The Met Police and Environmental Health Service both initially opposed the application but withdrew when they heard about the significance of the venue. Usually Westminster Council turns down any licensing application in the West End Cumulative impact area, but a rare exception was made for KU Bar. “It is essential to offer support for those who face difficulties because they do not fit in the accepted social norms.” Pierre-Antoine Guitard, who lives above the bar, added: “ has been a monument for the LGBTQ+ community, and has helped to raise awareness on the acceptance of everyone as who they are. “We really need support from you to help keep our businesses alive and continue to play a key part in Westminster’s world renowned inclusive and cultural offer.” It is so important to promote and protect those of us who are still standing. He said: “Venues for our community have sadly declined over recent years. G-A-Y Owner Jeremy Joseph also wrote to the council explaining how KU Bar was one of the most important businesses in Soho. This includes West End Theatre groups and drumming groups preparing for Chinese New Year in China Town. The bar and nightclub regularly helps test people for HIV and allows a large range of Soho groups to use its dance floor during the day.Įach weekend the venue provides space for sexual health screenings and has raised over £100,000 for The Food Chain – a charity which ensures people living with HIV in London can access nutritious food. “We have our functions and celebrations at KU Bar, where we also have the support of Kensington Palace and Chelsea Football group.” KU bar and Gary Henshaw make that difference in our Soho community that’s vital for our survival. She said: “Gary tirelessly raises awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS. In a letter supporting the bar’s application, Trans activist Rebecca Tallon de Havilland explained safe spaces like KU Bar are essential for the trans’ community’s survival. The City of Westminster now has just 21 LGBTQ+ venues left according to council documents. In the past decade 60 per cent of LGBTQ+ venues in London have closed with 13 venues recently closing in Westminster alone, a recent study found.
“I took a full page advert out in West End Extra to say thank you.” Gary Henshaw outside Ku Bar It is so important to see that we are different. Gary Henshaw, who owns KU Bar, lesbian venue She and Little KU, said: “I have put my neck on the line. The bar lost over £2m when it was forced to pay its £400,000 rents with no method of income when the country was cast into lockdown. The council received 32 letters of support from the London Mayor’s office, neighbours and LGBTQ+ activists wanting the 26-year-old bar to bounce back from its pandemic losses. KU Bar will stay open until 1am at its sites in China Town and Soho from August 2 after Westminster Council made a rare exception to extend the company’s alcohol license.
One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues has been allowed to open late to help it fight huge losses from the pandemic. By Jacob Phillips, local democracy reporter