The Birdcage sings its farewell

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Popular pub to get a gastro makeover

The Birdcage Pub, best known as a gay hangout for West London's discerning drinkers, is set to close its doors on 28th January 2006.

The premises is set to receive an extensive refurbishment and a new name before being re-launched as a gastro-pub.

The Birdcage's Assistant Manager claimed the move is "to get away from the image it has at the moment"

A claim strongly refuted by the Spirit Group who own the premises.  They state that the plans are nothing to do with The Birdcage's current clientele.  They believe that the Chiswick High Road location makes the premises "perfect for a gastro-pub". 

The Spirit Group also own The Barley Mow, The John Bull and the Packhorse and Talbot on Chiswick High Road, The Duke on South Parade, The Grove Park Hotel in Grove Park, City Barge and Bulls Head in Strand on the Green and The Tabard on Bath Road.  There are no current plans to alter the services offered by any of these.

The Birdcage will remain in local memory as the home and workplace of David Morley who died after a vicious and unprovoked attack by a gang of teenagers on the South Bank in October 2005.  His attackers were found guilty of his manslaughter earlier this month.

January 1, 2006