Soho’s Manbar closes down, blames Westminster Council
By Will Stroude
Soho’s Manbar has closed its doors for good yesterday (January 5), blaming Westminster City Council’s decision to remove its entertainment license last year.
A statement on the venue’s Facebook page said that the venue had ceased trading immediately, having struggled with a 50% fall in revenue since losing the license.
The statement reads: “Ever since the Westminster Court Case happened last April, Manbar has suffered. When we lost the appeal resulting in losing our entertainment licence the takings went down 50% and since the entertainment licence was reinstated, Manbar has not been able to recover.
Owner Chris Amos added: “I am extremely sadden to have to announce Manbar has closed down. December and New Years revenue was considerably less than we expected. We had been counting on good takings from the festive season to help push a resurgence for Manbar but it never eventuated.
“I sincerely believe had we not had to spend considerable amount of time and money fighting Westminster City Council to keep our entertainment licence, Manbar would still be open today.
“It has been a roller coaster two years and there have been so many highlights. I hope we managed to give many people a night to remember. I wish to thank all the staff, entertainers, DJs and customers who have been a part of Manbar.”
The news comes less than two months after famous London drag club Madame Jojo’s was forced to closed following a serious violent incident – click here to find out more.
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