RIP Charles Gallagher (Dog & Bell) and Bill Mannix (Rivoli Ballroom)

Sorry to hear of the death this week of a couple of SE London nightlife legends:  Charles Gallagher, landlord of the Dog and Bell in Deptford from 1988 to 2016, and Bill Mannix who has owned the Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park for the last 40 years and against the odds has kept it alive and thriving as London's last remaining ballroom of its kind.

Like many others I have spend many happy hours in both these fine places, which have had an enduring impact of the life and culture of SE London and beyond. 

Charles Gallagher (1947-2025)

William Mannix (1938-2025)

 (photos from @the_dog_and_bell and @rivoliballroom on insta)

Previous posts on the Rivoli (a lot)

Previous posts mentioning Dog and Bell

Lewisham 'Stop Starving Gaza' protest

 200+ people out tonight at Lewisham Clock Tower for a 'Stop Starving Gaza' pot and pan protest, called by Lewisham Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Lewisham and Greenwich CND.

There were similar events elsewhere, as Brixton Buzz reports the protest at Lambeth Town Hall included Vanessa Redgrave banging a saucepan

Photo from Brixton Buzz

Romy at the Old Nun's Head

Lots of local pubs were busy last Sunday for the final of the Women's Euros between England and Spain but the particularly enthusiastic crowd at the Old Nuns Head included Romy from the XX seen here waving a Lionesses scarf.