Bethnal Green Working Men's Club Looks Set To Close Down This Weekend

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 7 months ago

Last Updated 25 July 2024

Bethnal Green Working Men's Club Looks Set To Close Down This Weekend
The beloved East End club could shut its doors for good. Image: ArchyEast via creative commons

Legendary east London nightlife venue Bethnal Green Working Men's Club is closing its doors for good this weekend.

The club, known for lively cabaret, burlesque and drag shows, is holding a huge party on Saturday night, "before we pack up for what could be a permanent holiday".

It ran into an undisclosed legal issue in February this year, but was soon up and running again, with its regular programme of events. Now it's reported that the building's owners plan to sell it, with current management ordered to shut down and vacate the venue by this Monday (29 July).

Performing arts trade union Equity has set up an online petition to try to save the venue, in support of "drag and cabaret performers who are at risk of losing vital work and income from these plans".

People performing on stage in Xmas hats
"The potential loss of yet another London venue for queer nightlife is devastating". Image: Ewan Munro via creative commons

It said:

The potential loss of yet another London venue for queer nightlife is devastating and represents a significant loss of work for performers in the drag and cabaret sector.

Earlier this year, legendary LGBTQ+ venue The Glory closed down, though the team have since opened new venue, The Divine.

There has been mention on the BGMWC Instagram account of finding a new venue, so hopefully it's not goodbye forever.