Gateways club, Former lesbian nightclub in Chelsea, London, United Kingdom.
Gateways Club was an underground venue located at the corner of King's Road and Bramerton Street, accessed through a green door at number 239. The space was intimate and compact, with a steep staircase descending into a subterranean room measuring roughly 35 by 18 feet (11 by 5.5 meters).
Ted Ware acquired the lease in 1943 through a poker game and transformed it into a lesbian-friendly venue. The membership-only establishment operated until 1985, when it closed after losing its late-night license.
The venue served as a social gathering space for lesbian women across several decades, fostering artistic and community connections. Its walls displayed works by local Chelsea creators, attracting musicians and notable patrons who shared the space together.
The venue required descending a steep staircase to access the underground space, which could be challenging for those with mobility concerns. Visitors should expect cooler temperatures typical of subterranean rooms and be comfortable in a compact environment.
Jazz pianists performed in the early years, including Chester Harriott, bringing a musical and artistic dimension to the social space. This creative character was integral to what made the venue memorable for those who visited.
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