The building was designated as Grade II listed in 1973, the entry states it is mid-19th century.[1] It's mentioned in an edition of The Freemasons' Magazine and Masonic Mirror from 1858.[2]
It was called The Paradise Bar for a time in the late 20th and early 21st centuries,[3] by 2005 it was called Six Strings,[4] before eventually returning to its original name.
Whilst named The Paradise Bar it regularly held funk and souljam sessions, often attended by students at nearby Goldsmiths University.[5] During this time it was also a venue for what the press briefly called The New Cross Scene, with bands such as Bloc Party and Art Brut playing there early in their careers.[6][7] These concerts were often at an indie music night called Pop of the Tops run by Caffy St Luce.[8]
The Damron Women's Traveller '98 lists Sunday nights at the bar as Je Suis Music, a popular club night attended by lesbians and gay men.[9]