31/01/15: Things got chock-a-block as the Old Dame of Soho crammed in the crowds for an action-packed 29th birthday bash last weekend.
On what might as well be the set of LGBT London’s longest running soap opera – aka the last three decades in the capital’s queer history – a traditional two-storey knees-up found QX watching a parade of Comptons faithful flocking back to their favourite haunt, along with a brand new generation lapping up the antics.
Hosted by scene starlet Mzz Kimberley, resplendent in Felliniesque sequins, the proceedings had us tripping down memory lane back to the early 90s (yes we’re old enough to remember those days and glad to have been there) when homos finally felt free enough to stop drinking behind shuttered windows, and taking a mince along Old Compton Street ranked amongst the most life-affirming experiences on the planet.
The world may have moved on since those days (anyone heard of Grindr?) but Comptons is still pulling in the punters week after week for something an app can’t recreate – a buzzing atmosphere! Anniversary highlights saw the likes of DJ Miswhite plus Tasty Tim, channelling ‘Cabaret’-era Liza Minnelli in top hat and feathers, with a dazzling soundtrack at the decks.
Elsewhere, Comptons guvnor, Neil Hodgson, gave a great Rear-Admiral in seaman’s threads whilst a cast of squillions laid siege at the bars for booze and blokes as the revelry continued through ‘til late.
Many happy returns to the Old Dame of Soho from everyone at QX. Long may she reign!
51-53 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 6HN
Words by Chris John
Photos by Mark Storey
