08/11/12: The last year or so has been a slightly gloomy one for a couple of our queer drinking dens, especially those out of town, with a number closing down thanks to the recession.
We’ve lost some real long-serving legends recently. So it’s always heart-warming news when a brand spanking new homoxual-leaning bar opens up, especially when it’s in the heart of the West End!
Standing proud in the middle of Charing Cross Road, the anticipation of newly arrived Manbar had been building for a few weeks now, with a very clever ad campaign involving some really cool and eye catching retro graphics – they’re kinda reminiscent of early editions of QX Magazine (known as MX back in the early 90s, fact fans).
So, we couldn’t wait until the refurbished venue finally swung open its doors. First impressions? It looks FAB! Those striking images by Mikebliss adorn the walls and the centre piece of the entire bar is a huge Union Jack mural with a buff-ting and shirtless ‘Prince Harry’ drawing the horny eye.
The sofa that sits in front of it is surely set to be THE place to see and be seen, taking centre stage to check the hotties… the Central Perk sofa on Friends aint got nothin’ on this, honey!
The soundtrack is a top mix of both cooler and more commercial sounds with a slew of the scene’s best DJs expected to rock your socks off over the coming weeks.
With scene stalwarts Chris Amos and Cathy Taylor at the helm and the venue’s fresh and naughty vibe with a tongue planted firmly in its cheek, it looks like we have a top new bar on our hands! Gayers – go forth and imbibe!
79 Charing Cross Road, Leicester Square, WC2H 0NE
Words by Lee Dalloway
Photos by www.Joel-Ryder.com
