The Backstreet Explained

The Backstreet was a gay leather bar on the Mile End Road in London's East End. It was London's longest running, and last remaining leather bar, having opened in April 1985.^{[1] [2]} In 2019, it was saved from redevelopment by Tower Hamlets Council, which stated that the redevelopment would "harm the long-term provision of a nightclub that serves the LGBT+ community".^{[3] [4]} The reprieve was short lived however, and the bar closed permanently on 17 July 2022.

In 2024, a documentary film about the leather bar The Backstreet premiered at the Sheffield Docfest directed by Romain Beck.

References

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Notes and References

1. Web site: The Backstreet (London) on GayCities. london.gaycities.com.
2. News: Why is the gay leather scene dying?. Siddons. Edward. 2018-10-04. The Guardian. 2019-08-16. en-GB. 0261-3077.
3. News: London council saves gay fetish club from redevelopment. Neate. Rupert. 2019-08-16. The Guardian. 2019-08-16. en-GB. 0261-3077.
4. Web site: Backstreet, London's Longest-Running Gay Leather Bar, Saved from Bulldozer by Letter-Writing Campaign: 'It Saved My Life'. 2019-08-16. Towleroad Gay News. en-US. 2019-08-16.