Peckham pub thrives by adding The Traitors watch parties to its lineup
By Izzy James
Eager Londoners packed South London venue John the Unicorn last night as the independent pub launched its The Celebrity Traitors watch party series to drive massive footfall.
The grassroots business has turned the nation’s addiction to the BBC’s hit reality series The Traitors into an opportunity to create community and business.
“My housemates had a tradition of going to the pub on Friday evenings, but with Traitors on we ditched that to stay at home,” says attendee Georgia Park, 27.
“It’s great to do both at once. We can combine our two favourite things: pints and Traitors!”
The screening forms part of a wider commercial strategy by the venue to anchor community events into its business model.
The space regularly hosts alternative gatherings, including Collage Club by Art Dating Club and frequent speed dating collaborations with Lesbian Island.
A management representative for John the Unicorn, known by its regulars as the JTU, noted that hosting these community events proved vital in adapting to London’s changing nightlife scene.
“The Traitors watch party has been an incredible experiment for JTU. It was special to see our venue full of people enjoying such a special show and making connections.”
Similar viewing events are sweeping venues nationwide to combat severe economic strain.
The movement arrives as this year’s The Celebrity Traitors star Joe Lycett has put £100 behind the bar of 30 pubs across the country.
Independent hospitality spaces have faced unprecedented financial pressure across the UK as soaring operational costs threaten community venues, with recent figures revealing that London is losing a pub every two weeks.
By trading traditional match-day screenings for reality TV evenings, the Peckham venue pursues a promising strategy for urban hospitality survival.
Publication: The Evening Standard 16/10/2026