27/07/13: Fifteen years ago most of us here at QX were still in nappies, tottering around a dimly-lit play pen, muttering incoherently and dribbling from every orifice. (Not much has changed really, except we only do that at fetish clubs now).
West 5, too, was a mere baby. A newborn, taking its first cautious steps onto the then flourishing West London scene. A lot has happened in that time with many venues coming and going, most notably the infamous Earl’s Court gay mecca. But West 5 has proved counterpoint to this, by continually to offer a viable alternative to central London with a quality mix of club, cabaret and straight-up bar events.
To celebrate its fifteenth, manager Daniel and his team decided to throw an all-day party, inviting a whole gaggle of cabaret entertainers to perform. Sandra hosted proceedings, with her usual wicked wit, superior stagecraft and constant, unending craving for COCK! Trust me, no man, within a two mile radius, with a pulse, is safe when our Sandra is on heat – which is always.
We sang, we drank, we dodged the showers and we salivated over the barbecued sausages. The perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon in July. Some of the acts that caught our eye and tickled us deep down there included the fabulous Baga Chipz, who gets filthier every time we see her (and we just love it).
Coleen McColon, whose Northern charm makes her a must see, was also in the house as was Simon Bell, who serenaded us with some truly beautiful songs. The madness of Coco Fémme Fontaine, whose unconventional performance of ‘The Circle of Life’ left the audience open-mouthed in consternation, was a delight.
And with that the game of cat and mouse that the sun and rain had been playing all day came to an end. The heavens opened and we all dashed for cover.
The fun continued until the early hours with resident, Vanity Von Glow hosting the indoor stage.
Happy Birthday West 5, from all at QX Towers!
West 5, South Ealing, Pope’s Lane, W5 4NB
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Chris Jepson
