More than 3,000 pubs and clubs have closed since the pandemic while other cities like Manchester and Liverpool have thrived. If the mayor won’t do anything about it, others will, says Emma Best

Growing up gay in London, my world and confidence in who I was changed when I was able to start experiencing London’s nightlife – and at that time there was somewhere to be every night. The Angel in Stratford on a Monday, 1-3-1 on a Tuesday, Brannigans on a Wednesday and Opium in Romford on a Thursday and G-A-Y and Heaven on a weekend.

It is tragic to think that all are now closed except for Heaven, with an announcement this year that even this historic venue is at risk of closure. It is not just those from the LGBT community that are missing out. London’s nightlife once catered to all cultures, backgrounds and every niche interest. Now, anyone leaving a West End show will find every pub or bar nearby closed, late-night food........

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