The Birdcage looks set to get a reprieve

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Gastro makeover for local gay pub called off

The Birdcage, best known as a hangout for West London's discerning gay drinkers, looks set to remain just the way it is after the Spirit Group (who own the pub) have reportedly called off their refurbishment plans.

The Birdcage was to be renamed and relaunched as a gastro pub however, after a huge out cry from the gay community, the Spirit Group appears to have made a u-turn. 

The news was welcomed by locals with one Birdcage regular saying, "I know the bar staff, they had a meeting with the brewery, I think it was probably the overwhelming response to the closing. On the 'closing' night in January, you could not get in there after 8pm it was packed. It just goes to show how popular it is."

Another said, "I was there when they got the call, the staff are real pleased, so, we managed to save our pub."

The pub's assistant manager previously claimed that the Spirit Group planned to close the establishment "to get away from the image it has at the moment".  This comment outraged the gay community who have been extremely vocal in their opposition to the closure. 

The Spirit Group have been contacted for confirmation and further information, but Chiswickw4.com are yet to receive a response.

The Birdcage was 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.

February 12, 2006