XXL is famous for it’s no-attitude clubbing, what do you think makes it so special?
WARREN: It’s one club that fits all. Bears, chubs, twink guys that like big hairy guys and daddy-type men. We are all family in there.
GERRARD: I’m fairly new to London but I like a club like XXL where I can have fun (on the podium), dance freely (grinding the dance floor), run amok (lose my shirt and have nothing to wear home) and be my crazy self ( aka restraints may be required)! The venue is spectacularly big and there’s lots of exploring to do. Definitely some snoggable bearish fellas in there but also all types of gay fellas tear up the dance floor which brings a great energy to the place!
KYLE: XXL offers something new with an all-round clubbing experience. The Dj’s are awesome and always playing great tracks getting the crowd going, it’s a great atmosphere and a great laugh.
MARK: Exactly the no attitude policy… this is something I find great about the bear scene in general, and XXL definitely is a pioneer in this, no matter what shape, size, age, ethnicity, XXL makes sure everyone has a great night, full of gorgeous bears and admirers
FREDDIE: Everyone is so relaxed and equal, no one goes with an agenda to judge or be judged! It’s nice to see a big bear topless just having fun, even a muscled or slimmer guy enjoying themselves because the vibe that XXL gives us, as clubbers, is so relaxed and fun! The DJs are outstanding and Alex may hate me but Christian hits my music G-Spot every time with the remixes he plays. Plus the staff – always helpful and friendly.
How would you sum up XXL in 5 words for bears that haven’t visited, yet?
WARREN: Just get your self there!
GERRARD: SWEATY. TESTOSTERONE. PARTY. ALL. NIGHT.
KYLE: New, fun, exciting, furry, social.
MARK: What are you waiting for?
FREDDIE: Sexy, fun, relaxed, horny and furry.
Of XXL’s theme nights, whats your favourite & why?
WARREN: Every sat night is a Theme night you do see some great hot stuff lol if i can say that!!!! Bear Pride is a good night every year.
GERRARD: NYE/new years day blew up this year, it was a bloody great way to start the year. SLAYED the dance floor!! I’d definitely go to more events there after that. In two words: Awe. Some.
KYLE: XXL NYE Event; everyone gets involved and it was great fun.
MARK: Got to be Leather, just because there’s nothing hotter than a bear in leather (or lumberjack shirt or construction gear…). The themed nights also bring a new mix of guys every time, so there’s always new faces.
FREDDIE: Bear Pride – celebrating our own kind and also we welcome others with our big beary arms!
Tell us your favourite memory from a night at XXL.
WARREN: Meeting guys, getting to know the DJs and of course the one and only Mark Ames! Great guys. I have made some great friends in XXL.
GERRARD: Being cheered on doing booty shaking on the podium in the main room, with new friends I made that night there! Speaking of dancing on the stage at XXL, any kick-ass bearish dancers out there hit me up?
KYLE: Meeting new people and catching up with old friends, so many good memories.
MARK: I’ve only been going out on the bear scene in the last year really as i lived abroad for quite a few years, and so far its been just amazing, every night I’ve spent in XXL as never disappointed me, but one of my favorite nights was just a few weeks ago, I was working away from home and staying in Essex, I checked in the hotel at 10:30pm, on a train to London within 20 minutes, and was in XXL for 11.30pm. I walked in stone cold sober, not knowing anyone, but within 30 minutes, I started seeing familiar friendly faces, and had so much fun. Met loads of other great guys. That’s the great thing about the club… even if you don’t know anybody, you will soon get chatting and meet loads.
FREDDIE: Erm… I can’t, it’s too explicit.
If you had to compare yourself to any bear, which bear would that be?
WARREN: 6ft 3 Essex hairy bear with a heart of gold.
GERRARD: A koala bear, I’m an Aussie, I can sometimes be described as cute but FYI: cute things will scratch your friggin’ eyes out if you’re not careful!
KYLE: Grizzly bear. Grrr!
MARK: Its got to be a big old grizzly, that’s the look I have, sometimes I’m surprised anyone talks to me because I look so stern, but in reality I’m just a big cuddle bear, and don’t bite too hard.
FREDDIE: Sofa Bear from the Virgin Advert! Kinda grizzly too when I’m sleepy!
XXL is at Pulse (1 Invicta Plaza, SE1 9UF) every Wednesday, 9pm-3am and Saturday, 10pm-7am. £15, £8 for members.
