An LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation ‘Gut Level’ has raised nearly £60,000 to take over a former Chapel Walk tea room.
Gut Level has been a club, with over 1900 members, and venue for queer people in and around Sheffield since 2019.
While they have hosted events at the Sheffield And District African Caribbean Community Association (SADDACCA), said they need a more permanent venue.
They were forced out of their last residence, an old cutlery factory on Snow Lane, last year.
Gut Level founders said: “Our aim over the last 4 years has been to provide social and creative opportunities for underrepresented groups in Sheffield, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ people and marginalised genders.
“We are happy to say we have found a new space! A not-too-big, not-too-small, centrally located ex-cafe on Chapel Walk.”
Planning permission for the venue was approved by the council to turn the ex-cafe, Andrews, into a community space, bar, and venue with a 2am alcohol licence on Fridays and Saturdays.
Andrews closed down last year after a lack of footfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will be signing an initial term on the lease for five years, giving them the stable home they have been looking for.
They said: “This space will be a members’ club, taking inspiration from the traditional labour clubs and socialist drinking holes of the 19th century.
“It will be queer, but not tacky. Sometimes sweet. Sometimes sober. Always horny. (a bit like us).”
Gut Level has assured members that drinks will be as cheap as possible, while maintaining a fair wage for their event workers.
On their Instagram account, the group have outlined seven possible uses for the new venue:
- A place for subversive and progressive, creative/cultural activity
- Workshops and socials centred sound the needs of queer people, women, and gender minorities
- A place to share skills and resources
- A space to house community group meet-ups
- A meeting space for activists, groups and grassroots organising
- Community meals
- A co-working space
Gut Level are still asking for donations for the space, and you can donate here.