Another London gay sauna has closed its doors

Following the recent news that London’s biggest gay sauna in Shoreditch is set to be demolished to make way for a luxury 200-bed hotel, Chariots have confirmed the closure of another of their venues in the capital.

Chariots sauna in Streatham reportedly closed this weekend after staff were informed on Friday that the premises had been sold.

“I went there yesterday (16 February) at lunchtime. There was a big white van outside and they were taking away all the towels”, a regular patron told Gay Star News, adding that a manager confirmed the news of the closure to him.

“He said they were all shocked and that he’d had regulars turning up and some were very upset to hear of the closure – some were in tears.

“I’ve had friends texting me, people who went regularly, who are really upset. I’ve supported the place for the last 15 years and am very sad to see it go.”

Chariots sauna confirmed news of the closure in a statement to Gay Star News today (February 17).

“I can confirm that our Streatham branch has closed,” a spokesperson for the company said. “Our Shoreditch branch is closing on 22 February, but we are actively seeking new premises in the Shoreditch area. Until then, our Waterloo and Vauxhall branches remain open.”

The news comes after a devastating 18-month period for the capital’s gay scene that’s already seen the closure of Barcode, Manbar, Madame Jojo’s, The Green Carnation, The Black Cap, and more.

With more and more venues under threat, we recently took an in-depth look at the problems they’re currently facing, asking: is it the end of the capital’s gay scene as we know it?

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