As reported by us last Tuesday, the popular venue - which is
located on St. Giles High Street behind the famous Centre Point
building - will close following changes to the lease agreement.
It will see the popular eatery and bar close after twenty-five
years of service.
"This decision comes after the failure of protracted lease
negotiations as the area around the café bar undergoes intense
redevelopment," the statement reads.
"Last orders will be called on 29th October 2011. In the meantime,
Malcolm, Maria and the team would love to say a big thank you to
all those who have helped make First Out a cherished London
institution.
"For a quarter of a century, the café bar has served as a
touchstone for literally thousands of young people coming out in
London. First Out is where you met new friends, got your first job,
prepared for Pride and, more often than not, found your first
girlfriend or boyfriend.
"We urge customers and friends call in to say farewell
before the end of the month and a commemorative book will be
available for signing, as well as the guest book on the First Out
website. We at First Out team have no immediate plans for
relocation but, as they say, watch this space."
Many DIVA readers have been saddened by the news, with some even
calling for people to galvanise in order to save the cafe.
One reader said: "What a shame! My young son says so too - one of
the few gay places where it is easy to take children. And the book
group's great!"
Another said: "This is terrible news! FO is one of the very few
places left in London where LGBT people can go and feel relaxed
without having to be beautiful, young, rich, muscled, well-dressed
etc. Plus, it's a great place to go for a quiet coffee or a
meal.
"I don't normally support 'save the xyz' campaigns but this is an
exception. There is a call to arms on twitter, using the hash tag
#firstoutcafe Do it - tomorrow it might be too late!"
