London gay bars fading

Members of London's LGBT community enjoy an evening out at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in south London. London is one of the world's most gay-friendly cities, and many LGBT people feel welcome in mainstream establishments. Many gay people are frequenting mainstream venues amid an atmosphere of greater tolerance. [Photo/Agencies]

East London's Joiners' Arms, which closed in January after being sold to developers, hosted gay community meetings with the police, HIV testing and fundraising events.

Activists also warn against complacency, and point to rising homophobic crime and cuts to gay-community services as part of the government's austerity drive.

"It's good that mainstream tolerance seems to be increasing, but history tells us things can go backwards fast," said Walters, from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern campaign.

He does not advocate "preserving all gay bars at all costs", but says London's extreme commercial pressures were making it hard for new types of LGBT venues to find a foothold.

"We need queer spaces beyond pubs and bars, such as arts and community venues. But it's a battle to keep what we've got, let alone move things forward," he said.

Back at the tavern, performer Ursula Martinez is dressed in a flamenco-esque outfit and eliciting howls of laughter with songs about sex and race.

"Viva la liberacion sexual! Viva la integracion cultural!" she said, with a final strum of her guitar.

Perkins, seeking a more traditional scene, had disappeared.