Closure of Chelmsford’s Sole LGBT Bar Deemed “Heartbreaking” by Owner

The proprietor of Chelmsford’s sole LGBT establishment, Bar Plus, stated that its impending closure could be “heartbreaking” for numerous patrons. Founder Kirsty Hebden-Lambird indicated that the venue, which commenced operations earlier this year, would serve its last drinks on New Year’s Eve due to a disagreement with the landlord. Mrs. Hebden-Lambird, who operates the bar alongside her wife Lilly, expressed a desire to relocate and reopen, though she acknowledged this “might take some time.” She characterized the preceding six months as “a really wonderful time for the LGBT community” within the city. Bar Plus launched in June, aligning with the annual Essex Pride event hosted in the city. Mrs. Hebden-Lambird further commented that the cessation of operations at the Moulsham Street location might be especially distressing for the local transgender community. “We’ve got so many of them now that come here and can feel free to just be themselves.” “They’re even singing karaoke now and things. When they first turned up they could barely speak to anybody because they were so scared.” “It’s going to be heartbreaking, I think, for a lot of people, and it certainly is for Lilly and I who have put everything into this. It’s just too much to bear.” She noted that the closest LGBT pub is situated over 20 miles (32km) distant in Southend-on-Sea. In other news from Essex, proposals to transform a vacant retail unit in Colchester city centre – approximately 25 miles (40km) from Chelmsford – into a venue for drag performances received approval last month. Updates on Essex news are available via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is accessible.