Saving soho? Councillors to decide fate of stables bar

The fate of Soho’s last publicly accessible Victorian stable yard will be decided by councillors tonight in what is being billed as a key test of Westminster’s willingness to preserve the area.

Campaigners say plans to redevelop the 1880s-built yard on Rupert Street would represent an unacceptable “mutilation” of its historic character.

It operates as gay bar and club The Yard but landlord Hallmark Estates wants to dig out a basement and build luxury apartments above.

Stephen Fry, below, who has led the campaign to preserve Soho from developers, said in a tweet: “Saddened to hear The Yard under threat. We must save Soho!”

Andy Jones, owner of The Yard, said: “Hidden Soho must be protected.”

The application has been recommended by council officers but a final decision has already been deferred once to allow time for a more detailed assessment of the yard’s historical significance.

It is not listed but is full of rare original features. No one was available for comment from Hallmark.