Heaven gay club
G-A-Y Bar goes on sale as Soho 'loses vibrancy'
One of central London's main LGBTQ+ bars has gone on sale with its owner saying Soho has "lost its vibrancy".
G-A-Y Bar owner Jeremy Joseph said he had had to make the "tough decision" after his other venue, Heaven nightclub, was temporarily closed late last year after a member of security staff allegedly raped a woman.
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.
A council spokesperson said they were proud supporters of LGBT+ businesses and the wider community in Soho and Westminster, while the Met said it understood the "complexities" that night-time venues face.
"This isn't an easy decision. To me it is more than just a bar, it's also my home - I've lived above it for over 15 years," Mr Joseph said in a statement.
He added the closure of Heaven while its licence was under
Heaven
The most famous queer club in London, home to a variety of one-nighters.
When it opened its doors in , Heaven was revolutionary. London's first homosexual superclub, it was the birthplace of Hi-NRG and acid house, a magnet for gay celebrities and mounted the most spectacular stage shows seen in clubland. But it hasn't been on top of its game for some time, rarely matching the standard position by Dalston rivals like Superstore and the Divine. Still, with the closure of the Astoria and the subsequent move of G-A-Y to Heaven, the club has experienced something of a renaissance. Thursday now hosts G-A-Y Porn Idol, Fridays G-A-Y Camp Attack and Saturdays are reserved for the G-A-Y club night proper. It's not all a gay fiesta, however, the roomy Heaven also lays on live indie nights.
- Address
- Charing Cross Arches, Villiers Street
- London
- WC2N 6NG
- Transport:
- Rail/Tube: Charing Cross; Tube: Embankment
- Opening hours:
- Check website for club nights and gig listings
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Heaven
The premises were acquired by Derriham Limited in [3]. Decorations and initial interior designs for Heaven was done by Derek Frost. Stephen Hayter was the unique Operations Director [4].
Heaven is on the site of the previous homosexual pub Hotel de France. In , John Bull magazine exposed six notorious homosexual hang-outs including the Hotel de France.
Stonewall (UK), the UK’s most prominent LGB charity, was conceived in the block at Heaven.
Soundshaft is a self contained venue next to Heaven, which can operate as part of the main venue or by itse