Nine months after the closure of G-A-Y, new queer venue ‘Coven’ has taken over its premises
A new queer club has opened up on the site of G-A-Y in Soho – nine months after its owner abruptly bid adieu after 22 years.
It was with a heavy heart that Jeremy Joseph announced the closure of the bar on Old Compton Street in October 2025, citing changes in the community. He instead turned to focus on his other venture, Heaven nightclub in Charing Cross.
Luckily, a new LGBTQ venue Coven has stepped into the empty G-A-Y unit and opened on Friday, June 19. Coven’s owner, Matthew James Morgan, says the new venue will be for “every letter of LGBTQIA.”
Matthew, 32, told Metro newspaper that the community has rallied round to redecorate the club – although painting over G-A-Y’s famously deep purple walls was “a nightmare.”
Matthew said: “So many people have just committed their energy into making this a great space. I have struggled working out my power tools, but I have some friends who have been so quick to offer to help.”
Matthew said G-A-Y was his first clubbing experience when he was 19 and praised the club’s longevity. But, he added: “With Coven, we are making it more inclusive, rather than focused on gay men. All are welcome here.”
DJ and drag queen Jodie Harsh made their debut at G-A-Y and also spoke about the change in Soho’s scene while praising the new club, adding: “[Soho] lost some of its soul to greed. Coven feels like a new breath of optimism.
“I’m excited to see how they’ll transform this iconic address into something of a hub that serves queers in 2026, in a scene that’s shifted far away from late night drunken dancing only.”
Coven is based at 30 Old Compton Street, Soho
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