THEGAYUK

Category: Scene

  • Lost LGBT Scene | The Masquerade Club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    The Masquerade club

    Memory from a user:

    In small cellar with dancefloor beneath SUDS launderette on the corner of 310 Earl’s Court Road, though the club was entered via small door numbered 310A (first of three doors) in adjacent side street strictly called Earl’s Court Square. Current Google Street View shows a title over this door: “Tips and Toes”.

    Masquerade ran from c.1972 as a cool gay disco playing latest soul and disco US imports such as O’Jays and Temptations. First heard the extended version of Masterpiece here 1973.

    Few other London gay clubs offered black music at that time: these included Sombrero (Yours or Mine), Chaguaramas, Rod’s on lower King’s Road.<br /><br />Can’t swear whether it was even licensed for alcohol – many “clubs” were not in those days. Bowie rumoured to have visited!

    An LGBT club on Earls Ct Rd.

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

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    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | El Sombrero, Kensington

    Lost LGBT Scene | El Sombrero, Kensington

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

     

    El Sombrero (Yours or Mine)

    A gay bar on Kensington High Street

    Memory from George:

    Leaving the Sombrero club the easiest way for us to walk home to Notting Hill was through the notorious Holland walk this was something to see even if you were not cruising, 20 mins walk through the other end with wall to wall with guys just waiting for action! We were very young then and would walk down together for a laugh but things changed soon after that we became lets say much more curious especially without our friends with us!!

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

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    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Spats Club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Adams Club

    A gay club on London’s famous Oxford Street.

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.
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    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Adams Club

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of London’s lost venues. Since the turn of the century, London’s gay scene has lost over 100 venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of London’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Adams Club

    A gay club in London’s Leicester Square.

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

     

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Catacombs, Earl’s Court

    Lost LGBT Scene | Catacombs, Earl’s Court

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

    Catacombs

    A gay bar in London’s Earl’s Court region. According to reader George, it never sold alcohol, but played the best music.

    Memory from Peter:

    Catacombs as I remember never sold alcohol but they did sell softer drinks and toasted cheese sandwiches which I never quite understood.
    Very late night club but the best music in town and was like an old large cellar in the basement.
    Memory from Paul
    Vivid memories of The Catacombs…..
    At the tender age of 18, new to London, very green and exceedingly shy and discovering freedom!! Soon discovered Gay News and the gay scene at Earls Court. Must have been incredibly brave to go on my own. Saturday nights. There were bouncers on the door, and the club used to provide square gold coloured metal keyring fobs with raised lettering CATA top line COMBS bottom line to help ID. There was a steepish narrow flight of steps down to the dance floor and a bar on the right I think.
    I THINK they did sell beer, but I only ever drank Coke, so might be mistaken.
    The dance floor was always dark, illuminated with numerous flashing disco spotlights. I vividly remember the packed floor and the heads bouncing to Motown, Stevie Wonder-Superstition, Temptations-The Law of the Land, Timmy Thomas-Why cant we live together. I hear those on the radio sometimes, shut my eyes and Im back there in 1971/2 such was the huge impression. Around the dance floor which was circular or multi-sided such as Octagonal was a series of arches which led on to a corridor around the dancefloor.
    There was a series of arches into open rooms around the outside of this corridor, each room with tables and seating around. There was always a row of stationary figures around the wall just watching the dancefloor and a similar row around the corridor, all awaiting the next pickup. I dont remember where the toilets were, very shy and maybe didnt use them, nor the disco, nor if there were any emergency exits and looking back, I always think the place could have been an inferno if the worst happened, but oh! such happy memories.

    Can you add more description or pictures? Add them at the bottom of the page in the comment section.

    Opened: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    Closed: Can you help? Click here to update this listing

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • Lost LGBT Scene | Chaguramas Club, Neal Street

    We’re creating an online memory board for some of the UK’s lost venues.

    We’d love for you to help us grow this historical archive of the UK’s lost gay scene. If you’ve got photos or memories of any of the venues you’d like to share please use the comment section below and we’ll add them right here.

     

    Chaguramas Club, Neal Street, London

    According to one of our lovely readers George, the club in 1970 and was the first club he ever visited.

    Memory from George:

    Chaguramas club in 41 Neal St had a small look out opening in the front door and if they didn’t like the look of you or thought you were police you wouldn’t get in! After the club closed for the night or should I say morning quite a few people used to go to the pubs in Covent Garden just up the road where the pubs were open very early in the morning for the traders in the market. Very different from today’s C.Gdn being dressed up from the all night club we had to be discreet amongst the traders! but dodging the filthy streets there, rats and hookers and pimps…all exciting though.

    Open date: UNKNOWN (can you help?)

    Closed date: 1970

    BACK TO MAIN LIST

    YOUR SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING

    Help us deliver unique, usable and reliable journalism that supports the gay, bisexual and curious community of the United Kingdom. Can you help protect LGBT+ media? Publishers like us have come under severe threat by the likes of Google and Facebook. The problem is that advertisers are choosing to put their money with them, rather than with niche publishers like us. Our goal is to eliminate banner ads altogether on site and we can do that if you could pledge us a tiny amount each month.

    We’re asking our readers to pledge just £1 per month, more if you’re feeling swanky. You can stop payment at any time.

    It’s quick and easy to sign up and you’ll only have to do it once.

    Click to start the journey and support THEGAYUK!

  • 5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    5 gay places you should definitely go if you’re in Brussels

    Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 106, 1000 Brussels,
    +32 2 513 56 67
    Open 12:00 – 00:00

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    Rue Van Orley 10, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 218 08 00
    Open 11:30 – 22:00

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    Rue du Marché au Charbon 114, 1000 Bruxelles
    +32 2 502 58 00
    Open 09:00 – 04:00

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Kolenmarktstraat 44, 1000 Brussels

    +32 492 03 16 08

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Rue du Marche au Charbon 27, 1000 Brussels
    +32 2 608 30 41
    Open 17:00 – 04:00

     

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

     

  • There’s a new gay bar opening in Weston-Super-Mare

    There’s a new gay bar opening in Weston-Super-Mare

    A brand new LGBT+ venue is opening in September in Weston-Super-Mare.

    In contrast to the scene across the UK, Weston-Super-Mare is about to get a brand new queer space, Proud Bar after a nearly a decade of no gay scene.

    The bar recently shared a post saying it was “bar stool shopping”

    There are no gay bars in Weston at the moment, the longest standing bar, Alexandra Bar served its last pint in August 2009, before being rebranded as The Edge.

    Weston-Super-Mare does have a very popular annual pride, which is attended by thousands of people.

    The new bar is located 20 Boulevard BS23 1NA in Weston-Super-Mare and is due to open on the 19th September 2018 at 5PM.

     

     

  • Artists: Ever wanted to create and run your own LGBT+ event?

    Artists: Ever wanted to create and run your own LGBT+ event?

    After 10 successful years of annual LGBTQI+ cross art event, GFEST – Gayise FESTival is calling upon organisers to create and hold their own events.

    The theme for GFEST 2018 is ‘Socially EQUAL’, and events should run from Monday 12 November to Saturday 24 November.

    GFEST – Gaywise FESTival® (known as GFEST) is recognised as an annual LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex +) cross-art celebration. Over the last 10 years, the festival has presented LGBTQI+ films, music, performances, art exhibitions, interdisciplinary art, poetry, book reading, workshops, participatory events, debates, etc. events each November.

    GFEST producer arts charity Wise Thoughts is inviting community and arts groups, local museums, local authorities or libraries etc. to join and share awesome LGBTQI+ arts and stories from all over the world, as this year’s festival events. GFEST 2018 events, wherever they will take place, now can be added to the events list and promoted on the GFEST website.

    The festival has been endorsed by all three Mayors of London, many celebrities, ministers, and cross-party MPs.

    Niranjan Kamatkar FRSA, artistic director of GFEST said, “We want to reach out to audiences that we couldn’t in the past, and where there is a greater need to promote the LGBTQI+ cultural issues. To help ensure this we are changing the format from this year. We will include more web-based events and podcast etc. and we can also present a recommended programme, acts and films list from next year”.

    He added, “If you have got it, flaunt it! Young or old, fresh or established, show the world that real talent always shines the best! GFEST events value and promote diverse talent from diverse art forms and promote artistic excellence. Celebrating diversity continues to endorse LGBTQI+ equal rights and reduces possible discrimination. GFEST ethos is to develop cultural and social equality for and amongst diverse LGBTQI+ people from all age groups, including people from different religious or/and cultural backgrounds. The festival actively supports individual creative abilities and participation in the society.”

    If you are interested in organising your own event please visit and list the event details: https://gaywisefestival.org.uk/submissions/

  • The Black Cap is looking for new bosses

    The reopening of The Black Cap is moving ever closer as new bosses are sought to take over the iconic North London gay venue.

    The Black Cap in North London could be re-opening soon, as long as new bosses can be found for the venue. The owners of the venue, Kicking Horse,  have agreed to look for new tenants in order to re-open after it closed two and half years ago.

    Black Cap Foundation, the community campaign group set up to reopen the venue, has been working with the freeholders of the Black Cap site,  to finalise the property and business details.

    However prospective owners will have to prove that they are financially viable and stable before they can even have a walk through the building and it’s not cheap. Paperwork for the venue shows that a “significant amount of capital investment” in the region of £900,000 will need to be spent on the venue because it has been closed for such a long time.

    The leaseholders are looking for a whopping yearly rental of £300,000 for the venue which has a prime location near to Camden market, the tube line and the high street.

    Black Cap Foundation director Alex Green said,  “We’re thrilled at this agreement. This is a crucial step towards our goal of reopening the Black Cap, and we welcome the cooperation of the freeholders and the support of Camden council and the GLA in making that a reality.

    “We’ve always believed the Black Cap’s unique, irreplaceable legacy of community and culture is worth fighting for, and can’t wait to see how it will be reinvented next.”

    A spokesperson for Kicking Horse said, “We very much hope to find the leaseholder with the right vision, experience and resources to begin a brand new chapter for this world-famous venue.”

    Interested parties are encouraged to contact Alex Green/Chris Clark of the Black Cap Foundation on enquiries@weareblackcap.com and Paul Tallentyre of David Coffer Lyons sales agent on ptallentyre@dcl.co.uk for further details.

     

  • G-A-Y Late granted an extra hour trading

    G-A-Y Late, one of London’s busiest gay venues has been granted an extension of its opening hours.

    G-A-Y Late granted an extra hour trading
    Extra trading time at G-A-Y late means that operating hours at G-A-Y on Old Compton Street must be decreased by one hour.

    Customers will be able to enjoy an extra hour of G-A-Y Late, the Jeremy Joseph owned gay bar in central London. Management will now be allowed to serve customers until 4 AM.

    G-A-Y had wanted to extend its opening hours to help combat an increase in rent for the venue just off Tottenham Court Road. The approval came on a number of conditions including the reduction of hours at the group’s other venue, G-A-Y on Old Compton Street.

    In response Councillor Angela Harvey, Chairman of Westminster Council Licensing Committee, said, “Preserving the unique mix of Westminster’s night-time economy is a key priority of the council, and we have worked closely with local businesses and residents to balance their needs within our licensing policy.

    “The City of Westminster has over 3516 licensed premises of which 1096 are located within the West End.

    “Councillors felt the amended application demonstrated that this case was exceptional and would not cause any significant disturbances to residents.

    “The application is subject to several key conditions to mitigate the cumulative impact of the later hours; Including the reduction of operating hours by one hour of G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street, and patrols of Goslett Yard by staff to ensure patrons disperse after closing time.”