Soho, the vibrant hub of London’s nightlife, is set to bid farewell to one of its iconic LGBTQ+ venues as informed by TimeOut. Jeremy Joseph, the owner of the renowned establishments Heaven and G-A-Y Bar, announced the impending closure of G-A-Y Late. The unexpected announcement, made with “great sadness” on social media over the weekend, shocked many in the London community.
Situated in Goslett Yard at the heart of Soho, G-A-Y Late has long been a legendary fixture in the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ scene. However, Joseph revealed that maintaining the venue has become a “losing battle” amid several external challenges in recent years.
The Caterer informs that the St Giles and Denmark Street area’s ongoing construction has surrounded G-A-Y Late, rendering its continued operation an “impossibility”. Gaslett Yard’s increasing use for parking has also hindered accessibility, frequently blocking entrances, queues, and fire exits. Safety concerns for both patrons and staff further contribute to the decision to close the beloved gay bar.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, expressed the closure as a “profound loss for the LGBTQ+ community in the capital,” highlighting the venue’s cherished status over the years. The closure of independent nightlife venues is a broader concern, with a recent study indicating the loss of 35 such establishments each week.
Despite the challenges faced by G-A-Y Late, there is a silver lining for its dedicated staff. No jobs will be lost, as employees will have the opportunity to transition to roles at either G-A-Y Bar or Heaven. Additionally, G-A-Y Bar will extend its operating hours until 1 am, and Heaven will see increased capacity and improved wheelchair access.
As G-A-Y Late prepares to close its doors for the last time on Sunday, December 10, Londoners are invited to bid a late-night farewell to the historic venue. The closure, while preserving jobs, underscores the challenging times confronting the hospitality and nightlife industry. The broader context of London losing pubs faster than any other part of England emphasizes the urgent need for support to safeguard independent nightlife venues.
The capital has been experiencing a notable decline in pubs, with a staggering 750 British pubs expected to have closed by the end of the first half of 2024. The struggles faced by these establishments underscore the importance of community support to preserve the rich tapestry of London’s nightlife.
As G-A-Y Late bids farewell to its patrons on December 10, it serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required in the face of external pressures. While the nightlife landscape undergoes transformations, there remains hope for the industry’s revival, with concerted efforts needed to ensure the survival and flourishing of independent venues that contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy of London’s iconic neighborhoods like Soho.
Image of TimeOut – Photograph: cktravels.com / Shutterstock.com