Iconic Cardiff LGBTQ+ venue closes its doors
Amelia Jones
One of Cardiff’s most iconic and long-standing pubs has closed its doors for the final time under its current management, with no confirmed plans announced for its immediate future.
The Golden Cross, a much loved venue that is recognised as the oldest LGBTQIA+ venue in Wales and the country’s longest serving bar, held its final night under the outgoing team this weekend.
Located on Hayes Bridge Road, the Golden Cross has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Cardiff’s LBBTQIA+ nightlife, offering a safe and welcoming space.
Over the years it has hosted drag performances, live music, community gatherings, and countless personal milestones.
Manager Robbie Burnett, who has led the venue since 2015, shared an emotional farewell ahead of the final night.
He said: “Saturday 3rd January sees the end of an era. When I walked into the bar of the Golden in 2015 I hardly knew a soul. Running a venue in Cardiff was never my life plan.”
Burnett also paid tribute to the pub’s founders, Darren and Gareth, whose vision helped sustain the Golden Cross for half a century.
He added: “We’ve survived a pandemic, seen the death of a monarch and the coronation of our King.”
For many, the venue’s closure represents not just the loss of a bar, but the pause of a cultural institution deeply woven into the city’s identity.
Among those reflecting on the closure was Rob Keetch, a well-known Welsh activist and community figure, who has worked at the venue for more than 25 years through his drag persona, Dr Beverly Ballcrusher.
In a heartfelt social media post, Keetch reflected on his time at the venue: “Tonight sees the Golden Cross close its doors for the last time under its current management with no guarantee for its future.”
He added that it was “a venue that has been part of the heart of the community for so very long.”
While the current management team is stepping away, The Golden Cross is not expected to close permanently.
It is understood tat pub company Marston’s, which owns the venue, has plans for new management to take over.
However, no formal announcement has yet been made, and it remains unclear whether existing staff will stay on under new management.
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Cardiff will become a cultural black hole if immediate action isn’t taken to prevent further iconic venues from closing forever.
I’m sorry to be the harbinger of doom but what is a city without nightlife?
Cardiff is just a Student, stag and hen night place these day it seems
No, it might look that way but it’s actually world renowned as being a gig goers heaven.
The Globe, Clwb Ifor bach, fuel and similar all attract music fans of all ages from around the world.
Many small bands are using Cardiff as a rather large step up in the industry now.
The Barfly was an early casualty of changing trends. Never got to see it for myself but I heard all the stories about it being a launchpad for major bands.
Cardiff is s lovely City I visit regularly for Rugby and music events however travelling from N Wales is becoming more expensive so Manchester is a better place for music as the hotel prices don’t rise when a big band plays and food and drink also
I love North Wales it’s the most natural part of Wales untouched by industry that is its USP. Manchester and Liverpool is your best options I hope there are no transport links to SouthWales in the future to ruin the landscape.
How much of South Wales have you actually visited?
Deffo feels that way sometimes but I’m happy they’re spending money and keeping the city alive
The Golden was drag ‘acts’ every evening, all evening. The charge a lot to appear I am told and most peopleI know stayed away after not being able to hear yourself think! If it does re-open, why not dj music, background music or a juke box?
Agree , just compare it with Bristol, just look at any “Whats On ” information.
You need serious loot to fund a good old fashioned night out in Kairdiff. Gave it up years ago on grounds of relative poverty, not old age!
Blame the Govt for starters…..No one can actually afford to go out anymore, just look at all the public entertainment closing down. The 2nd to blame is the advent of apps like grinder. When i was younger …..distant memory …….the whole fun of going out was to go on the “pull”. Society has become very selfish and insular…..we’re a long time dead and shorter time amongst the living. Unlike the rich c**ts why not give a little to others it’ll make this existence far more nicer. BTW i dont condone Karma as i truly belive it was invented by the… Read more »