Landmark gay venue Royal Vauxhall Tavern could be bought out by strip club chain
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is reportedly under threat of being bought by a strip club chain that targets heterosexual male clients.
The landmark gay venue in London has changed hands a number of times in recent years and is now under threat of being put back on the market once again according to chairman of RVT Future, Amy Lamé.
Talking to the Evening Standard Lamé revealed that the current owners of the pub, Immovate – a german real estate firm, may put the venue back on the market for a staggering £4.1 million.
The former mayoress of Camden reported that the strip club chain Spearmint Rhino are a prospective buyer of the venue. Another pub chain is also allegedly in line for purchasing the property.
The RVT became a Grade II listed building earlier this year after being backed by Sir Ian McKellen and Paul O’Grady. The new found status means the pub cannot be destroyed or altered without special permission.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has vowed to protect the historical landmark and has backed the preservation group, RVT Future, who announced that they’re working to bring the pub into community ownership.
The pub plays a colourful role in the lives of many LGBT Londoners. Princess Diana allegedly dressed up as a Drag Queen to party in the venue with Freddie Mercury, and the recently released Absolutely Fabulous film featured some scenes in the club.
Amy Lamé, Chair of RVT Future said: “The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is irreplaceable. We’re thrilled to have Sadiq’s support and we urge any other friends of the RVT to submit evidence to the council. This will help us resist the property developers and, we hope, eventually bring the RVT into community ownership.”
