Iconic G-A-Y Bar put up for sale after owner reveals he’s fed up with Nimbys

An iconic LGBTQ London venue is up for sale after the owner has said he is fed up with Nimbys and licensing restrictions ‘ruining Soho’.

Jeremy Joseph, owner of G-A-Y Bar, has announced there is no point trying to keep the venue open because Soho has ‘lost its vibrancy’.

The bar came under financial risk after Heaven Nightclub, which is also owned by Jeremy, was forced to close temporarily after a bouncer allegedly raped a customer.

Although Heaven has now reopened under strict conditions, Jeremy said the area’s strict licensing and Nimby residents makes keeping G-A-Y Bar open too hard.

He said: ‘I firmly believe Soho has lost its vibrancy.

‘I did consider extending G-A-Y Bar’s license to 3am after we lost G-A-Y Late but what’s the point when I know Soho Society will object, police licensing will object, EHO will object.

‘It’s a constant up hill battle and another fight in the face of a cost of living crisis which has negatively impacted nearly all of the hospitality sector.

‘It doesn’t feel like anyone with power cares about hospitality and it definitely doesn’t feel like they care about LGBT venues, Old Compton Street has lost its queer identity.’

It is not the first venue Jeremy has been forced to close – G-A-Y Late closed in November 2023 after keeping it open became a ‘losing battle’.

G-A-Y Bar spans across three floors and remains open until 1am.

The listing describes the venue as ‘ideal for both casual nights out and high-energy club events’.

It adds: ‘The ground floor features a fully fitted bar with a stylish, contemporary design, creating the perfect atmosphere for guests to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and socialize.

‘The basement is fitted as a nightclub, complete with cutting-edge sound and lighting systems, offering an immersive experience for party-goers.

‘The first floor maintains a similar vibe to the basement but with more relaxed seating areas. On the top floor there is a spacious one-bedroom apartment.’

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