The Glory in Kingsland Road closes due to redevelopment

The East End watering hole opened in Kingsland Road, Haggerston nine years ago and is jointly owned by drag queens Jonny Woo and John Sizzle, and "legendary party-starter" Colin Rothbart.

It has become famous for hosting nightly club, cabaret and comedy nights and a basement disco at weekends.

Jonny Woo and Colin Rothbart co-own The Glory with drag performer John Sizzle (Image: Archant)

The Glory has also hosted takeovers at The National Theatre and Latitude Festival, and is behind one of London’s biggest drag contests LIPSYNC1000, and Drag King battle Man Up.

A Facebook post signed by John, Jonny and Colin said they were closing because they could no longer run the venue as they wished to, but added they already have the keys to "a new space close by".

They wrote: "It's with much sadness that we shall be closing the doors of The Glory, as we know it, on January 31, 2024.

John Sizzle is the third partner in the venture which is moving to a new space (Image: Archant)

"For us all, the staff, performers, DJs AND our much-valued customers, we know this is upsetting, but we have decided to relocate as our building is finally being redeveloped and we simply can’t cannot continue to operate as we'd like.

"After 9 years here, it would be devastating if this were a last goodbye, but we have the keys to a new space close by and this brand-new venture will open before spring.

"The good news is we still have festive events and closing parties planned. So, get down to The Glory and bid farewell to this legendary venue which our staff, performers, DJ's and of course, all of you, have helped create.

"Let the celebrations commence!"

A pub has stood on the site since Victorian times, with previous names including Nice Little Earner, the Oarsman Sports Bar, The Victory and Paradise Inn.