Iconic London landmark ‘bullied’ out of Soho fears it’s been forgotten about

The owner of an iconic London venue fighting for its survival fears his industry is being forgotten about.

The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square, which attracts 250,000 visitors each year, said it’s being ‘bullied into closure’ by landlord Zedwell LSQ.

This week, a new London Nightlife Taskforce was launched in a bid to bring fun back to the capital.The group includes 11 members who ‘represent an incredibly broad spectrum’.

But Prince Charles Cinema owner Ben Freedman, who is battling to keep his venue open, said he does not understand why neither he nor other people in the industry were included in the taskforce.

Group organisers have been accused of forgetting cinemas and theatres, both of which are a ‘major part of the night time economy’.

Mr Freedman told Metro: ‘It seems bonkers cinema hasn’t been included, I don’t understand why we aren’t a part of it. We didn’t even know about it until it was announced.

‘We are one of the more popular activities for Londoners in the evening, yet we aren’t going through the best run at the minute and need help and support.’

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced London’s new independent Nightlife Taskforce on Tuesday after the city’s former Night Czar Amy Lamé stepped down in October.

Her resignation came as London suffered a 19% decline in late night venues since Covid lockdowns, with iconic venues including Tiger Tiger and G-A-Y announcing their closures or planned sales.

The Prince Charles Cinema, which opened in 1962, claims the landlord wants an increase in rent above market rates in an attempt to shut the business and redevelop the property.

This is despite the it being one of the country’s best-loved cinemas, and has been praised by Hollywood actors and directors.

Mr Freedman said: ‘There is the danger that if we keep being forgotten about, then us and other independent cinemas will close.’

Campaign #SaveThePCC has been set up, with more than 150,000 signing the petition.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: ‘The Mayor is committed to championing and supporting all aspects of London’s world-leading cultural and nighttime offer, including the incredible range of independent theatres and cinemas in the capital.

‘City Hall’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk Office continues to help venues with the challenges that they are facing and is in touch with the operators of the Prince Charles Cinema to explore what we can do to help them, as we build a more prosperous London for everyone.’

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