The newest member of Soho’s delightfully dysfunctional and drunken family has firmly established itself as one of the most popular bars on our fair scene. Ahead of Circa’s first birthday celebrations next week, we sent Lee Dalloway to chat with owner Alan Winter and their stellar line-up of DJ talent.
Alana, what are you most proud of from Circa’s first year?
My team, for one! They have all worked so hard, staff and DJs alike; they make me proud every week. I set out to create a venue that is relaxed and fun with no attitude and affordable prices – it’s great when people tell me exactly that! I also wanted to create a Circa family and we have defiantly done that. It extends from the cleaner to flower supplier to all our regular customers – I’m very lucky!
You’ve been working in bars since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, but what more has owning your own bar taught you about bar life, Soho and the gay scene in general?
It’s relentless but highly rewarding, I’ve managed loads of projects over the years but I wasn’t prepared for the feeling I get whenever we hit a milestone, I literally get goose bumps! In terms of Soho and the gay scene, I’ve been overwhelmed by how much support I’ve had from everybody, all the other bar owners have been great – lending me bits or bobs or offering up advice, you really do get a sense of community.
What’s your favourite, funniest drunken story from the first year?
Now, we’ve had loads of those! Stripping regular customers, a drag DJ – who will remain nameless – mixing tracks whilst pissed on the floor, a porn star falling down the stairs, a certain magazine’s Deputy Editor making out with twinks in the mirror ball! Far too many to mention here!
What are your plans for Circa going into your second year?
I’ve got a couple of new nights launching soon – I’m very excited as we have the legend that is Dusty O taking over on Sundays. We are also going to be opening during the daytime in time for summer. Then it’s all about the Jubilee, Gay Pride and the Olympics. I’ve actually just applied for a street closure and outside DJ for the Jubilee… expect a mass street party!
• Dusty O
One year ago when Circa opened I had no idea what a hit Alan and Harry had on their hands. We had been friends for ages but because of commitments elsewhere I was unable to join their team. Now I’m just so glad to be part of the Soho A Team, particularly as on Wednesday we host the pre-Trannyshack party at Circa where you can pick up free entry for the club from 11. My own Sunday night starts shortly and if I’m honest, Circa is the only bar in Soho I socialize in these days. It’s cosy but not cramped, happening but not pretentious and full of cute guys and gals of all ages. It really is a cross section of what is great about Soho right now.
• Munroe Bergdorf
Oh God! There have been too many good times, and most are a case of ‘what happens at Circa, stays at Circa! [Laughs]. However, one of my favourite memories of the past year has to be when we launched my Friday night ‘Discipline’ and there was a queue literally around the block of people trying to get in. Amazing feeling for me, but there was terror in the bar staff’s eyes! Good job they’re so amazing!
• Jonathan Bestley
The number of times I’ve wished conversations, or ‘abuse exchanges’ as I call them, could be taped and replayed is countless. In the past year I’ve been beaten with a Kiwi, been compared to Bubble and Siobhan Fahey, sprawled myself across the bar singing ‘These Boots are Made for Walking’ and I’ve loved every second of it. Circa – the place where your dreams come true. Thank you Mr Winter!
• Adam Turner
I think my favourite memory of Circa’s first year has to be last December. We had extended 4am licences on every Friday and Saturday with some fantastic guest DJs playing in the hallowed disco ball alongside Munroe and myself. There are plenty more special late night sessions to come this year, so watch this space!
• Jodie Harsh
I love Circa – it’s a super cool gay bar bang in the heart of Soho with a really hot crowd. They have a DJ booth shaped like giant disco ball; I mean, it was always going to be a winner for me!
I pop in before Room Service for the pre-parties they do for us, it’s a scream when Munroe Bergdorf is spinning there, I love that hot bitch!
• Celebrate Circa’s 1st birthday on Thursday 3rd May, 7pm-1am at 62 Frith Street, Soho, W1) also starring super spinner Kris Di Angelis.
• Photos by Lefteris Primos, Jodie Harsh pic by Adam Khadaroo
