G-A-Y confirms purchase of Heaven nightclub
The group that owns G-A-Y has ended months of speculation and confirmed it has purchased Heaven nightclub.
The Astoria had been the venue for G-A-Y club nights for 15 years. It is to be demolished to make way for the Crossrail project and a redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road station.
Promoter Jeremy Joseph said in May that he made the decision to leave the Astoria after fifteen years “after a lot of thought and consideration. The last night there was in July.
The G-A-Y franchise includes two other bars, G-A-Y Late located just off Charing Cross Road and G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street in Soho.
The MAMA group, owners of the Barfly music venue chain and the management company of top British bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs, bought a 75% share in Manto Soho Limited (MSL), the company which operates G-A-Y Bar and G-A-Y Late, in August 2007.
Mr Joseph retains ownership of the G-A-Y brand.
He told clubbing blog dicscodamaged yesterday:
“I’m proud and excited that I can now confirm that G-A-Y is the new owners of HEAVEN Nightclub.
“Together it is 44 years of gay history.
“After years of being competition to each other, the world’s best known gay club becomes the home to the world’s most famous gay club night.
“Despite much speculation about the future of Heaven, it is my priority to make sure not only will Heaven be the new home for G-A-Y, but also to continue the success of other nights, allowing Heaven to be a diverse venue, making it’s Britain’s best gay club.”
“The next couple of weeks I will spend getting to re-know Heaven & will be making plans that will include a major refurbishment.”
