Comptons of Soho: 30 years at the heart of gay Soho

February 17, 2016

As we celebrate the Grand Dame of Soho’s 30th birthday as an offical gay venue, we have a chat with some of her nearest and dearest. They know her best and they, in addition to their hundreds of regulars, make her what she is. Happy Birthday old girl!

Neil Hodgson, Landlord

Comptons as a gay bar was evolving long before the 1980’s and there are reports of metropolitan police warnings about sodomy on the premises as early as the 1940’s. It was 1986 that bar was officially declared as gay. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been General Manager here for 17 of those 30 years. Together we have witnessed and survived a lot together, bombings, hate crimes, riots, the loss of some very special people and places over the years including an economic recession and the ongoing gentrification of Soho.

Despite my keenness to dress up in uniforms I still only very much remain a caretaker of an institution that belongs to the people that support it also who have made it the solid institution it is today and still she continues to grow.

Comptons to me is a real place and its people, it’s also my work and my home. Long may she be the very beating heart of Soho delivering the best service, the best music and ultimately the best atmosphere for many years to come.

Tasty Tim, DJ/Icon

30 years? Are you kidding me? I was there on the opening night! There is something very reassuring about Comptons, in the ever-changing face of Soho it’s good to know she will always be there. I absolutely love being part of the amazing Comptons DJ team. My Thursday night is rocking. The crowd is so diverse but always friendly and up for some pumping house music. I love the fact that it’s not pretentious and there is no one showing off….except for me of course.

James Bartlett, Manager

I stumbled upon Comptons in summer 2012, when I worked in retail. I became friends with the assistant manager at the time, and he suggested I got a part time job at the bar (as I was spending all my money on getting drunk after my shop closed!) I immediately fell in love with the team and regulars (regulars that we still have to this day). I didn’t realise a bar in the very transient Soho could see such a loyal group of regulars. That’s one reason I’ve stayed for so long…it feels like family! Eventually after a few months I was promoted to bar manager. One thing I’m most proud of is the music policy we introduced a couple of years ago. Instead of resident DJs we have now bought almost a dozen incredible club DJs to the heart of Soho every weekend, which keeps things fresh from a music point of view. It’s amazing to be able to hear what’s being played in the clubs, without having to stay out until 2pm.

Zach Burns, DJ

I first met James a few years back, we became friends and then was invited to play regularly at Comptons. I love the atmosphere and playing a style of house music not generally popular amongst “commercial” Soho. It’s always a pleasure playing, so I can only thank James and Neil.

Brent Nicholls, DJ

After 30 years Comptons has been a stable and shining light in a gay scene that has shrunk and seen many changes. My involvement with Compton’s began a couple of years back when James Bartlett started to hire club DJs to give Comptons a modern kick, while keeping it’s more down to earth and a traditional vibe. It seems this formula works as Compton’s is still busy with all of London’s tribes who are looking for attitude-free bar with kicking grooves, sexy barmen and a venue that remembers where it came from while focused on the future. In a way Compton’s is the heart of Soho, still beating after all these years and I am honoured to be part of this Grand Madame’s history. May the beat go on!”

MisWhite, DJ

Compton’s is such a great place to play because as soon as I walk through the door, I am greeted by a sea of smiling faces and great big bear hugs! As it’s not a club there is no pressure to make people dance and the emphasis is on just playing good music for people to enjoy – which in turn does see them throwing a few shapes to the grooves!