THE future is uncertain for one of London's longest-standing gay bars after the owners confirmed today that it has closed. 

Faucet Inns said the Black Cap has "had to be closed as of today" as the sale of the venue's freehold "will complete imminently". 

Cabaret performers told customers yesterday (Sunday) that it would be the last night for the Camden Town venue, which opened in 1889. They were refused planning permission to convert the upper floors into private flats for the third time earlier this year.

The doors were locked shut this afternoon and staff leaving the bar in Camden High Street confirmed it had closed, but said they had been instructed not to comment further. 

A website and Twitter account, run by Faucet Inn, were closed down last night. 

A statement released by Faucet Inn this afternoon said the company "regrets to announce that it is no longer able to operate The Black Cap" which it says it "has operated on behalf of the freeholder for the last five years". 

The freehold was bought by Kicking Horse Limited for £11.4million in September, 2010, according to Land Registry records. 

A spokesman for London brewery Fuller's denied rumours that they have taken over the bar. 

Cabaret journalist Ben Walters, who has been campaigning to keep the pub open, said: "It is devastating for the whole community and heart breaking for everybody who cares about the Black Cap as a venue where people can come together to feel happy and safe and supported."

The venue was given "asset of community value" status by Camden Council last week, which gives it greater protection from redevelopment. 

The statement added: "Faucet Inn thanks its loyal customers over the time it has operated the site and regrets the impact on the LGBTQI community of the closure of the venue. This historical venue has long been recognised as an important part of the LGBTQI community and its significant contribution to many performers on the London and international cabaret circuit."

In February, plans to turn the first, second and third floor of the building into homes were met with fierce opposition by regulars who feared it would lead to constant noise complaints and the eventual closure of the pub, which was described as “one of the last surviving, genuine gay community assets in London”.

A committee of 12 councillors unanimously rejected the proposals in February. It was the third time the pub chain had been refused permission for similar schemes by Town Hall planning chiefs since they took control in 2011. 

Speaking at the hearing earlier this year, council leader Sarah Hayward urged colleagues to “stand up” for “this vital asset, for a community that still sadly suffers discrimination in 2015”. She added: “We still live in a hetero­nomative society – this means most gay people have to go through a period of coming out.

“This is where they conceal their sexuality until they are comfortable talking to friends, family members and colleagues about it. A big glass-fronted building demonstrating to everyone does not aid people going through that process to help come to terms with their sexuality and come to terms with who they are.”

The firm also owns the Sir Ricard Steele pub in Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park – affectionally known as Steeles – which was last year refused planning permission to convert the function room into bedrooms.

Faucet Inn are appealing the decision and director Steve Cox last month told the New Journal that the Steeles "is not closing".

The Dartmouth Arms in York Rise, Dartmouth Park, is closed wile building work is carried out.