London’s oldest LGBTQIA+ venue sees investment and revival
The City of Quebec, understood to be London’s oldest LGBTQIA+ pub, has reopened its doors to the public following an extensive refurbishment.
The pub, which is located on Old Quebec Street in Marylebone and has been a cornerstone of the LGBTQIA+ community since 1946, has been reinvigorated by a six-figure investment by pub company and brewer Greene King.
The City of Quebec was originally frequented by RAF pilots following the venue’s opening after World War II and its refurbishment not only evokes the pub’s rich history but is also an investment into reinstating its status as a leading late-night entertainment venue.
The investment involves the ground floor and stage being upgraded with a new projector screen, effects lighting and DJ booth to assist in the venue’s return to weekly live music and cabaret events.
As part of the refurbishment, the venue’s club area in the basement has also been fully redecorated introducing artwork, furniture and lighting to offer up an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Greene King has stated that its investment into reviving The City of Quebec signals its longstanding commitment to champion diversity and inclusivity across the board, by providing safe spaces for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
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The pub’s reopening also follows of Greene King’s recent investments earlier this year that saw the company bringing back historic London sites such as the Sherlock Holmes, the Crown and the Garrick Arms.
Speaking about the reopening, Darren Dunn, general manager at the City of Quebec, said: “Pubs are the hubs of local communities, and they play a central role in providing safe and welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds. The City of Quebec has long been established as a vibrant hotspot for the LGBTQIA+ community in the heart of London, and we’re thrilled to showcase a new and improved look.”
Dunn explained: “As one of Greene King’s Heritage pubs, the City of Quebec’s investment looks to honour the pub’s rich history, whilst bringing a modern twist to the pub’s original Art Deco design. We are celebrating the pub’s relaunch in style with a wide range of exciting promotions and events throughout the summer, kicking off with cabaret hosted by Dolly Diamond and karaoke with Tania LeCoq. We look forward to welcoming guests back very soon to enjoy all we have to offer.”
As part of this year’s wider Pride Month celebrations, Greene King also recently partnered with Absolut Vodka to raise funds for Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Back in 2023, Pernod Ricard reasserted Absolut’s LGBTQ+ support with ally plans and has made steps to inspire and increase allyship among the LGBTQIA+ community and will include educational resources, training and monetary support.
The activity with Absolut also meant that every time a customer ordered a single measure of the vodka brand in a selection of Greene King pubs last month, the pub company donated 10p to the national LGBTQIA+ support line Switchboard.
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