30/07/11: We love a little trip out to West 5, especially on their now legendary birthday bash. Draggage, fagage, scores of gorgeous boys and a BBQ to boot made this 13th birthday one to remember. Those West 5 gurls have lucked out with the weather the last few years we’ve been and this one was no exception, such a stunning day. And what a raft of entertainment! For almost seven hours, a range of the finest cabaret divas from all over the country sashayed onto the garden stage – and in the pub itself when the action switched indoors. We must give props to the always wonderful Sandra (who can command a room from the other side of London!), a hoola-hoopin’ Rose Garden and an unrecogniseable Karen Dalton who was hilar, as the kids say, as ‘My Old Nan’. But special mention must go to Miss Jason who was absolutely AMAZING as hostess. Full of energy with crackling wit throughout, we were already hanging after four beers in the sunshine – gurl, we don’t know how you did it until after midnight! We also had a fantastic massage from the very lickable Chris Parker, who told this reviewer his shoulders were extremely tense. Yeah, welcome to QX!
All of the acts, management and staff should give themselves a huge pat on the back for such an amazing day. And the best part? All the money raised went to the Food Chain charity – and those Food Chain boys left with very full buckets! Big up the West 5 massive – we’ll be seeing you next year, queers.
West 5, Popes Lane, South Ealing, W5 4NB
Words by Lee ‘28 going on 13’ Dalloway
Photos by Chris Jepson
