MAMA Group “delighted” at acquisition of Heaven

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The new owners of London nightclub Heaven have said it is a “historical venue” with a “phenomenal reputation.”

As reported on PinkNews.co.uk earlier this week, G-A-Y club nights will now move to the Charing Cross venue as a result of the MAMA Group’s purchase.

“MAMA Group Plc is pleased to announce that through its jointly owned subsidiary, G-A-Y Group Limited, it has acquired Heaven, the company which owns the leasehold of Heaven Nightclub and owns, operates and manages the business of promoting events at the venue,” the group said in a statement.

Heaven has been a favourite London venue with the gay community since it opened in 1979.

It is currently the only club in Westminster licenced to sell alcohol until 6am every day.

Adam Driscoll and Dean James, Co-Chief Executive Officers of MAMA, said:

“We are delighted that the acquisition of Heaven (London) Limited has enabled us to add this unique venue to our expanding live music portfolio.

“The transfer of the G-A-Y club nights to Heaven together with other popular club nights currently staged at the venue will ensure the continued growth and development of Heaven. ”

The Astoria had been the venue for G-A-Y club nights for 15 years. It is to be demolished to make way for the Crossrail project and a redevelopment of Tottenham Court Road station.

Promoter Jeremy Joseph said in May that he made the decision to leave the Astoria after fifteen years “after a lot of thought and consideration.”

The last night there was in July.

The G-A-Y franchise includes two bars, G-A-Y Late located just off Charing Cross Road and G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street in Soho.

The MAMA group, owners of the Barfly music venue chain and the management company of top British bands such as the Kaiser Chiefs, bought a 75% share in the company which operates G-A-Y Bar and G-A-Y Late, in August 2007.

Mr Joseph retains ownership of the G-A-Y brand.