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London’s nightlife scene was dealt yet another blow as the popular Soho pub Molly Moggs closed its doors for good this week.

The venue is at the heart of the capital’s gay scene on Old Compton Street, but its management announced the bar's closure on Thursday.

It is unclear whether the pub, which is renowned for its Sunday drag shows and loud evening events, will reopen as a similar venue.

Its sudden closure comes after a number of other venues that form London’s LGBT scene have been forced to shut up shop in recent years.

In an emotional goodbye post on Facebook, Molly Moggs’ management team wrote: “It comes with a heavy heart that we have to inform you all of this situation.

“Unfortunately today we say goodbye to the Molly Moggs that we've all loved for many years.

“We can't thank our loyal customers and our new customers enough for sticking with us through the thick and thin and making it such a valuable part of Soho.”

It added that the future of the well-loved venue is unclear, and that “for now there will be no singing drag queens at Molly Moggs.”

Richard Rhodes, a former performer at the popular boozer, expressed his sadness about the closure.

He wrote on social media: “Yes, Molly's has closed. No I don't know what's happening with it.

“I've been performing at Molly's as Cookie MonStar on and off for the past eight years so of course it's a sad day.

“But things needed to change and with change come new beginnings, of which there are plenty that I'm excited about.”

Pub regulars also took to social media, shocked and saddened by the news.

One wrote: “This was one of my favourite places in London! My heart has been shattered.

Another said: “Such a shame. Had many a great night in Molly's over the years. Will miss the best venue in Soho!”

The Black Cap in Camden, The Joiner’s Arms in Hackney and Vauxhall’s Barcode are among other LGBT venues to close across London in recent years.

Soho hotspots Shadow Lounge, Manbar, Madame Jojo’s and The Green Carnation also shut for good.