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The bar unfortunately had tragedy surrounding it – three separate serial killers have used it as a stalking ground for their victims. With the change came all of the things you’d expect – blacked-out windows, notoriety, and a shift in clientele. Though it long had a reputation as a bohemian haven, and attracted a mixed clientele that included many queer people, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the bar officially became a gay bar.Īnd not just any gay bar – a leather bar!
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Talk to any self-respecting gay-of-a-certain-age about Earl’s Court back in the day, and The Coleherne is bound to be the first bar they mention.
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In the 80s the bar changed its name to ‘Bromptons’, which it is perhaps best known as (see full entry further in this article). And, before the night was over the police had to come along and shut the whole thing down. Rather than deterring audiences, of course, this drew them in, and the crowd was so huge that it spilled out on to the street. Things went supersonic after the newspaper News of the World heaped scorn on the night, running a critical article entitled “This Show Must Not Go On.” They convinced a number of local drag queens to come into the pub and perform alongside them.Īnd, before they knew it, they had set the wheels in motion for the Queen of the Month contest.įrom then on, every Saturday night between September 1964 until May 1965, the bar was full of revellers cheering on a gaggle of competitors for the crown. Just don’t tell everyone about it, please.The pub wasn’t a gay bar until, in 1964, a band called The Downtowners, who played there regularly, came up with a little gimmick for their gigs. It's suitable for those needing mobility assistance. It's a short walk from Carnaby Street, and midway between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus underground stations. To me it’s a little haven of peace away from the madding tourist crowds, and a perfect spot to rest the weary feet. There’s plenty of seating in the square, and it’s a popular spot with locals and the crowds that spill out of nearby offices at lunchtime.
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They remind me a bit of Madonna’s bra and corset, and add considerable jolliness and frivolity to the square. They are wonderful but they drew criticism from residents’ group ‘The Soho Society’ who said: "This proposal is presenting an image of Soho that is dated and sexist." Soho was once a red-light district, and the haunt of prostitutes. Designed by Kalliopi Lemos from the Gazelli Art House in Mayfair, the pieces were part of the City of Sculpture programme in 2020. And you cant’t miss the huge metallic corset and bra. On a pedestal there’s the green worm-like sculpture called (appropriately yet mysteriously) ’Lockdown 2020’ by. Keeping him company were some fabulous modern sculptures. In the middle of the square is a weathered statue of George II. Today it’s a peaceful little square, mostly paved and flat, with some mature trees such as maples and crab apples, and raised flower beds which were filled with spring bulb showstoppers such as tulips. An air raid shelter was dug under Golden Square during the Second World War and the iron fence was taken for salvage. A number of famous people, real and fictional (such as Ralph Nickelby, whose dingy house in Charles Dicken’s 1839 novel 'Nicholas Nickelby' was in the square), have lived in houses around the square. The area gained fame in the 1700s as the home of many foreign diplomatic envoys from countries as Poland, Portugal, Genoa, and Russia. The name ‘Golden Square’ is believed to originate from Gelding Close which referred to land being used for horse grazing. It started life in the 1670, on the site of a former plague pit (a mass-burial site for victims of the Black Death) it is said that Sir Christopher Wren may have laid down the square. This pretty little garden square, tucked away behind Regent Street and well-removed from the heavy tourist footfall of Soho, is a delight to visit, and it also has a fascinating history.