With a 3am closing time, no door charge and some of London’s top DJs on the decks, Manbar is shaping up to be the sound of late-night gayland in central London. Resident DJ Alessandro speaks to QX…
Tell us a bit about late nights at Manbar! The music, the mood, the people…
The music is provided by the most popular and talented DJs on the London gay scene. All DJs at Manbar react readily to the crowd, playing easy listening music, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere into the late hours.
Which DJs do you have on rotation?
We have a vast selection of talented DJs and producers including: Severino, Rich B, Hi Fi Sean, Ross Jones, Brent Nicholls and Phil Marriott to name few. Plus, guest DJs on rotation, too! Our music policy is new and classic funky vocal house with a sexy twist.
The venue has received a lot of press since it opened. How have the last few months gone?
Despite the reputation of the old CXR, and with thanks to Marketing Director Chris Amos, and General Manager Cathy Taylor, Manbar has achieved exactly the crowd we were aiming for; men being able to cruise while respecting each other’s boundaries. A great turn around. Men looking for men without crossing the line.
Describe the venue in one word…
Eclectic.
It’s also one of the few venues in Soho open late?
After the very sad closure of Barcode Soho and Lo-Profile, there isn’t much going on in Soho for the more mature and masculine crowd. That’s where Manbar comes in! There is finally a new concept with a late licence to explore and meet partners.
And there’s no door charge! It sounds too good to be true…
Believe it, it is very true, come find out yourself!
• Manbar is at 79 Charing Cross Road, Soho, WC2H 0NE. Open 4pm-3am Monday-Friday, 2pm-3am Saturday, and 2pm-11pm Sunday.
