G-A-Y closes as street 'has lost LGBT identity'

""Old Compton Street has been my home and my work. "When I opened G-A-Y Bar, it was to be one of the safest and most proudly LGBT streets - a place where you could be who you are and feel safe. "For me, Old Compton Street has lost that LGBT identity. "Old Compton Street wasn't just a street, it was a community together as one. But sadly that's not Old Compton Street anymore.""

""Soho Estates need full credit for keeping Soho's venues going," he said. "And now they have stepped up again. Soho Estates, knowing how damaging the last four years have been, have given me the opportunity to leave and concentrate on Heaven.""

""I hope to continue making Heaven a second home for so many LGBT+ people.""

G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street will close and the venue is being put up for sale. The closure is attributed to Old Compton Street losing its LGBT identity and no longer functioning as the previous community hub. The owner will concentrate efforts on Heaven nightclub in Charing Cross and aims to make Heaven a second home for many LGBT+ people. Soho Estates provided rent relief during the pandemic and offered an exit opportunity to focus on Heaven. Heaven faced proposed rent increases from its landlord and a rent-review arbitration that proved decisive for the venue's viability.

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