Harpoon Louis

Harpoon Louis in Earls Court Road, later renamed Harpo’s and later Banana Max, was revolutionary when it opened in the 1980s. For once someone spent real money on a gay venue and together with a club underneath, Copacabana, later renamed the Copa, it was the place to be.

The crowd was always young and stylish and the decor was bright and modern. The name change came about after a fire and a total refit. Later after another fire it became Earls but eventually slipped in popularity as competition increased from Soho.

Eventually the owners gave up on the place, turned it straight and a bit of gay history disappeared.

See Timeline of West End Bars and Clubs.