Mrs Riot Drag Brunch in Covent Garden: What to Expect and How to Book

Covent Garden isn’t just about street performers and boutique shops anymore. Since 2022, Mrs Riot has turned a historic theatre into London’s most talked-about drag brunch experience. If you’ve heard whispers about glitter, champagne, and lip-sync battles that leave you crying-laughing, here’s the real deal-no fluff, no hype, just what happens when you show up.

What Happens at Mrs Riot Drag Brunch

You walk in around 12:30 PM, and the room is already buzzing. The lights are low, the music is loud, and everyone’s dressed like they’re heading to a birthday party on Mars. No one’s in jeans and a hoodie. People show up in sequins, feather boas, bold lipstick, and even full wigs. It’s not mandatory, but you’ll feel out of place if you don’t at least try.

The show starts at 1 PM sharp. Five drag performers-each with their own style, backstory, and stage persona-take turns on a small, glitter-covered stage. One might be a 70s disco diva belting out Whitney Houston. Another could be a punk queen smashing a cake over her head while rapping to Cardi B. There’s no script. No two shows are the same. The energy is raw, unfiltered, and completely unpredictable.

The food? It’s not fine dining. It’s British brunch with a drag twist. Think unlimited prosecco and champagne (yes, bottomless until 3 PM), crispy bacon sandwiches, fluffy pancakes with salted caramel, and avocado toast with a side of glitter salt. The portions are generous. The coffee? Strong. The mimosa? Always refilled.

Interactions are part of the show. Performers walk through the tables, high-fiving, dancing, and sometimes pulling guests onstage for a quick lip-sync duel. Last month, a 70-year-old man got dragged up to sing “I Will Survive” with a performer named Pearl. He won a free dessert. The crowd went wild.

Why Mrs Riot Stands Out

London has dozens of drag brunches. But Mrs Riot isn’t just a show-it’s a community event. The performers aren’t hired extras. Most have been doing this for over five years. Some started in underground clubs in Brixton. Others came from theatre backgrounds. They know their craft. The costumes? Custom-made. The choreography? Rehearsed for weeks. The jokes? Sharp, timely, and often political.

Unlike other venues that treat drag as background noise, Mrs Riot puts it front and center. There are no DJs playing over the top. No karaoke machines. Just live vocals, live dancing, and live reactions. The sound system is engineered so every word lands. You’ll hear every punchline. Every note. Every gasp.

And the crowd? It’s not just tourists. You’ll see couples celebrating anniversaries, groups of friends on a girls’ trip, LGBTQ+ families with kids, and solo travelers who came just to feel something real. It’s one of the few places in London where you don’t have to explain yourself.

How to Book

You can’t just walk in. Mrs Riot sells out-every Saturday and Sunday. Even midweek shows fill up fast. Here’s how to get a spot:

1. Go to www.mrsriot.co.uk (the only official site).
2. Select your date. Shows run Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM to 3 PM.
3. Choose your ticket type: Standard (£35), Premium (£45), or VIP (£65).
4. Premium includes a reserved front-row seat and a free cocktail on arrival.
5. VIP gets you a backstage meet-and-greet after the show, a signed photo, and a glittery goodie bag.

Bookings open at 9 AM on the first Monday of each month for the following month. Set a reminder. The tickets vanish in under 12 minutes. Last December, 1,200 tickets sold out in 8 minutes.

Payment is taken in full at booking. No refunds, but you can transfer your ticket to someone else if you can’t make it. Just email [email protected] with your order number and the new guest’s name at least 48 hours before the show.

What to Wear

There’s no dress code, but here’s the truth: people come dressed to impress. If you show up in a T-shirt and sneakers, you’ll blend in-but you’ll also miss out on the fun. Most guests wear something bold: a sequin jacket, a bold hat, colorful heels, or even a full drag look. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being playful.

Pro tip: Bring a small bag. You’ll get glitter everywhere. Your phone, your coat, your hair-it’s inevitable. A wipe or two in your pocket helps. And leave the heavy perfume at home. The space is small. Strong scents clash with the glitter and champagne.

What You Won’t Get

Don’t expect a quiet meal. This isn’t a café. There’s no hushed conversation. The music is loud. The laughter is louder. If you’re looking for a peaceful Sunday brunch with your partner, this isn’t it. But if you want to laugh until your cheeks hurt, dance in your seat, and feel like you’re part of something alive-this is it.

Also, no kids under 12. The content is adult-themed: jokes about politics, sex, and pop culture. Some of the language is explicit. It’s not offensive-it’s celebratory. But it’s not family-friendly in the traditional sense.

Where It’s Located

Mrs Riot takes place at The London Playhouse, a converted 1920s theatre right on Floral Street, just a 3-minute walk from Covent Garden Tube station. The entrance is unassuming-a black door with a gold crown above it. Look for the line. There’s always one. Bouncers check tickets. No ID? No entry. They’re strict about age. You must be 18+.

There’s no parking. Use the Tube. Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Charing Cross are all close. If you’re coming from outside London, plan your journey. The show ends at 3 PM, and the area gets packed right after.

Why People Keep Coming Back

One visit isn’t enough. Most guests return within three months. Why? Because the cast changes. New performers join. Old favorites return. The playlist evolves. The menu gets tweaks-last month they added vegan sausage rolls. Next month, they’re testing a drag-themed dessert platter.

And then there’s the feeling. You leave not just full, but lighter. Like you’ve been seen. Like you belong. That’s rare. That’s why people come back. Not for the champagne. Not for the pancakes. For the moment when the whole room sings along to “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and no one cares who you are.