05/04/14: QX hit the centre of town in support of one of London’s fave homosexual hangouts last weekend as Manbar upped the ante in its continuing struggle against Westminster Council’s threat of closure.
With a hearing due to take place this week following noise complaints from a single resident, the case against Manbar appears somewhat unwarranted based on the evidence available, and it would be a shame to see yet another LGBT venue forced to shut its doors over questionable noise issues (remember The Box in Covent Garden anyone?).
Judging by the sociable and well-behaved clientele (more than can sometimes be said for straight bars in the area) at Manbar’s Hombre pre-party for Beyond last Saturday, this venue’s popularity is going from strength to strength, drawing in a cosmopolitan throng out for a friendly booze‘n’schmooze.
Two floors of dazzling DJ action and decent drinks prices featured Spanish drag sensation, Gretta Gargola, spinning a dizzying array of pop perfection at the decks, whilst upstairs the guys channelled an intimate and chilled vibe that had us sinking into a comfortable sofa into the small hours. Lend your support by checking out the Save Manbar campaign at www.manbarsoho.com
Manbar, 79 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2H 0NE
Words by Chris John
Photos by Dos Fotos
