Pride celebrations on Britain's gayest street, Old Compton Street in Soho, were described as the 'worst one yet' as businesses struggle against Westminster Council regulations to attract customers. The annual LGBTQ+ event, historically 'bigger and better than New Year's Eve,' has seen a decline due to residents' groups and over-regulation chipping away at the area's nightlife.
Businesses report significant revenue drop
Eran Tibi, owner of Kapara restaurant just off Old Compton Street, told Metro: 'It was the quietest, most economically and culturally stifled Pride Soho has ever seen. Historically, Pride yields three to four times our standard weekend revenue, making it bigger than New Year's Eve for many of us. Unless you were positioned directly in front of one of the six stages, Soho felt empty compared to previous years.'
Tibi, who opened Kapara three years ago, described the area as having 'blew his mind' when he moved to London 20 years ago. However, when trying to run his own event in 2023, he faced significant knockbacks, including being told to unplug speakers. 'I paid for a complicated licence to stay open later, I built a stage and booked a DJ. But someone from licencing turned up and asked to tone it down. I have tried to push through something similar every year. I am jumping through all of their hoops, but there's clearly no point,' he said.
Iconic venues close as identity fades
The loss of Soho's queer identity is not new. Jeremy Joseph, owner of iconic G-A-Y Bar, shut his venue for good in October, stating the area had 'lost its vibrancy.' 'When I opened the Old Compton venue, it was the gayest street in London, but now it has lost its identity,' the 58-year-old told Metro, adding that he no longer feels safe enough to hold another man's hand there. 'During 2024's Pride month, I looked at other businesses and a third couldn't even be bothered to put a Pride flag out.'
Coven, which took over G-A-Y Bar, celebrated its first Pride weekend in the venue. Owner Matthew Jacobs Morgan said he used to come to Pride in Soho as a punter but stopped a few years ago as it felt increasingly 'sanitized.' This year, although they had queues out the door, it was only due to a temporary licence. 'It was great we were busy, but it came with a lot of conditions. I had to pay for 10 security staff when the average for this building is four. I am asking for a permanent licence extension but it feels like they are already saying no before I have made my case,' he said.
Younger crowds seek alternatives
Young people are looking elsewhere to celebrate Pride. Calum Lees, a 22-year-old waiter at Soho restaurant Vaco and Piero's Pavilion, said venues in Camden and Hackney are often open later and feel 'more authentic.' 'It can feel highly commercialised around here. A lot of my friends are going to Dalston now which is sad, because Soho is meant to be the traditional centre.' Paul, the owner of Vaco and Piero's Pavilion, confirmed the venue 'did not do well' over Pride.
Ava Wesson, general manager of a Soho restaurant, suggested that if more streets blocked vehicles beyond the parade route, venues could offer al fresco dining. 'Young people want to be outside. Pride here used to be much more free-flowing, with people milling about on the streets. Now you have to sit inside and get tables due to restrictions, which simply does not appeal,' the 28-year-old said.
Council defends support
Councillor Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning, defended the council's role: 'It's estimated more than a million people descended on central London for Pride this year, and Soho was once again packed shoulder to shoulder with people celebrating well into the early hours. The council is hugely supportive of this wonderful event and the hospitality businesses that make Soho special. We granted hundreds of temporary event notices this weekend, allowing pubs, bars and restaurants to stay open later to support our hospitality industry. Our Pride Market on Rupert Street and the large, licensed Pride in London event area were supported by many local venues, helping create a fantastic atmosphere for Pride.'
