line up of novelty and variety acts sets the standard for the rest.

The Club hosts monthly events that are simply fabulous risque fun. It has developed a huge following amongst fans of all things vintage and retro, and many of their events are themed on certain styles of dress.

The Cream Revue is a celebration of all things from the 1950s built around the theme of a prom dance. Take a dance lesson, dance to swing, jive, and twist music, or help yourself to free tea served in vintage cups and saucers.

Grind a Go Go is a tribute to the Go Go era with 60s garage music, dance routines, and novelty songs. It also features 60s style striptease, a revolving stage, and real Go Go girls dancing up a storm on podiums.

Drinks are reasonably priced and the crowd is a friendly, mixed group.

It is a cheery place to chat and admire all the lovely people, but at the same time there is a heady sense of being in on something rather naughty and underground.

Arrive at 9 PM and wear your best vintage garb, the space fills up fast and doormen aren’t likely to let you in if you’ve not made some effort to dress up. That would be a shame, because Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is a place worth experiencing.

Visiting Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

44-46 Pollard Row, Tower Hamlets, E2 6NB

Telephone: 020 7739 7170

Email info@workersplaytime.net

Opening Times

Times vary according to event but usually Thu to Sun, 20:00 to late.

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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