The shocking and sudden departure of another Soho venue, gay cabaret pub Molly Moggs.
QX has heard from a source close to the business, that well-established gay cabaret pub Molly Moggs closed its doors this morning. It came as a complete shock to punters and whilst he have heard some of the staff were given a week’s notice, others – hosts and performers – were allegedly given zero notice whatsoever.
We have been told that the landlord, Enterprise Inns, were given time to sort out financial difficulties but did not have the cash.
It is thought that the owners have been evicted, and that the business has been sold to developers.
It’s the latest chapter in the increasingly bleak story of Soho’s ongoing sanitisation and gentrification.
Situated on the corner of Old Compton Street and Charing Cross Road, Molly Moggs was notable for its rowdy Sunday afternoons and defiant visibility. It would often draw the attention of bemused tourists, as drag performers staggered out into the street in broad daylight, serenading them with the hits of Liza and Dolly.
EDIT: The venue’s owners have now released a statement on Facebook:
“It comes with a heavy heart that we have to inform you all of this situation.
“Unfortunately today we say goodbye to the Molly Moggs that we’ve all loved for many years.
We can’t thank our loyal customers and our new customers enough for sticking with us through the thick and thin and making it such a valuable part of Soho.
“Who knows what the future holds for good old Molly’s but for now ‘there will be no singing drag queens at Molly Moggs’
“Once again, thank you from all of us. The queens, the management, the staff and the owners.
Unfortunately today we say goodbye to the Molly Moggs that we’ve all loved for many years.
We can’t thank our loyal customers and our new customers enough for sticking with us through the thick and thin and making it such a valuable part of Soho.
“Who knows what the future holds for good old Molly’s but for now ‘there will be no singing drag queens at Molly Moggs’
“Once again, thank you from all of us. The queens, the management, the staff and the owners.“
