When two gay men were ordered out of a London pub for a ‘quick peck on the cheek’ last week, the news went viral and the community got organised:

By Friday afternoon, more than 700 people said they would attend a “kiss-in” at the bar in response to the alleged actions.

But early on Friday evening, their plans were scuppered. The pub locked its doors.

However, that didn’t deter hundreds of protesters gathering outside the venue just before 1900 BST.

It was a cheerful atmosphere, lips nervously poised, and after a countdown the kissing commenced.

So on a weekend billed for its marathon, would Friday night be remembered as more of a snogathon?

Far from it. The kissing was brief and involved gay couples and heterosexual couples. It was met with cheers of approval from onlookers.

A rainbow flag was raised above the pub, as Jonathan and James appeared at the door. But this time they chose not to kiss.

Mr Williams said he didn’t make a stand out of choice.

“It was circumstance. But I had a platform. I should take it,” he said.

“I hope people will at least consider that everyone has feelings and you have a right to do, within reason, whatever you want in public, if it’s affectionate and loving.

“The response magnificent and overwhelming. You really can’t do worse than this.”

Full story: Pair ‘overwhelmed’ by response to gay kiss at Soho pub