As we know a coqueta is always looking for what’s on the cutting edge. Amongst a sea of sameness, sometimes one has to venture to waters unknown to properly stimulate the mind. This is what brought me to the 2026 London Rabbit Championship Show! A dedicated rabbit pageant, that attracts experts, amateurs, and enthusiasts of the cotton-tailed friends across the UK. Contrary to what the name suggests, the show really takes place in a town called Grantham— unfortunately, the home town of Margaret Thatcher— and just a short 1 hour train ride from King’s Cross. I would ideally suggest this as the first activity you bring your long-time out of towner friend to, at least that’s how I did it.
Upon entering the converted equine arena, your greeted with a Senior Citizen wrist band— a sure fire way to ensure you’re the hottest at the function— and a plethora of rabbits and bunnies sorted by breed, and anonymously kept as not to cause bias. Everyone was competing from children as young as 9 to all the long-timers.
I was immediately struck by the seemingly endless amount of rabbit breeds, and the hard fact that I may have a sweater or two made from one of these gorgeously groomed creatures. I’m looking at you Angoras, or at least awkwardly trying to avoid eye contact.
Mid-morning, murmurs started as rabbits filtered onto stage (a plywood table in the middle of the room), and the judging began! At first we were utterly confused by the categories, rabbits seemed to be getting dismissed left and right with no real reason; that is until we met Tim. Dressed in the signature Rabbit Council lab coat, adorned by all owners, Tim taught us the ins and outs of rabbit pageantry. The 100-point system, a complete secret to all but the esteemed judges; the bureaucracy and ancient bunny rules that are not to be contested for fear of ending up on their black list; and a show in Reno that makes this display look like chump change!
Tim was a lop enthusiast, for their long gorgeous ears! His lop Tatanya—an ode to Shakespeare—was up on the table! He told us about his absolute adoration for Tatanya, and her wild fiancé Steve, also a lop. This was her final show, as she was preparing to have a few bunnies of her own.
Tatanya, proudly centre stage
The rabbit scene was filled with a flurry of gossip and secrets! The things we overheard! From hired rabbit jockeys, to banned breeds, there was a whole world and community to uncover. I encourage any coqueta to try something new, totally off their radar! It makes for a wonderful morning.
Bisous, H