Historic England has awarded a long-running gay pub in London’s Lambeth a Grade II listing.

Believed to have been designed by architect James Edmeston the elder, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is sited in a Victorian music hall, built in 1862. It became a popular haunt for the LGBTQ community in the second half of the 20th century.

‘Not only of architectural interest, the venue has a long-standing historic role as a symbol of tolerance and alternative entertainment,’ says heritage minister Tracey Couch. ‘I hope that it continues to be filled with laughter and joy.’

Historic England, which last month listed 19 inter-war pubs, adds: ‘It [Royal Vauxhall Tavern] also possesses architectural interest in the handsome and well designed mid Victorian curved facade, with a parade of arcades terminating in pedimented bays.’

The listing represents a victory for the capital’s LGBT community, which has seen venues such as Soho’s Madame Jojo’s and Camden’s Black Cap close down in recent years.

Amy Lamé, a TV personality and chair of the RVT Future campaign to protect the pub, said: ‘The listing is a fantastic milestone for our community and a victory against the odds for our beloved pub.

‘We look forward to continuing our work to ensure the Royal Vauxhall Tavern remains a vibrant space of LGBTQ community and culture for generations to come.’