Dee Chanelle runs Zodiac Bar and Club Z in north London. QX has been reporting on queer bars and clubs closing for so long now it’s an absolute pleasure to be reporting on some of the success stories on the scene. One of these, Zodiac Bar, established itself as a brand during the pandemic.
Zodiac Bar is joined by Club Z
Since the launch of the new bar, they’ve added a club, Club Z, with its own separate entrance. Zodiac Bar and Club Z have gone from strength to strength, offering that special something that queer customers just can’t get enough of – a sense of chosen family! We spoke to Dee Chanelle about what she has in store for the venues and what customers, old and new, can look forward to.
The Dee Chanelle Interview
Zodiac Bar and Club Z is now in its third year. How has the venue developed in these first few years of life?
Zodiac has become a favourite/go-to venue and a true home to the LGBTQ+ community. We are seeing the full spectrum of men, women, trans, and non-binary frequent the bar and club, which has created a safe and welcoming space with a “family vibe.” Jade and David did an amazing job kick-starting the venue, and with the new management, it’s time to take it to a whole new level.
What is the main difference between the club and the bar space?
The main bar has been renovated to create a performance area for cabarets and small, intimate concerts, with amazing sound and lighting to unleash the inner star. Our shows include Drag Fridays and live power vocal entertainment on Saturdays. We provide a platform for upcoming LGBT singer-songwriters.
The club remains predominantly reserved for club nights with DJs and more specific music policy, including Commercial Pop, House, R’n’B, etc. Each DJ displays their genre forté to engage the diverse crowd at the venue.
We often host private karaoke parties and special celebrations, such as birthdays, hen nights, and leaving dos, earlier in the evening at the club.
You want to appeal to a broad customer base. What are your customers like?
Most guests love entertainment, followed by a fun party disco vibe. Obviously, partygoers love a good dance until the early hours! With so much variety throughout the month, there’s something there for everyone.
Team Zodiac are a talented bunch. Tell us about them.
Many of our staff are creative in some way or form. It just so happens that most also sing and perform—pretty well, in fact! From the bar staff, Cale, Valentin, and Jay, to management Ron, aka Alotta Kümm and Farrah Mills and, of course, the mothers, Jade Phoenix and Dee Chanelle. Of course, our resident queens Solero Summers, Eva Iva, Aeliana Cortez, and Head Queen Eileen Eiffell. Inevitably, more will be added to the line-up in time.
What is your role in this adventure?
A big one! I’ve been busy rebranding ZODIAC and getting a clearer message of what we’re about, what we stand for, and the type of experience you’ll get when you visit the venue. I’m embarking on a journey to fulfil the mission and vision of providing a fun home and safe space for the entire LGBT spectrum. I’m ensuring the staff and management are mindful of being hospitable and interactive with those who walk through our doors.
What are your plans for the future?
Personally, I would love ZODIAC to grow as an established entertainment venue and be home to LGBTQ+ talents that go on to become something bigger and successful both within the community and mainstream! This has been true of Luna Cortez, who has successfully broken into the drag scene and released original material on digital platforms. I would like to see upcoming singers/songwriters in the community showcase their work on our stage.
What’s more exciting is that we’re creating “The Haus of ZODIAC,” featuring a collective of our in-house entertainers, so watch this space.
I want to give a very special mention to the guys behind the curtains: our PR guy, Richard, and my right-hand consultant, Jamie Henderson (The Small Business Bear), helping me shape the future of ZODIAC. It’s the sign of the times.
What’s on at Zodiac Bar and Club Z tonight?
Click the button to find out
Zodiac Bar and club is open Tuesday to Sunday. 119 Hampstead Road, London NW1 3EE, United Kingdom.
