Bishopsgate Institute is home to the UK Leather and Fetish Archive, a national collection documenting the history and heritage of the leather, rubber, BDSM and fetish communities, and is committed to increasing holdings relating to kink and fetish history in the UK. 

The Backstreet on Mile End Road was one of the UK’s longest-running fetish bars, having opened more than 35 years ago, and was known for its strict dress code. Catering to a dedicated niche audience the bar provided a private and exclusive space for members of London’s male fetish community to meet, socialise and make connections.

Despite fighting off a threat of redevelopment in 2019, and gaining support from the local council in the process, The Backstreet closed in July 2022.

At this one-off event, in association with Brew Hunter’s MASTERY, you can explore the collections from The Backstreet archives. This includes magazines, posters, ephemera, and artefacts as well as clothing, gibbet, and the original bar pump. You’ll be able to meet with Backstreet regulars as well as former owner John Edwards and bar manager Mark Allnut, and view an exhibition of art by London Fetish Artist Matt Pagett. Music provided by Backstreet regular UK/International DJ Rob C.

We’re also inviting you to share your own personal stories. Inspired by our confessional booth donated to us by queer fetish artist Franko B, we'll have a dedicated recording area where you can talk about your experiences of The Backstreet over the years. These recordings will then be added to the archive as oral histories.

Mobile phones were never allowed inside The Backstreet and while this did preserve the unique atmosphere, it also means that the bar is relatively under-documented. So, if you have any material relating to The Backstreet we would be delighted to add this to the archives on the day. This could be ephemera, magazines, books, photos, video, audio, artefacts, documents… anything that you feel could help tell the story of The Backstreet for future generations. Material can also be scanned or copied on the day, so you can keep the original if you prefer.

Practical information

No booking is required for this event, just drop in to have a look at the collections.

Opening times are 13:00 - 17:00.

How we’re keeping you safe

August 2022 update: Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority.

If you test positive for Covid-19 or are asked to isolate and are not able to attend your class or pre-booked event, please contact the Bishopsgate Box Office for further information (enquiries@bishopsgate.org.uk). Please do not come to the Institute in person if you have symptoms or have tested positive.

Bishopsgate Institute has a thorough cleaning schedule in place and we clean the most populated areas more often. You will find hand-sanitising stations throughout the building as well as touch-free drinking fountains.

Find out more about how we’re keeping you safe.

Image: 'Backstreet Bar', oil on canvas by Guy Burch, 1995.