One of London’s oldest comedy clubs is being forced to close after 16 years.

Developers plan to turn the Tex-Mex restaurant which houses The Aztec Club into flats, marking the end of an era for comedy in South London.

And promoter and compere Rob Hitchmough, pictured, says he won’t be seeking a new venue.

He said: “News that the venue was being sold definitely came as a shock.

“Just about every major comedian has played there, including Steve Coogan and Eddie Izzard. Both Harry Hill and Stewart Lee got their first ever paid spot there. It also gave Johnny Vegas his first ever London gig. He had nowhere to stay so I put him up in my house.

“Since I've started letting people knowabout the closure the phone hasn't stopped with people offering their condolencies. It's very touching.”

Developers plan to turn the upper two floors of Borderline restaurant in Upper Norwood into six one and two-bedroom flats.