07/08/2026
It is with a very heavy heart and deep personal sadness I have to let you all know that after 25 years the story of Charles Street Tap (formerly known as just Charles Street) is coming to a close. In mid September our lease will come to an end and the building will be returned to the landlords.
The final date has not been set yet but I will let everyone know as soon as we know.
For 25 years Charles Street has been a small part of the beating heart of Brighton’s LGBTQIA+ community and it has been my absolute honour to have been part of that story. The loss of one of our safe spaces should always be mourned. But its history and our memories, the difference it made to so many people should be so celebrated, shouted about and never forgotten.
For the last 20 years I have been so privileged to have been the General Manager of this venue that I love so so much. It is so much more than where I work. It is where I live, it is my home and it is part of who I am. This has been an incredible life changing experience, with so many magical and amazing memories - it breaks my heart to say good bye.
I have to say though, more than anything, I am so proud of the incredible bar team members and management that I have had the honour of working along side over those decades. And I am in awe of the shear dedication and passion that so many have shared for Charles Street. It has been their home, their refuge and their family. For that, I want to thank you all for being a part of our story! I know how hard this news will be for you to hear.
There are just too too many people for me to mention and thank individually here, but please know you are all in my heart and I thank you all. There are however two people I do have to single out.
Ed Stocker has been at Charles Street for 22 years. Even longer than I have. As my Deputy Manager he has been my right hand man who has shown unparalleled dedication to this venue and to me throughout that time. I cannot thank him enough for his complete trust I have had in him, his shared humour that has got us through some amazing challenges and for just being my friend. Thank you Ed!
Dame Sally Vate or Jon Holbrough-Hughes when she’s been an occasional bar w***h (her words not mine!) has been our resident drag mother at Charles Street for some 18 years (along with Joan Bond of course - thank you JP!). She has been the face of Charles Street. Thank you for everything you’ve done, your talent, your dedication and love for everyone here and for all those magical moments and memories that I will treasure for ever. Thank you Sal!
To all the incredible cabaret artists, DJs , Promotors, Security and cleaners - I just want to say thank you - you were all a part of what made us what we were. And of course to you, our customers, our guests our family, thank you for your support - none of this would have been possible without you.
Throughout we tried to be different, we tried to do things well and we tried to bring joy. I hope at some point we succeeded to do that for you. Thank you.
Chris Marshall GM
Charles Street Tap
