Fans of the Black Cap flocked to Camden Town this afternoon to protest against the sudden closure of the iconic gay bar.

Regulars at the venue – which has been a central part of the London gay community for more than 50 years – were joined by drag stars and cabaret acts on the pavement in Camden High Street. 

Police had cordoned off one lane off traffic to make room for protesters. 

The pub was closed down without warning on Sunday by Faucett Inns, who had been managing the pub for the past five years, four days after it was named an “asset of community value” by Camden Council – giving it additional protection from redevelopment. 

But the sale of the building, from Kicking Horse Limited to newly-formed company Camden Securities LLP, is already underway and the future of the legendary gay bar remains uncertain.

Nigel Harris, from Camden LGBT Forum, said he spoke with a director of Camden Securities LLP who assured him that "all options were on the table". It comes amid rumours that they intend to convert the ground floor into shop space and the upper floors into flats. They have not applied to Camden Council for planning permission, which would be required for such a change. 

VIDEO: Cabaret stars lead protests outside the #BlackCap on Saturday http://t.co/Xrr8oAJ1Yk https://t.co/9Jkcx9grBb

— Camden New Journal (@NewJournal) April 21, 2015

Police at the scene estimated the crowd numbered over 200 people and Mr Harris said the crowds "shows there is a market" for the Black Cap to continue trading. 

Performers Lolo Brow and Scralett O'Hora spent the afternoon waving placards and posing for pictures with protesters and tourists passing by. 

Lolo Brow said: "I'm heartbroken that what was our home has been swept from under our feet. I hope [the new owners] understand the cultural and historical significance." 

Edwin Sesange, a member of the Metropolitan Community Church based in Camden Town, said the Black Cap was a vital meeting point for the congregation, around half of whom come from Uganda, where homophobia is rife and homosexuality illegal. 

Members of the Metropolitan Community Church from Uganda

He said: "This place means a lot to us because we all come from countries where it's very difficult to be gay. This is a safe place, where we can socialise and interact with other people, while we are still healing."

He added: "Closing this place is denying us happiness"