It is, as far as I can tell, one of the only attempts at a cultural history of the gay bar, be it a cultural history that is sexier and messier, because Lin does not shy away from the visceral qualities of gay bars. Jeremy Atherton Lin’s GAY BAR: WHY WE WENT OUT (2021) is a declaration of the author’s love of gay bars. Through the gay bar as portal, we might enter places where we can be the majority not the minority, places where fantasy and debauchery are made possible, where identity and desire are heightened.
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The queer DJ and writer madison moore describes clubs as ‘portals’, for their ability to help us imagine a different way of doing things, to escape the capitalist and heteronormative logic of the ‘real world’. With few exceptions, the queer spaces I have visited over the years vary wildly, but there is a slippery quality that unites my experiences in them: the warm bath of alterity. There is some incredible experimental drag out there, but realistically you couldn’t have a wild show in here – this is a small place and, simply put, there’s nowhere to hide.A Leathery Mood: On Jeremy Atherton Lin’s ‘Gay Bar’ Considering that we are in an area that isn’t known for its gay nightlife, our nights tend to be more palatable and universal. Of course we have had drag nights here before, and will continue to do them, but punters are less likely to come over this way to see a single act.
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You can go drag-hopping around Old Compton Street, seeing what takes your fancy. Also, I definitely prefer the music in gay bars – yes, I like crappy music. I feel more welcome and comfortable in them, more willing and able to talk to people. I tend to go out in Soho, usually to gay bars. As they start to notice their surroundings, it is hilarious to watch the woman continue nursing her drink while the man’s sips quickly escalate into gulps as he prepares to make his premature exit. My favourite is when straight couples roam in, not realising it is a gay bar. There is a very good support network here.Īside from our regulars, we get a steady flow of walk-ins. People come in groups, on dates and a lot come on their own after work – safe in the knowledge that there will be a friendly face to talk to or a group of people to integrate them into the conversation. Matt Lawrence: ‘ This place is so fun – the atmosphere, the people and the music all helped me to find my balance.’ Photo: Andy Stewart Manfriday.london This is an important space for many people (myself included). We have subtitled movies playing in the background (notably Pretty Woman and Airplane) and we have little bunkers that are really cute date places. There is not an ounce of pretension, people are chilled, and the music is quiet enough for you to hold a good conversation. There is such a welcoming, healthy and friendly atmosphere – it grabs you within moments of being here. This is a lovely little community to be part of. We have lots of regulars who have become even more regular since these changes. Last year we redesigned the interiors, we tailored the drinks list and introduced offers and happy hours. However, NBS did what these bars did not do – we changed with the times. If we consider the closure of LGBT spaces like The Black Cap and Shadow Lounge, and the swarm of attention this got, one would assume that we would also feel at risk from closing down. If you want to stay afloat, you have to be practical and pragmatic. It is no new news that London is expensive and running a business in this city is becoming increasingly difficult. This place is so fun – the atmosphere, the people and the music all helped me to find my balance.Īs an independent bar you must adapt to survive. This was the perfect place to escape from the stress and pressure of my degree, and meant that I could enter a completely different head space.
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I went to UCL and supported myself by working here three nights a week. W orking in a gay bar was ideal while studying. We caught up with bartender Matt Lawrence, a recent graduate and soon-to-be flight attendant, to discuss the importance of LGBT spaces, drag shows and keeping up with the competition as an independent bar in London. Relaxed and welcoming, it’s looking better than ever since its refurbishment last year. Matt Lawrence: ‘You must adapt to survive.’ Photo: Andy Stewart New Bloomsbury Set – or NBS, as it prefers to be known – is an intimate gay bar inconspicuously tucked away off Marchmont Street for the past six years.