Since opening in September 2010, East Bloc has become one of the hottest party destinations our fair gay scene has to offer. A deliciously eclectic, polysexual clubbing hub with a New York ‘underground’ vibe, we sent Lee Dalloway to chat with owner Wayne Shires (pictured left with Tom Stephan) to tell us more…
What were your reasons for opening East Bloc?
I moved to Shoreditch three years ago and love the area and the vibe. After ten years in Vauxhall with Crash, Area and Union, it was time for me to move on. It all got a bit too commercial down there for me, I have always been a bit left field [laughs].
How do you feel the venue has changed since you opened in terms of vibe, nights and crowd?
Well, when we opened I knew it would take time to build, so I just went with the nights and promoters I wanted to work with, not things that would just get people through the door. Now we have amazing nights with a really great crowd; it feels very East Village, NYC – very neighbourhood, very local.
What do you feel the secret of its success has been?
Our location and that we are a dark, sexy basement venue. Basement clubs have always been the best!
For anyone who hasn’t been to East Bloc, how would you sum it up in one sentence?
Sexy and cool – a great place to hang out with your mates or meet the man/girl/boy/tranny of your dreams!
Tell us about some of the nights and DJ talent you have there…
We have an amazing line up, from dirty sexy house nights like Kris Di Angelis’ ‘War’ and Tom Stephan’s ‘Dish’ to pure pop indulgence with ‘Song’s Of Praise’, über cool nights like our first monthly event GutterSlut, to SOS from the lovely JIm Warboy and Larry Tee’s weekly ‘Super Electro Party Machine’ and the ‘MenWhoFellToEarth’ with Dan and Tony. Also, we have just started a night with new kid on the block, Mark Ashley-Dupé called ‘Bloc Party’ every Sunday, which is going to be massive!
Beth Ditto doing an impromptu sing-song has to be our favourite East Bloc moment so far. What are yours?
Yeah, that was amazing! We knew she was coming down and it happened to be the day that Amy Winehouse sadly passed away, so Beth wanted to do a tribute to her. She had the whole club singing along to ‘Back to Black’, it was very special and there were a few tears going down! I have far too many favourite moments to mention; it’s only been a year, but this is easily my favourite club ever!
What things can we expect from East Bloc for the rest of 2012?
We have new Thursdays starting in March called ‘Prick Up Your Ears’, which is going to be ‘old skool, queer mash-up’, featuring a great DJ lineup and some great Bank Holiday surprises. Oh, and a new after hours club, too. The East End’s first! I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last year and a half; we love you all!
• East Bloc is at 217 City Road, Old St, EC1V 1JN.
