Lewisham's only gay bar closes

Lewisham's only gay bar, Two8Six, has closed.

The News Shopper reports:

Two8Six has been closed after the building's new owner sent in bailiffs and changed the locks... Publican Steve Thompson said problems started when Isle of Man-based company Mendoza and managers Golfrate, took over ownership in June from Admiral Taverns. He claims they told him to evict his live in staff from the residential floors above the pub so that they could be used as private flats, while demanding outstanding rent. After a series of negotiations, bailiffs were sent in on October 12, changing the locks and boarding up the building.

It's another setback for the borough's nightlife, following the recent closure of The Walpole in New Cross and the threatened redevelopment of the Catford Bridge Tavern and a loss for Lewisham's town centre, which is trying to encourage more nightlife.