Richmond’s LGBT community is in mourning after the ‘last gay bar in south west London’ announced it will close in three weeks.

IN PICTURES: How many of these lost pubs from Richmond + Twickenham do you remember?

Thirty-year stalwart The Richmond Arms, in Princes Street, will close its doors on Saturday, April 23 after the company which owns it went into administration.

On Friday staff members announced the closure on Facebook, describing it as ‘somewhere different and safe’ for members of the LGBT community.

There are currently more than 140 comments on the post as regulars offered tributes to the pub.

The announcement read: “It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that we will be closing ours doors for good on Saturday 23rd of April 2016.

“As some of you will know since our owners TCG went into administration in October last year they have been looking to find a new owner for us.

“The Richmond Arms will close and not re-open in any form.

“This place is so close to many of us, we have laughed and cried here together for over 30 years.

“We have all put our hearts and souls into here on more than one occasion and made it somewhere different and safe to come that will never be forgotten.”

The Richmond Arms was known as the last gay bar in south west London, with the nearest south of the river located in Clapham High Street.

Manager David Langstaff, who also lives above the pub, said the closure jeopardised Richmond's reputation as an LGBT-friendly town.

Mr Langstaff, 29, said: "At one point there were three gay pubs in Richmond and now there won't be any.

"It's been such a special place for all of us - lots of people have met partners here.

"Everyone knows everyone and it's like a family.

"It would absolutely rip the heart out of the local gay community."

There are currently more than 140 comments on the post as regulars offered tributes to the pub.

Sam Duckett wrote: "This is heart breaking!

"Thank you to everyone at the Richmond Arms that accepted me and helped me become who I am today and all the friends I've gathered from here.

"My hearts go out to all of you, especially the owners and staff! This is a place I first brought my family and danced with my Mum on the dance floor to Whitney... Drunk with my straight god father..."

Another user wrote: "I have some incredible memories of my late teens / early 20s of the RA.

"This place was a joy to work in, the staff and the sense of community among the regulars was cohesion on all levels.

"To all that have been a part of this special place, much love on this sad day."