CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the famous Black Cap are locked in delicate negotiations with new bar operators as they attempt to protect its status as “one of the largest LGBT pubs in the country”. 

The company Ruth & Robinson’s plans to open a “drinking establishment with occasional live music and acts” on the site in Camden High Street were revealed at the end of last week, sparking fears that the historic significance of the much-loved cabaret venue would be ignored. 

Full details of how the new bar would look have not been revealed, although designs submitted to the Town Hall include a sign over the front door which reads “Hollenbeck’s”.

Members of the Black Cap Foundation, which has sprung up out of protests that followed the sudden closure of the venue in April last year, have held two meetings with the company, which they described as “productive” despite “philosophical differences”.

Alex Green, of the Black Cap Foundation, said: “They’re not experienced at running LGBT venues, but where we are joined up in thinking is that it’s absolutely tragic that the pub has been run down and closed so abruptly.”

He added: “At this point the upside is that it will be open again – the downside is that it might lose some of its history and character. It’s finding a balance, that’s where we are at. They haven’t taken this building and thought, oh, we want to run one of the largest LGBT pubs in the country.”

The closure of the Black Cap saw hundreds of protesters, many dressed in drag, take to the streets. Attempts to reopen it as a branch of The Breakfast Club, a morning diner with a string of outlets across London, broke down last year in the face of an outcry from former customers. 

The venue dates back to 1889 and has been a central part of the London gay scene for more than 50 years. 

Concerns have been raised about Ruth & Robinson’s application to change the use of the venue. It currently has “sui generis” use with specification as an LGBT cabaret venue, but changing to general pub use means it would have no protection from being taken over by a large pub company that had no interest in respecting its place in the community. 

Ruth & Robinson have appointed a professional communication firm to deal with requests from the press. 

A spokesman said: “The stuff that has gone in for planning is a tidying up exercise, for the most part. It’s a bit early to talk exactly about the details of the venue at the moment.”

Town Hall planning chief Councillor Phil Jones said: “The Black Cap has now been sitting empty and neglected for some time, so a workable plan that could return it to its former glory would be very welcome in Camden and across London.

“However, it’s important that any proposal fully reflects the historic identity of the venue as an LGBT cabaret venue and is not just another generic bar.”

Documents submitted to the Town Hall state that Ruth & Robinson are looking to “create a unique, distinctive and vibrant drinking establishment which is welcoming to the whole community”.