THEGAYUK

Tag: Lost LGBT Scene

Welcome to THEGAYUK’s Lost LGBT Scene project. Remembering and paying tribute to the gay bars and LGBT+ spaces that have closed. We’re looking for your contributions to make this an essential archive of the LGBT scene in the UK. If you have memories, photos or even stories of some of the venues listed please get in touch.

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Steamworks, New Cross

    Lost LGBT Scene | Steamworks, New Cross

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Steamworks Sauna

    Sauna based in New Cross Closed 2014

    Do you know more about this venue, or have photos? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

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    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Molly Moggs

    Lost LGBT Scene | Molly Moggs

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Molly Moggs

    A small bar on the corner of Old Compton Street right in the centre of Soho. Was renowned for it’s tiny stage area where drag performers would entertain the patrons. It was small and always crowded with regulars who loved this place.

    Opened: Do you know when this venue opened? Add or amend

    Closed: Do you know when this venue opened? Add or amend

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Boltons

    Lost LGBT Scene | The Boltons

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Boltons

    From “JC”

    This was the busiest gay bar in ’60s /’70s London.

    Open Lunch & Evenings 7 days (old licencing hours).

    There you could meet all types incl CD & Trans.  It was mostly men but a few lesbians mixed freely.

    Opened: Do you know when this venue opened? Add or amend

    Closed: Do you know when this venue opened? Add or amend

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  • GAY HISTORY | Remember the opening of the Crew Gay Bar in London

    GAY HISTORY | Remember the opening of the Crew Gay Bar in London

    After being served one too many warm beers at a rival, Crews was born. “Chris” takes us down memory lane.

    CREWS: 1990-1998 St Martins Lane, next to Stringfellows

    Crews came about after I was served yet another warm beer at the Brief Encounter and the manager asked me what I would do, lose him his job?

    I said “no”, far worse. 

    From the outside, you could not see the 3000 sq ft inside and the plan was just to be the biggest gay bar in London, not nightclub.

    The agents were only interested in it being let as a restaurant until I told them that my cousin was, a renowned architect, and they thought we would spend a fortune on it. However, our plan was to be cheap and cheerful, cruising and carefree so dark blue paint and murals of sailors went up on the walls.

    After a hiccup with early management, the bar became the first to introduce straight forward pricing of £2.50 a pint, the reason being that there was no time to give change, such was the demand.

    In addition, free nuts and crisps were offered. Two GoGo dancers would give performances on the bar. Crews became the busiest gay bar in London and was responsible for dragging the gay scene from Earls Court to the West End. 

    The year Crews opened saw the Edge, CXR, Admiral Duncan, G-A-Y Bar and The Village really take off.

    Have you got memories of a venue from the past which has now closed? Check out our list of venues at our Lost LGBT Scene Project.

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Duke of Clarence, Islington

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Duke of Clarence

    A lesbian bar in Islington off the Essex Road, most likely closed at the end of the 90s.

    A reader shares, “. Lesbian bar on Rotherfield St just off Essex Road N1 – when That area was full of gays bars. After about a year of trying to remember the name someone finally came up with it last night!  The Duke of Clarence. It deserves to be remembered purely because it existed in Islington when it was THE gay place to be”

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Blackout, Molton Street

    Lost LGBT Scene | Blackout, Molton Street

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

     

    Blackout

    An Art Deco cocktail bar in Molton Street, London

    Memory from George:

    Lastly I had a art Deco style cocktail bar called Blackout in 46 St Molton Street above one of the shops in the 80’s. It was small but always packed every night with a gay mixed crowd, perfect stop for great cocktails music then after 11.00 off to the Embassy club in New Bond St. If they made it there after the cocktails!!

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Biograph Cinema, Victoria

    Lost LGBT Scene | Biograph Cinema, Victoria

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

     

    Biograph Cinema

    A cinema where gay men went, but not necessarily to watch films!

    Memory from George:

    There was a very well known Cinema called the Biograph in Victoria I think, lets say I really do not know anyone that went there to watch the film playing. I remember a friend taking me once and couldn’t believe how no one ever stayed in their own seats should we say! and forget trying to buy ice cream or popcorn!!

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington

    Lost LGBT Scene | Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Kensington Roof Gardens, Kensington, London

    A roof garden bar that closed in 2016. Used to have a gay night on Sunday nights.

    Memory from George:

    The Kensington roof Gardens was a fantastic venue and only closed about 2 years ago. On the top of Derry & Toms old department store building then later the famous Biba.
    Something to see with flamingos small rivers and different gardens to stroll around in from the club all from the 1920’s.
    Gay only on Sundays and jeans were not allowed! the days of when we all dressed up in the 80’s

    Open date: UNKNOWN (can you help?)

    Closed date: 2016/17

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Silks club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Silks Club

    An LGBT club in Shepherds Bush Shopping centre

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Napoleon Club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Napoleons Club

    An LGBT club on Bond Street

    Memory from Paul:

    “l worked at Napoleon Club in the early 1980s. It was a private members club located in the sizable basement of the Bonaparte Restaurant. Law at that time required new members to apply and pay a fee, but wait three days before they were allowed in.

    The club reception was on the ground floor, but the bar and disco were down a narrow wooden staircase to the basement.
    Rumour had it that in Victorian times the building had been some kind of hospital or clinic, and stories were spread that the place was haunted by the ghost of a nurse. It certainly felt uncomfortable being alone there after everyone had left.
    The MD was a German guy named Hans, and the manager an Irish guy who decamped one night with the takings. An investigation showed that he had been skimming off a slice of the bar takings for years.
    Despite the odd laws, the place was generally very busy all week, and felt like a family”

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Open date: Unknown (Can you help with that?)

    Closed date: Unknown (Can you help with that?)

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Masquerade Club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Masquerade club

    Memory from a user:

    In small cellar with dancefloor beneath SUDS launderette on the corner of 310 Earl’s Court Road, though the club was entered via small door numbered 310A (first of three doors) in adjacent side street strictly called Earl’s Court Square. Current Google Street View shows a title over this door: “Tips and Toes”.

    Masquerade ran from c.1972 as a cool gay disco playing latest soul and disco US imports such as O’Jays and Temptations. First heard the extended version of Masterpiece here 1973.

    Few other London gay clubs offered black music at that time: these included Sombrero (Yours or Mine), Chaguaramas, Rod’s on lower King’s Road.<br /><br />Can’t swear whether it was even licensed for alcohol – many “clubs” were not in those days. Bowie rumoured to have visited!

    An LGBT club on Earls Ct Rd.

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!