Former Cork LGBTQ+ Bar Up For Sale After Controversial Rebranding
A prominent bar in Cork City centre,formerly known as Chambers and once the city’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ venue,is now on the market. The sale comes over a year after the establishment closed its doors following a highly controversial rebranding attempt. In September 2023, Chambers sparked outrage when it announced its conversion into “sinners,” a move aimed at attracting a student crowd. Patrons were angered by the name change, the removal of rainbow flags and other LGBTQ+ decor, and the cancellation of drag shows planned for Freshers’ Week. Drag performers vowed to boycott the venue. Protests ensued, and despite a public apology from management, Chambers remained shuttered shortly after a jazz weekend event later that year. Now, Barry Auctioneers and Valuers are marketing the property as a prime location with “notable footfall” year-round. They describe it as a “high-profile,ground-floor licensed premises” at the heart of Cork’s bustling hospitality scene. The former bar, which comes with a full license and is seen as having “grate potential,” is suitable for a variety of retail ventures beyond the hospitality sector, including fast food outlets or convenience stores. The 10-year lease,with seven years remaining,is available for immediate takeover. The annual rent is €115,000,in addition to yearly service charges of €16,000 and rates of €24,000.## A Cork Landmark Up For Sale: Examining a Controversial Past
we welcome Liam Clifford, a prominent voice within Cork’s LGBTQ+ community, to discuss the impending sale of the former Chambers bar. Liam, thanks for joining us.
**Liam**: It’s good to be here.
**Archyde**: Chambers was once a haven for the city’s LGBTQ+ community. now, after a turbulent period, it’s up for grabs.What are your thoughts on the property being listed for sale?
**Liam**: It’s a complex situation. While I’m hopeful the space eventually finds new life that benefits the community, the memories of what happened are still fresh for many.
**Archyde**: Could you elaborate on the events that led to Chambers’ closure?
**Liam**: The “sinners” rebranding was deeply offensive and hurtful. It erased years of history and demonstrated a profound lack of understanding regarding the significance of that space to Cork’s LGBTQ+ individuals. The removal of pride symbols and cancellation of drag shows were notably painful.
**Archyde**: The bygone Chambers was a symbol of inclusion in Cork.Does the potential for this space to be repurposed as something entirely different raise concerns?
**Liam**: It does. There’s a risk that the new venture,whatever it may be,won’t be sensitive to the history of that location. We need to encourage openness and dialog with any prospective buyers to ensure future use respects the building’s past.
**Archyde**: real estate listings often focus on location and potential. How important is it, in your view, that the community’s voice be heard in this process?
**Liam**: It’s crucial. The community should have input, whether it’s directly engaging with the new owner or advocating for certain types of businesses that promote inclusivity and diversity.
**Archyde**: Some might argue that a buisness is a business, and the market should dictate what succeeds. What would you say to that?
**Liam**: Businesses operate within a broader social context. They have a obligation not just to make a profit but also to be mindful of their impact on the community.
**Archyde**: This situation raises questions about the preservation of LGBTQ+ spaces in urban environments. What lesson can Cork, and other cities, learn from the Chambers saga?
**Liam**: This experience underscores the fragility of safe spaces and the need for continuous dialogue and community activism. We must remain vigilant in safeguarding spaces that celebrate and affirm our identities.
**Archyde**: Liam, thank you for sharing your insights. we’d like to turn to our readers. What role do you envision the community playing in the future of this prominent Cork location? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
## Archyde Interview: A Cork Landmark Up For Sale: Examining a Controversial Past
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re delving into a story that has stirred emotions and sparked conversations about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in cork. Teh former Chambers bar, once a beloved safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, is now up for sale after a highly controversial rebranding attempt last year. Joining us to unpack this complex situation is Liam Clifford, a prominent voice within Cork’s LGBTQ+ community. Liam, thank you for being with us.
**Liam:** Thanks for having me. It’s a difficult topic, but an crucial one to discuss.
**Host:** Indeed. Many in Cork remember Chambers fondly as a cherished space for the LGBTQ+ community. Can you share some of your memories of Chambers and what it meant for the community?
**Liam:** Absolutely.Chambers was more than just a bar to many of us. It was a sanctuary,a place where we could feel truly accepted and celebrate our identities openly. It was a hub for socialising, meeting new people, finding support, and just being ourselves without fear of judgment. The loss of that space was deeply felt by the community.
**Host:** Then came the controversial rebranding to “Sinners” last September. Can you walk us through the community’s reaction to this change?
**Liam:** The reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The new name felt deliberately provocative and disrespectful. The removal of rainbow flags and LGBTQ+ decor felt like an erasure of the space’s identity and history. The cancellation of planned drag shows, a staple of LGBTQ+ nightlife, was a particularly painful decision. It was clear to many of us that the new management didn’t understand or care about the significance of Chambers to our community.
**Host:** Protests followed the rebranding. Looking back, do you think those protests were effective in raising awareness about the issue?
**Liam:** Absolutely. The protests highlighted the hurt and anger felt by the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. It forced the city to confront the issue of inclusivity and the impact of such decisions. While Chambers ultimately closed its doors, the conversation it sparked was invaluable.
**Host:** Now, the former Chambers is up for sale. What are your hopes for its future?
**Liam:** I hope whoever takes on this space understands the history and the responsibility that comes with it. I hope they will create a welcoming and inclusive surroundings for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Cork needs spaces like Chambers, places where everyone feels safe and celebrated.
**Host:** Liam Clifford, thank you for sharing your insights and perspective on this critically important topic.
**Liam:** Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going.
