Birmingham’s gay night-spot, Nightingale, sold to Westbourne Leisure

Birmingham's oldest gay night-spot, Nightingale, has been sold to Midlands-based licensed trade operators Westbourne Leisure after falling into administration in November last year.

The deal, brokered by property agents Christie & Co, will see Westbourne's trading partners, Lawrence Barton and family, run the business.

Paul Reilly, associate director of Christie & Co, said: "We are delighted to have achieved a swift sale of this iconic nightclub to experienced local operators and put to an end a period of uncertainty for its staff and customers."

Ryan Grant, partner at administrator Zolfo Cooper, added: "We are extremely pleased to have secured the sale of the Nightingale, which puts it on a firm footing for the future. This is great news for all its loyal customers. We wish the club and its new owners all the best for their combined future."

Nightingale opened in 1969 and was a significant step forward for Birmingham's gay community, who, until that time, lacked a venue that they could call their own. It operated as a members-only co-operative, working as a not-for-profit organisation which invested back into the venue and the local gay community.

By Neil Gerrard

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