Two of city's best-known gay bars to shut permanently

Two of Brighton's best-known gay bars have announced they are permanently closing their doors after more than 20 years.

R-Bar on Marine Parade and Charles Street Tap have announced the decision within days of each other but closure dates have yet to be finalised.

Steve Jones, director of R-Bar and Revenge nightclub, told BBC Radio Sussex the move was "really heartbreaking" but the business was no longer financially sustainable.

Chris Marshall, general manager of Charles Street Tap, described a "deep personal sadness" over the closure of the venue, which he said had "made a difference to so many".

Jones said R-Bar, which announced its closure on Tuesday, had been "struggling for several years" but the business had been "particularly bad" in the last few months.

"We've been doing everything we can to try and keep the pub open," he added.

"It's the rising costs, wage, business rates and our rent has increased by £1,000 a month," he explained. "People don't have as much spare cash to go out for drinks."

He said this meant R-Bar, which had been operating for more than 20 years, was "no longer financially sustainable" despite their best efforts.

Jones said his main focus was now Revenge nightclub, but he was also concerned about its survival as he said the nightlife industry "has been under immense pressure for years".

Chris Marshall, general manager of Charles Street Tap, posted on social media on Friday confirming the pub's closure after 25 years.

He said the pub had been a "small part of the beating heart of Brighton's LGBTQIA+ community" and it was his "absolute honour" to have been part of that story.

Marshall described the closure as a "deep personal sadness" as he had regarded the pub, which he had worked at for 20 years, as "being a part of him".

"It breaks my heart to say goodbye," he said.

Despite the closure, he said the pub's history would remain indelible in people's memories as it had "made a difference to so many".

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.