London's foremost gay hotel under threat of closure

A letter from a reader: the Philbeach's name always pops up in articles about London's gay history and it's obviously crucial to London and a huge attraction for gay tourists so it's sad that it's closing. Click here to see photos of the Philbeach at its finest, join the protest and let us know your memories of it. But it would probably be best it didn't close, really.

"Dear Sir/Madam,

I wanted to highlight to you the recently announced closure of one of Europe’s largest and friendliest gay hotels.

The hotel has been open for over 20 years, and it is the only gay hotel in London which is privately owned by gays and run by gays.

It was recently announced that the hotel has been sold to an unknown developer to turn into flats.

The current staff there have been given 3 weeks to find new employment and new housing.

The hotel closes on 31st January 2008.

I particularly feel this is important news for the TV/TS community in London as well as the gay and bisexual community who also visit, and drink in the bar.

It's not just Londoners that stay in the hotel, the visitors stretch all around the world, from America to New Zealand, and Australia to Thailand.

If you didn't know Philbeach Gardens is a 19th century, tree-lined crescent in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is secluded and free from traffic and situated in one of the oldest gay centres of London.

Please could you highlight this story. This is not the end of a hotel, it is the end of an institution.

A website has been set up in a hurry to try and highlight the plight of this marvellous hotel, and more importantly the plight of the magnificent staff who have been so loyal to the owner, and who have now been left.

Thank you for your attention and your help."