Yet another Soho gay bar could be facing closure
Yet another Soho bar is battling to stay open, after the building’s owners filed plans for redevelopment.
The Soho Yard and Stables in Rupert Street, which has served the LGBT community for a number of years, is facing plans that would see the development of flats above the existing building.
The proposals are set to be discussed by Westminster City Council’s planning committee on January 27, and are reportedly earmarked for approval.
A statement said: “The Yard is a popular part of Soho’s culture that caters for the area’s residents, workers, tourists and the LGBT community.
“The building has been recognised by Westminster Council as an unlisted building of merit.
“However, the new development would see it close and another independent trader would be lost from the area permanently.
“The new restaurant and flats would be sold to the highest bidder and another generic big brand name would replace this magical getaway within the bustling streets of Soho.
“Please email Westminster City Council at [email protected] and quote 14/04624/FULL to object to the application.”
Tory Councillor Jonathan Glanz said: “The proposals would be an unacceptable intensification on the site, would see customers forced out onto a busy thoroughfare to smoke creating a nuisance and would damage the local Conservation Area.
“There are very few places where customers can enjoy a drink and smoke away from the busy streets of Soho.
“Westminster seeks to preserve the culture of Soho and that doesn’t mean there should be no development, but its got to enhance the area.”
If the proposals go through, the Yard would be the latest in a string of gay London venues to close.
Drag and cabaret venue Madame JoJo’s closed its doors in November, after its license was revoked following a serious incident.
Manbar also shut down earlier this month, while The Green Carnation announced it will close to make way for a new venue.
