Why is Heaven famous?
Every LGBTQ+ local has a story of a night spent in Heaven. Its name is synonymous with late nights, strobe lights, 4am dancing and having a riotous time! With more than 40,000 people filling its dance floors every month, this place is unmissable for any LGBTQ+ visitor to the UK capital.
Who created Heaven?
In late 1970s London, most gay bars were little cellar cafes in Soho, few in number and not very impressive. In 1979, Jeremy Norman was already riding the recent success of his Embassy Club on Old Bond Street, a Studio 54-inspired nightclub which he had opened the previous year. But his next venture was set to transform London’s nightlife.
Where is Heaven?
Tucked away in the arches of Villiers Street beneath Charing Cross Station, where the daily marching of sightseers and tourists rarely strays, Heaven opened its doors as the city’s first gay super club. Spread across three floors, it hosts a variety of events to suit all tastes. If you like dancing the week in, for example, why not try ‘Popcorn’? That’s Heaven’s notorious Monday club night. Or if you’d like to see the venue packed to bursting, the weekend would suit you best (warning: be prepared to queue!). All club nights continue until 5am. Or maybe you could consider Heaven for some live music? Back when Heaven first opened, only alternative acts, little known outside the gay community, would perform. In more recent times, headliners have included some of the biggest names in music; Lady Gaga, Cher, Mariah Carey, Adele, Janet Jackson, the list goes on… So keep your eyes on Heaven’s calendar!
What is the Capacity of Heaven?
And that’s not all. This super club might be about to get even more super. The management
recently announced that they are planning to increase capacity, despite the fact that its current capacity is already pushing 2,000. Not bad for a basement venue! When we also consider that Heaven has recently been granted status as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ by Westminster City Council (this gives the community the right to try and purchase the building, should it ever be put up for sale), it’s clear to see that Heaven, despite being over 40 years old, is going nowhere.
Curious to know more? Why not join our LGBTQ+ History Tour or check out all our free walking tours in London here. Photographs provided by Rachel Cole-Wilkin.
Comments