Iconic bar to CLOSE after 50 years as owner slams ‘lost vibrancy’ & says he’s faced ‘constant uphill battle’

AN ICONIC bar is set to close after 50 years with the owner blasting "lost vibrancy" and licensing restrictions ruining the area.

Jeremy Joseph, owner of G-A-Y Bar, in Soho, London, has announced there is no point trying to keep the venue open.

2

2

The disgruntled owner said that he had faced a "constant uphill battle" for the venue and has now put it up for sale.

He criticised Westminster City Council and the Met Police as well as local residents' groups as being too resistant to measures, such as late licences, which he said would benefit the nightlife industry.

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 added the closure of Heaven while its licence was under review had put G-A-Y Bar "at risk financially".

"Even now after Heaven's reopening, the damage financially and mentally has been irreparable," he said.

Jeremy added: "I firmly believe Soho has lost its vibrancy.

"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."

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".

Jeremy later decided against this as he felt it would face too many objections from the council, police and residents.

He added: "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."

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 socialise.

"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."

A Met Police spokesperson said: "We work in partnership and as a community with local venues, residents and partners to understand the impact and issues at night.

"We will always try to support venues as best we can to prevent and deter crime.

"We will continue to work together with all venues that form part of the night time economy in Westminster, including whoever takes over G-A-Y, to improve night-time safety for those who live, work and visit the borough."

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HOSPITALITY?

Many food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.

Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.

Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches.

Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.

Pizza giant, Papa Johns announced it would be shutting down 43 of its stores this year.

Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, also shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.

This year has seen the announcing of further closures including from casual dining group Chipotle and an award-winning independent bistro in Merseyside.