One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, G-A-Y Bar, to close its doors for good
– 2 min read
One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, G-A-Y Bar, is set to close its doors permanently, marking the end of an era for Soho’s queer nightlife. Owner Jeremy Joseph announced the decision, citing rising rents, mounting pressures, and a deep sense that the area has “lost its identity”.
Located on Old Compton Street, G-A-Y Bar has been a cornerstone of London’s LGBTQ+ scene for decades. But Joseph, who also owns Heaven nightclub, said the changing character of Soho and financial strains have made it impossible to continue.
“When I opened the Old Compton venue, it was the gayest street in London,” Joseph told Metro. “But now it has lost its identity. During last year’s Pride month, I looked at other businesses and a third couldn’t even be bothered to put a Pride flag out.”
The closure of G-A-Y Bar is part of a wider trend affecting LGBTQ+ venues across the capital. According to data from the Greater London Authority, more than half of London’s LGBTQ+ venues have closed since 2006, falling from 125 to just 50 by 2022. The reasons are varied but include gentrification, rising rents, the cost-of-living crisis, and changing social habits.
Venues such as The Glory in Haggerston and G-A-Y Late have also shut down in recent years, while others like XXL in Southwark were forced out by redevelopment projects. Even Soho, once the beating heart of queer London, has seen its LGBTQ+ spaces dwindle, with many citing a shift toward a more homogenised, less inclusive nightlife culture.
Joseph revealed that a rent review for Heaven had resulted in a significant increase, forcing him to consolidate operations and focus on the Charing Cross venue. “We asked the landlord to start the process a month before the review date, but they waited until the date itself to serve notice, giving us no time to agree or budget before the increase took effect,” he said.
The decision to close G-A-Y Bar is not just financial. Jeremy expressed frustration with the lack of support from local authorities and the erosion of Soho’s queer culture. “It’s a constant uphill battle,” he wrote on social media. “It doesn’t feel like anyone with power cares about hospitality and it definitely doesn’t feel like they care about LGBT venues.”
Despite the closure, Joseph remains committed to preserving LGBTQ+ nightlife. Plans are underway to expand Heaven’s capacity and improve accessibility, including making the venue wheelchair-friendly for the first time in its 44-year history.
