We talk to Backstreet promoter Brew Hunter
In an all too rare success story for London’s gay fetish scene, East London leather bar The Backstreet has been saved from re-development. According to The Guardian, the council for Tower Hamlets has decided that getting rid of the gay fetish club would “harm the long-term provision of a nightclub that serves the LGBT+ community”. There had been plans to build a 46-flat complex where the bar now stands, though they’ve been overturned.
The Backstreet on Mile End Road is one of the UK’s longest-running fetish bars, having opened 34 years ago, and is known for its strict leather dress code. The building’s developer had explained that the bar would be able to persevere in the basement of the new tower, but the council were concerned that the new location and noise complaints would lead to its closure. Speaking on the issues Labour Party Councillor Rachel Blake characterised the venues as “an important community asset” and that they would be “going the extra mile” to keep it in business. Mastery and Backstreet promoter Brew Hunter told us “It is extremely heartening that the local council have been so positive toward the support of LGBTQ [people] and acknowledged the history of Backstreet”.
When the venue was under threat, dozens of men who were regular patrons of The Backstreet wrote to the council during the six-year planning explaining the importance of the club. Speaking of the business “Backstreet welcomes all newcomers to London’s leather scene” he shared. “Young guys are discovering this awesome club and realising the leather and SM scene is thriving,” he continued. The Backstreet has a host of weekly nights catering for London’s gay leather scene, and offer free membership for men under 25.
Find out more about The Backstreet at TheBackstreet.com
