Since East Bloc rocked on to the scene four years ago it’s become one of the hottest spots in East London for the trend-setters, sexsters, rudebois, fashionistas and trannies to stumble in, let loose and dance all night long. Billed as a ‘boutique nightclub’ it may be intimate inside, but you still get one of the most diverse, friendly and up-for-it gay crowds anywhere in the capital; leave your ego at the door because they ain’t got no room for it down on the dance floor!
It’s home to eclectic nights such as Thursday night’s men-only Butch; Larry Tee’s Super Electric Party Machine; Tom Stephan’s Dish; Kris Di Angelis’ War; Gutterslut; Songs of Praise; and TheMenWhoFellToEarth. And this week it sees the glorious birth of Trannyshack East! QX caught up with owner and all-round friendly guy Wayne Shires to find out how you set up a successful nightclub, and what he’s got planned up his sleeve for the big birthday bash this weekend…
Firstly, East Bloc is one of our firm favourite places to go out in gay London! What made you set up the club in the first place?
I had moved to Shoreditch about a year before, and fell in love with the East End vibe. When the club became available I thought it would be a great addition to the eclectic venues in the area.
How did you get such a wide range of exciting promoters involved and varied club nights?
It took about a year to settle in and get the whole program right. I was really lucky because of the late license: a lot of promoters wanted to try out nights, and it’s built from there. We have a great team of promoters who all bring their own special something to the venue.
What have been some of your personal highlights in East Bloc’s history?
The amazing Beth Ditto doing an impromptu performance a Jim Warboy’s night. It was the weekend when Amy Winehouse passed away and Beth just got up on stage and sung ‘Back to Black’, with not a dry eye in the house! And last week’s Songs of Praise night, was simply amazing!
Describe the typical East Bloc party kid to someone who’s yet to grace its hallowed halls.
Fun, sexy and a bit messy!
If you’re not at the club itself, what other venues in London do you like to go to?
I love the George & Dragon for a pint with mates, Dalston Superstore for a dance, Vogue Fabrics for tranny watching, and HorseMeat Disco for a big old knees up!
And finally, what can we expect from the big birthday bash?
Great DJs, hot guys, sexy girls and cool trannies!
• East Bloc Birthday Bash is at East Bloc (217 City Road, Shoreditch, EC1V 1JN) on Saturday 23rd March.
