Circa, a beloved LGBTQ+ bar in Soho's Frith Street, has announced its permanent closure after 15 years of operation. The management released a statement on July 13, 2026, expressing regret over the decision not to renew the lease.
Management's statement
In the statement, the Circa team said: "When we created Circa, Soho felt different. We created a proudly independent bar without any certainty of success- indeed, great risk of failure- but had an instinct and a passion what Soho needed. And you turned up. In steadily increasing numbers and made Circa not just somewhere to drop in on, but your destination bar and place to make lasting memories."
The statement continued: "That was Circa, and as we approached the end of our lease, the decision to renew or not is based on whether we can honour and improve on that history. We have concluded, with regret, that we cannot. To everyone who has walked through our doors, supported us, worked with us and made Circa what it became- thank you. You created something truly special, and we'll always be grateful for that. With love and thanks, Circa Team."
Expansion and legacy
The Circa brand expanded in 2018 with the opening of Circa Embankment in Charing Cross. The closure of the original Soho venue marks the end of an era for a bar that became a staple in the LGBTQ+ community. The management described the bar as "truly special" and thanked patrons for their support over the years.
