According to the owner, Jeremy Joseph, the decision to sell G-A-Y bar comes in the wake of ongoing challenges faced by hospitality businesses since the pandemic, including the cost of living crisis, and the temporary closure of Heaven.
Having lived above G-A-Y Bar for over 15 years, Jeremy Joseph regards the establishment as more than just a business; it holds deep personal significance as a home and a labour of love. However, as Soho continues to evolve, the pressures of maintaining a successful venue have taken a toll.
Jeremy expressed deep concerns for the future, noting that the re-opening of Heaven—a crucial late-night venue—has not alleviated the financial and mental strain that the fight for its return inflicted.
“When Heaven re-opened, I made it clear to Westminster Council’s Licensing Committee that any closure would financially jeopardize G-A-Y Bar,” the owner stated. Jeremy candidly shared the irreparable damage that the closure inflicted, leaving a mark on both his livelihood and mental well-being.
“I firmly believe Soho has lost its vibrancy.”
Jeremy Joseph
The announcement highlights a growing sentiment that Soho has lost its vibrancy, particularly regarding its LGBTQ+ identity. The owner reflected on the changing atmosphere in Old Compton Street, which was once a thriving epicenter for the LGBTQ+ community. Now, he feels the street is overshadowed by a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and takeaways, diluting its historical significance as a hub for queer culture.
“It doesn’t feel like anyone with power cares about hospitality & it definitely doesn’t feel like they care about LGBT venues, Old Compton Street has lost its queer identity.”
Jeremy Joseph
Attempts to extend G-A-Y Bar’s license amid these challenges faced substantial opposition, leaving the owner to question the support and understanding from local authorities regarding the unique hurdles faced by LGBTQ+ venues. “It feels like no one with power cares about hospitality,” he lamented, pointing to the broader implications of the ongoing cost of living crisis that is affecting the hospitality sector at large.
Read the full announcement on the sale of G-A-Y Bar by Jeremy Joseph on Instagram here…
With a heavy heart, Jeremy Joseph hopes that G-A-Y Bar may continue to thrive under new management who understand its legacy and importance to the community. “I want it to remain an LGBT venue,” he affirmed, even considering franchise options, although Jeremy acknowledged that the current climate isn’t leaning in that direction.
As the chapter of G-A-Y Bar as we know it potentially comes to a close, Jeremy Joseph’s apparent relief in making this decision also underscores a quest for peace of mind amidst uncertainty.
This announcement serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by long-standing institutions in our ever-evolving urban landscapes, especially those that hold cultural and historical significance.
As Soho’s identity shifts, the future of G-A-Y Bar and similar venues remains uncertain, but there is hope that the community will rally to preserve the essence of what these spaces represent. The struggle for survival and relevance is ongoing, and the need for inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ venues from those with power and our community has never been more crucial.
You can find numerous queer events and spaces to support in the QX events diary.
Interests in G-A-Y Bar
For sale – morris@cdgleisure.com
For franchise option – info@g-a-y.co.uk