New nightclub takes over former home of Soho's G-A-Y

A new nightclub has opened within the former home of G-A-Y in Soho, Central London.

Located on Old Compton Street, Coven is the brainchild of TV and film director Matthew Jacobs Morgan, who also founded the former LGBTQIA+ venue of the same name which recently held a lease in the upstairs of Hackney Wick's Fabwick until late last year. 

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Described as a "queer cultural space where music, art, nightlife and community collide," Coven launched on Friday, June 19, followed by a 'Solstice Day Rave' featuring performances from Jake Reed, Scarba, Norma Night, Princess Julia and Jeffrey Hinton on Sunday, June 21.

The venue takes over the space once occupied by G-A-Y, which The Metro reports has been lying dormant since the beloved LGBTQIA+ venue closed its doors nine months ago.

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Former G-A-Y owner Jeremy Joseph, who also owns Charing Cross' Heaven nightclub, announced the closure in October last year citing continuous disputes with neighbours and the authorities, claiming that Old Compton Street had "lost that LGBT identity".

Speaking to The Metro, Jacobs Morgan said: "G-A-Y Bar was my very first clubbing experience when I was 19. The fact it was open for 22 years is a success in itself. But with Coven, we are making it more inclusive, rather than focused on gay men. All are welcome here."

For more information and event listings for Coven, click here

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, get in touch with her here