Seen Queen Blog

BARCODE SOHO GLAMOUR (review)

2008-05-13T00:31:00.002+01:00

It seems like an age since the team at Barcode Soho started the renovations of this popular venue and having missed out on the re-launch party on Wednesday, due to work, we were keen to see the fruits of their labours, particularly in the club downstairs.

So, just before 10 p.m. on a balmy Saturday night we ventured into the West End and to what is our favourite venue amongst many on offer. From the outside, Barcode looks like its familiar self, but it is clear that everything has changed the moment we entered.

Sweeping through the double doors past the friendly and welcoming supervisor, the revised entrance immediately drew us into the ground floor bar, which has been completely transformed. The window seating has been upgraded with additional “centre aisle” seating as well as high tables and stools, making for a much more comfortable arrangement. The bar has been moved from the side to the back and looks much more glamorous with distinctive lighting, which neatly changes colour dependant on the mood.

The major difference is in the DJ booth which is now on the left hand side of the bar, cleverly recessed and raised with huge Barcode signage behind in red, making a real statement. Faye Lanson was holding court behind the decks, pumping out uplifting house mixes to a captive and engaging audience who showed their appreciation by booging away to her tunes. The whole vibe of the ground floor has improved and with additional seating on the right hand side of the bar, it has well and truly come of age.

The team have extended onto a first floor, dedicating the space to a brand new coatcheck and what has to be the largest toilet facilities in Soho, which are superbly decked out with state of the art equipment, continuing the truly glamorous feel. With a seating area outside the coatcheck between the ladies and gents facilities, the space is unrivalled with any we have seen and we can well see the temptation to spend time socialising up here.

As if all of these changes were not enough, we then entered the “piece de la resistance”, the basement club and bar. Accessed by the same stairwell as before, as we descended and then pushed through the doors, we entered what is clearly and much larger space and unrecognisable from the old room. The team have gone to extraordinary lengths to improve this part of the venue and it has certainly paid off. With vertical red panel lighting stretching around the walls and an incredible lighting system on the ceiling, complimented by some amazing lasers, the dancefloor space had a truly magical feel, which simply took our breath away.

With the bar pushed further to the back and equally as impressive as the facility on the ground floor, complimented with new and additional seating areas, we continued to be delighted by the changes and clear improvements. Best of all, the DJ booth has a now fantastic location, seemingly floating in the middle left of the dancefloor and once there we found scene favourite DJ Brent Nicholls standing resplendent, sending the crowd delirious with his unique mix of funky house beats, tailored beautifully to this more relaxed clubbing experience. In charge of the decks and the lighting, it was clear Brent was in his element and like us was impressed with the new club space, with the ability from the new booth to see each and every reaction of the audience in front of him.

With familiar faces strolling past, off duty DJ’s popping in for a chat and the club getting busier and busier, we savoured the electric atmosphere, much improved on the club of old. Despite it getting busier and busier, with the added space we never felt crushed like so many times in the past.

So, has the transformation been a success, with out a shadow of a doubt yes. The ground floor space is a clear improvement on the old, the first floor has to rank as one of the best facilities of any venue we have been to in London, but the true success is the basement club and bar. As we said, this simply took our breath away and we have fallen in love with its charms, the lighting system, the incredible positioning of the DJ booth, the improvement in the acoustics, combined with the bigger bar and new seating. All this has made for a very special club space indeed and it can now rank not only as a fabulous “pre-club” venue but a true clubbing venue too.

So hats off to Troy and the team in making Barcode Soho into a truly magnificent bar. We will certainly be visiting Barcode Soho again and again (DISCO MATT)

SALVATION BACK TO SAVE LONDON (news)

2008-05-11T13:50:00.005+01:00

[press release] AT THE LONDON HIPPODROME:Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH

Spring Bank Holiday Bash:SUNDAY 25^th MAY, 6PM TILL 2AM

From the team who brought you The Connaught Rooms and The Bloomsbury Ballroom, circuit-style partying and red carpet raucousness collides again at a fabulous Central London setting. Hip…venue & history!

The Hippodrome on Leicester Square is a grand old theatre built at the turn of the last century. The club has a large capacity around 2000, several VIP areas, a tiered balcony overlooking the dance floor and one of the only electronic dance floors that moves up and down!

A Hip…operation! Just kidding! Unless you fall over with excitement at how Salvation will transform this historic venue, bringing London’s biggest party back to the top of the capital’s club scene.

Hip…packages! The VIP reception from 5-6pm is sponsored by Souza tequila. Slip in a separate entrance to avoid the queues and mingle with metro-sexual London’s sexiest scene-stars

Hip…sounds! London’s greatest DJ talent including on rotation MisWhite, Sharon O’ Love, Pier Morrocco, Oliver M and Elliott J Brown playing party-sexual funky, deep and vocal house.

VAUXHALL GET'S LOVED UP

2008-05-10T12:25:00.006+01:00

The VAUXHALL LOVE FESTIVAL in CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY (the press released called it the I LOVE VAUXHALL STREET FESTIVAL AGAINST HATE CRIME, but we thought anything with the words HATE & CRIME' in the name just sounded too negative for a festival, so we gave it our own up beat name....) comes to Vauxhall on SUNDAY 25TH MAY Mid-day -8pm.

Hosted by the ALL THINGS ORANGE GROUP the rest of the press release follows:

The I LOVE VAUXHALL STREET FESTIVAL is going to be one of the biggest gay festival events of the summer. The festival will be a free party on Bank Holiday Sunday and will feature a Main DJ Stage, with some of the Gay Scene’s best DJ’s headlining, such as Steve Pitron, Stevie B, Paul Heron and many more. The Cabaret Stage will be hosted by the fabulous Miss Kimberly and will feature the cream of London’s Cabaret and alternative scene. There will also be Street Entertainers, a Later Chill-out Garden with Jacuzzi, sponsored by Chariots, 4 Bars, Food Stands, Market Stalls and Daytime Clubs open in Area and Depot.

This festival is in conjunction with Lambeth Police Hate Crime Initiative and we will be doing collections on the day.

GUTTERSLUTTING (news)

2008-05-10T00:25:00.003+01:00

SCENE FAVOURITES DJ PER QX & ELLIOT BROWN go gutterslutting on the 14th June at Guttersluts new venue.

Per says "After alot of serching we found a new home for the next gutterslut party the 14th of june and it's Hub Club (Formally the Sub Club) 2 Goulston Street E1 7TP just around the corner from Aldgate East station and next to Bricklane. We can't tell you how happy we are to be back again!!
Also we will do a Gutterslut again the next bankholiday suday 25th may at the Egg with Trade and DTPM that we are so looking forward to, I tell you more later

Lots of slutty love from the dalston gay mafia!"

White Fire (news)

2008-05-09T16:52:00.001+01:00

[press release] THE WHITE PARTY 2008: SATURDAY 24^TH MAY:11PM TO 8AM

FIRE in association with REIDIJK PRODUCTIONS is proud to confirm the details of this year’s London WHITE PARTY at Fire.

Following last year’s massive tenth anniversary party at Fire, which was recently voted one of the year’s best parties on the London gay scene in 2007, this year’s event will follow the same successful formula, that has seen The White Party become the most famous circuit party in the world. Fire will be transformed into a white wonderland with fantastic production, amazing music and the sexiest crowd… the dress code is `Dress to impress’…in white, of course.

For the party we are flying over from Amsterdam two White Party resident DJs; MAX MOREL, who has rocked the main floor at Fire many times before as well as clubs all over the world plus PAKO 80, who is also a resident at Heaven Gran Canaria and well know for his exciting mix of uplifting house with an edge of Electro. Also playing the main floor will be our very own WAYNE G, plus TERRY BRYAN . The Mirror arch will be home to slightly tougher sounds of PAUL CHRISTIAN, DAVID JIMENEZ and GONZALO, with MIKEY D and JAMIE HEAD in the Light Box and STEVEN ARTIS and DAVE CROSS in the Fire Lounge.

We will also be bringing you a host of sexy gogo boys, all wearing the briefest White costumes.

STRIKE A POSE- MATINEE PAPARAZZI (review)

2008-05-07T21:38:00.004+01:00

After the huge sell-out Easter party, so, came yet another instalment of Matinee, this time Paparazzi, styled as a tribute to all things glamorous, catwalk style, with camera’s flashing and a mass of true clubbing fanatics.

The build up to this now unmissible outing was like no other, with, yet again, tickets sold out days before the event and Matinee being on the lips of everyone we bumped into leading up to Sunday night. So despite a gruelling work schedule sandwiched by a trip to Beyond, we made our way over to Farringdon and the delights of Fabric.

We were expecting it to be busy, so arriving earlier than usual at 11 p.m., it was no surprise that there was a queue to get in, not to mention at the coatcheck, although the staff were very efficient in managing the many clubbers anxious to get a piece of the action and it wasn’t long before we descended down into the club, to the now familiar pulsating sounds emanating from room one.

It was clear that most had decided to get there early as everywhere was swarming with avid party goers and glancing across to the DJ booth, we saw Eduardo De La Torre holding fort and pumping out hard edged sounds to a rammed dancefloor. Having spotted friends at the bar, so busy was room one, we soon lost them in the crowd, so assumed our usual spot pinned against the side wall of the booth, where finding a space to dance was a real battle, but one that we eventually won.

Having been talked up by so many we knew, not surprisingly, face after face wondered past, saying hello, being a mix of scene faces, off duty DJ’s and even the odd work colleague, all sucking up the unique atmosphere that Matinee has brought to Fabric. As always, the team had adorned the club with fantastic production, the stage being the real focal point for the Paparazzi theme, with a fabulous catwalk and huge glittering Matinee signage.

With Eduardo handing the reigns over to Spanish Matinee resident Taito Tikaro, the music took on an altogether harder twist, momentarily lifted with the lighting up of the stage. This greeted the arrival of the now infamous resident go-go boys and dancers, suitably dressed in outrageous outfits as they strutted their stuff up and down the catwalk. With camera’s flashing and the crowd focussed on the show, room one was well and truly alive, with more and more revellers squeezing themselves into what space was left.

With no room left to dance, we decided to venture into room two and couldn’t have timed our arrival better as Micky Tiger was handing over to scene favourite DJ Brent Nicholls. It was down to Brent to step up the pace of the floor and he certainly didn’t disappoint, as record after record got the crowd well and truly hooked to his unique funky and latin twisted house. So good was it, that the dancefloor soon filled to capacity and had us mesmerised right through his set, burning up our spot and hardly pausing for breath. Soaking up the electric atmosphere we went into seventh heaven We could have savoured his music talents all night, but like so many things we enjoy, it had to come to an end, all too short in our view. So with the swap over to Ariel, which was immediately noticeable, this signalled our return to the main room.

By this time, G-Martin had was holding court in room one, delivering equally hard edged music to that of Taito Tikaro and as much as we tried to get into the music, only flecks of tracks got us gyrating to his sounds. The imminent arrival of Oliver M & Pier Morocco gave us renewed energy although it seemed like an age before they actually took over proceedings. But like G-Martin before them, they didn’t really enthral us, although it would be fair to say that by now most of our energy had been sapped out of us. Nevertheless the main room was still full of Matinee fans and bumping into yet more friends renewed our energy levels for one final push.

With the 10 a.m. finish fast approaching, we finally said our goodbye’s and slipped out of Fabric into the morning sunshine of Farringdon, meandering our way home to reflect on another massive Matinee outing.

So, was the party a success, judging by the huge crowd it drew and all the familiar faces we spotted, certainly yes. There was huge expectation following the Easter event and the more recent t-dance, so maybe we looking for more from Paparazzi and because of this it may have not always delivered what we wanted.

As much that Taito Tikaro and G-Martin are household names in Matinee circles, for us, they could not compare with the talents of Brad and Jordi Light who had entertained us at the previous party, Rewind.

Did we enjoy ourselves, ofcourse we did. Matinee has a unique vibe and a real sense of theatre, which many London clubs would be very enviable of. With a true “A-List” gathering backed up by the now solid production and promotion, we will continue to support what has to be our favourite clubbing event of the moment. With the team branching out to an associated night Revolver, before the return of Matinee in June, there seems to be a lot more to come from Oliver M & Logan, so be rest assured we will be booking our place at the next one. (DISCO MATT)

Getting it Hard for HARD ON

2008-05-06T15:56:00.001+01:00

There was a definite buzz in the air tonight at London's premier fetish club HARD ON as they launched their new 100% free to use cruise site http://www.hardonmen.co.uk/. Like the club, the site is a no holes barred place for men to cruise and meet with one thing on their mind- dirty bum fucking, cock sucking and sleazy action. Along with rubber company DEVOTE, three hot bear type gogos gave away free goodie bags and http://www.hardonmen.co.uk/ invitations. We do not know what it was about this night, but it drew a lot of London's hottest and hunkiest that you would normally see at clubs like Juicy & Megawoof. Hard On has certainly generated a vibe with many improvements in the club from the newly designed play room to the new music policy which still remains unique on the gay scene. It seems all the hard work promoter Suzie has done paid off with winning the Boyz Scene Award for best Fetish Club. Whether it is hot and sweaty dance floor action or hot and sweaty hot cock action HARD ON seems to have found the perfect balance making the club a must do experience. Please note, the club has a strict dress code (see http://www.hardonclub.co.uk/ for the rules) so being hot just isn't enough...you must look the part. This is what gives the club that amazing sexually charged atmosphere that you simply do not get in other clubs, plus the crowd is attitude free (unless, of course it's part of the fun and games) and down to Earth. From a-list muscle hunks to the underground fetish freaks- Hard On is their monthly gathering ground. HARD ON is on the last SATURDAY of each month.

BACK TO BEYOND (review)

2008-05-04T19:08:00.002+01:00

DISCO MATT reviews BEYOND.

Barely a week since visiting the new look Area following it’s refit and take over by The Orange Group, we found ourselves south of the river yet again, this time to the re-launch of the mega afterhours club Beyond.

Having been regular visitors since Beyond’s beginnings back in 2001, we like many were sad to see it’s demise, amidst a number of changes to the clubbing scene in more recent times and with a succession of new ventures launched and quickly failed at Beyond’s ancestral home, Club Colosseum, for us it seemed that the afterhours icon was set to fade into history.

An attempt to relaunch the club at The Fridge never really got off the ground, with just one party being held, although, with it at the uncharacteristic time of 7 p.m. on a Sunday evening, it just wasn’t Beyond! So, it was clear that people had moved on and early Sunday morning clubbing looked set to be dominated by 12 hour outfits like Juicy and Horizon.

As though like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we were surprised to hear of a second attempt to re-launch the legend, with the first party to take place on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, a cunning plan as there would likely to be a hugely captive audience. In addition, much shuffling of clubs in Vauxhall meant that Beyond, as it had been in its heyday, was the only club offering between 4 a.m. and midday.

So balancing work duties and having been encouraged to visit by Wayne Shires days before, we made tracks to Area, arriving about 7 a.m. It was clear that the club was in full swing, with the outside terrace already full of muscle queens, disco bunnies and an altogether polysexual mix of people. Entering Area, we were immediately drawn by the pulsating sounds emanating from the main room and thrusting our way in, past the coatcheck, we were greeted by a room bursting at the seams with hedonistic clubbers revelling in the atmosphere.

The advertised DJ line up wasn’t classic Beyond, although the brilliance of Steve Pitron, a guiding light throughout the clubs history, was there for all to see, as we advanced down the main floor to spot him holding court behind the DJ booth. The now infamous Area lighting system was in full swing and the podiums were packed with arms in the air party goers eagerly trying to attention grab.

Steve gave us a momentary wave as we positioned ourselves right by the booth and his usual amazing mix of commercial pop cleverly remixed and twisted into house heaven had us dancing within seconds. Behind him were screens flashing up reminders of Beyond's past not to mention the classic logo which kept swinging into our focus. The team had gone to town with production, the club adorned with huge Beyond lettering hanging from the ceiling above the booth and the constant pluming of chilling ice cannons and ticker tape explosions, meant the atmosphere was electric.

Wrenching ourselves away from the main room in search of refreshments, saw us wandering through into the “old” room two space, now divided, Like the main room the bar area was awash with clubbers scantly dressed down to the waist, although moving through into the darkened dancefloor, it was clear Steve had the lions share of the crowd as there was a mere handful soaking up the sounds of Elliot J Brown. Moving on into the main “embankment” bar area, it was obvious this was the chillout zone, with many faces showing the signs of all night clubbing, even more sprawling out onto the outside terrace.

However, having fresh legs we raced back into the main room and re-positioning ourselves by the DJ booth soaked up the atmosphere, but strangely resisted the empty podium in front of us. Steve continued to pump out huge record after record and old faces from Beyond’s original days kept floating past, in a small way re-creating the feel of all those years ago. When our resistance waned and we climbed the podium, Steve stepped up the music to yet another level, which had us enthralled displaying our dancing talents for all to see.

It was always going to be a short stay, with the call of work at 11 a.m., so we said our goodbye’s and melted into the Vauxhall day, reflecting on another club experience we were glad we made the effort to keep.

As for Beyond at Area, well we stated our views on Area as a revamped club before and this has not changed, it has the feel of Fire and there is no escaping that. However, Beyond did give it an edge over our last visit and two factors ensured that, the familiar faces from the Beyond of old and Steve Pitron. His presence and music choice was simply brilliant and could only ever be rivalled by another old Beyond resident, Brent Nicholls.

Will Beyond survive as a weekly outing, simply on the crowd it managed to pull on this occasion, it should do. Despite the expected pines for it to return to its spiritual home, Area is the next best thing to Colosseum and we wish the team well with their re-launch. Will we visit again, probably, if only to soak up the Pitron atmosphere. (DICSO MATT)

GETTING HUSTLED

2008-05-02T17:16:00.001+01:00

(PRESS) Hustlaball Hits London for the first time.

Saturday 14^th June 2008 @ AREA and Depot

(joined together for the first time tonight to form the super-sized, hi-tech venue proudly hosting the very first HustlaBall London party)

One of the biggest and certainly the sexiest circuit party in the world is coming to London.

Get ready for a close encounter of the most intimate kind with some of the biggest names in the porn and dance industry.

Hustlaball has been hosting mammoth parties all over the US & Germany for over 10 years now. The heady mix of clubbers, hustlers and porn stars always makes attendance to these events such a must to thousands every year. Last year Britney Spears was seen having a ball at the Las Vegas party, surrounded by a posse of security guards and fans. This is the Circuit Party for porn stars and their admirers. Just about every self respecting porn star has, at one time or another, shown off his tools of the trade at these parties. Past performers / attendees include Jeff Stryker,Michael Lucas,Mathew Rush, Michael Brandon, Francois Sagat, Johnny Hazard, Carlos Morales and newcomers like the anally talented fetishlad Ashley, Tommy Ritter and Jan Fischer. Hustlaball has hosted them all and shared them with the “common folk”.

To Date, Berlin has been the only European city that has had a taste of this hedonistic mega party. However now, Jeffrey Davids, the original creator of the event and the owner of Rentboy.comhas got together with Alex Erfan to make London its worthy second home from home.

Saturday 14^th of June, Area and Depot nightclubs join together to host HustlaBall London 2008. With 4 dance floors, 10 world class djs, 7 bars, VIP area hosted by CHI CHI LARUE, amazing light and sound throughout, this promises to be a party to remember. The special theme of Hustlaball London 2008 is the many ways we give each other pleasure. See why we say that HB London 2008 is POWERED BY PLEASURE!

But that is not all……we have over 30 porn stars to provide a taste of what the industry is known for and more. Along with dancers and acrobats, the shows will be absolutely heartthumping, gobsmacking, in your face and proud. We aimto shock,amaze and ultimately PLEASE.

The mix of over two thousand horny clubbers kept on the edge of their seats, toyed with and titillated is pure ecstasy. With SUZIE KRUGER and HARD ON hosting the 3000 sq ft fully equipped play room, relief will be on hand for anyone with the right attitude. So dress up or take it all off to impress the doyen of pleasure, Suzie Kruger, and obtain entry to her pleasure palace.

LONDON CLUBBING: WHAT'S HOT?

2008-05-02T12:32:00.008+01:00

NO DOUBT London clubbing is going through a difficult time. This may all be accounted to the natural down turn in clubbing as part of it's cyclic nature, caution over the current economic climate with a credit squeeze, increased cost of living and mortgage rate increases or that some feel that London clubbing has become repetitive, lacks creativity or new ideas (how many times can a club be 'bought back' from the disco graveyard?) and there seems to be less and less reasons to go out as opposed to other forms of recreation or activity. Certainly we endorse there is no point in going to a club because that is the 'default' club and there is no where else to go. We say, wait, save your money and spend it on something worth going to! Keeping this in mind we have compiled what we think are the worthy contenders for a good night out in gAylist London; clubs that are trying to create/do/be something different, trying out new venues and injecting some style and glamour back into the clubbing scene. We will also include clubs that we feel are not just taking from the community but giving and helping to maintain a sense of community. Our essential list is below....

Our HOT LIST in no particular order:

1: MEGAWOOF- now in its new home at the CLUB COLOSSEUM this has been a marriage made in heaven. Primarily a 'mans club' this event attracts a wide range of gay men from the big and muscled to, shall we say, more relaxed and down to earth. The mix works well- and this club probably remains one of the few totally gay clubs left on the London scene. Megawoof celebrates it's 5th Birthday on 10.05.08.

2: HARD ON- at Hidden just down the road from Area/BCV, this is London's most horniest clubbing experience. HARD ON is certainly one of London's best fetish clubs that has remained true to it's nature by enforcing a strict dress code. This club has found the perfect balance between sex/cruise and dance and is unique on the London scene. With two dance floors (one clubby the other harder/trancier), a large well equipped playroom and plenty of nooks and crannies plus a chilled outdoor smoking terrace- if you are into your fetish and you like your men in leather, rubber, skin gear, army or just a jock strap then this is the place for you. The last Hard On attracted a very hot crowd and the club just keeps on getting better as promoter Suzie Krueger makes subtle changes to make sure Hard On remains at the forefront of the fetish scene. Hard On is on the last Saturday of every month and is well worth checking out...but remember the dress code; no matter how hot you are, if you don't look the part you won't get in!

3: MATINEE at Fabric is an absolute must do club. It is easy to see why this club was voted the BEST CLUB OF 2007 by Seen Queen site visitors. Matinee really came into it's own when Oliver M & Logan took over the promotional reigns and landing it Fabric. It is the ultimate polysexual/metrosexual/homesexual/drag sexual clubbing experience with international DJs every month, the cream of London DJs plus a few new ones and a up for it stylish, glamorous and very nice looking crowd. Matinee follows the philosophy that it is a fiesta...and it's all about the fun! The club has a certain chaotic element to it, is very friendly and boasts some of the hottest gogos in London if not the world. It has helped inject progressive house into the gay scene and added to the rejuvenation of Sunday nights. Usually held on the first Sunday of each month, there are some exceptions so check our club diary for when the next event is on.

4. HUSTLABALL will be held at AREA with a play room by HARD ON and hosted in London by Alex Erfan (please note: Alex has told us this is an independent event and is in no way associated with the Orange group. They are hiring the venue for the evening). This party is world renown and like the title of the party suggests it attracts world class hookers, pornstars and hustlers. Not strictly a fetish club, there is a fetish element though perhaps more visual then 'strictly fetish'. This party will have a host of international DJs and hopes to create a regular event here in London equal to those in Sanfrancisco and Berlin. There is a long list of porno video production companies associated with this event so expect a galaxy of porn stars to descend upon London for this party. The date of this event is Saturday 14th June. Keep an eye on Seen Queen for further details.

5. REVOLVER at the Scala bursts onto the London gay scene on the Saturday bank holiday 24.05.08. Brought to you by the same people who bought us Matinee, this event hopes to inject a big and glamorous Saturday night in a well known venue that has been somewhat underused on the gay scene. Centrally located only two minutes from Kings Cross...this is meant to be what a London version of Matinee will be with all the same production values of it's sister. It is good to see that Oliver M & Logan are willing to promote a big party event outside the Vauxhall ghetto/village (depending on your perspective) and to try and create a stylish event for the polysexual/metrosexual/homosexual crowd. Doing something different is what it is all about and it is refreshing to see promoters willing to give it a go. It has been a long time since a new Saturday night has come along in a 'new' venue. Keep an eye on our Club Diary for further development.

6. GLAMOUR-US @ the Haymarket Hotel is a new styled t'dance hoping to recreate the decadence of clubs like Salvation (at the Cafe De Paris) and Factor 25. Launch date is Sunday 8th June at a new and unused stylish venue. The whole idea is to inject glamour back into the clubbing, an element that used to be in abundant on the gay scene but now is sadly lacking. The opening event will be invitation only, so keep you ears to the ground for one. The t'dance hopes to move venues on a regular basis using ones that have not been used before by gay promoters keeping a surprise and edged element to club. Keep an eye on our CLUB DIARY for more info.

7. BARCODE SOHO- newly refurbed, when Barcode does a club over, they do it well. Now over three floors with a new bathroom/coatcheck level this down to earth bar has been bought well into the 21st Century. Stylish and simple is the best description and has to be seen. Opening date is Wedenesday 7th May, and then daily. What a great place to go for a drink or a boogie in the basement club.

8. NO (venue to be confirmed)- this event is all about the music and was launched by PAUL SHELTER who got fucked off with the lack of decent electronic music on the London Gay Scene. Putting his money where his mouth is, he did the first NO event on Good Friday with the next one being scheduled for Saturday 7th June. The crowd was compromised of a mix of fashionistas, electro ho's and muscle/gym crowd creating a unique atmosphere in the trendy underbelly of Hoxton/Shoreditch. As Paul says "Say YES! to NASTY electronics, WONKY BREAKDOWNS that GO ON FOR DAYS, and a noisy session of BEEPS and CRACKLING NOISES - like AN ELECTRICIAN PREPARING FOR THAT FIRST ROLE IN A TRIGA FILM - the one that will make him A STAR". Check the Seen Queen diary for updates to this event.

9. DTPM returns to one of it's former home and a most loved venues @ the End on Sunday 15.08.08. As with each DTPM incarnation, they totally reinvent themselves to suit the venue they are in with a new sound, new and well known DJs and that fantastic DTPM production. Welcome back!

10. JUICY, voted one of London's hottest club of 2007 as voted by Seen Queen visitors and Best Weekend club by BOYZ readers, returns to FIRE after a relatively unsucessful season at AREA. Watch ANDREW, the nights promoters, return to Saturday nights with a vengance kicking Fire in the balls with his fabulous style of clubbing. Keep an eye out on our club diary for further details.

These event should keep you busy over the next couple of months.

IF YOU'VE GOT IT. FLAUNT IT!

Remember...if London isn't banging, you are in the wrong clubs!

BN.

DTPM SUMMER VIBES (NEWS)

2008-05-01T19:21:00.001+01:00

PRESS: So here it is ! Yes, Due to popular demand, DTPM returns once again to our Spiritual Home – The End. If you were at the last one, then you’ll know you’re in for one hell of a night, if you weren’t make sure you pen this one in your diary, blackberry or whatever it is you use! SUNDAY 15th June!

We promise to deliver you another night of cool clubbing from the mixmasters to the Cabaret, there’s something for you all! We welcome for the very first time, gender bender and fashionista extraordinaire, Miss Jodie Harsh. You may know here from Circus or Foreign! Or maybe even from OK magazine, but with her Candy floss hair and CD bag to boot, you know she’s going to rev up the engine that is The End Souns System.

Check this out

NEW TIMES * NEW DJs * NEW SOUNDS * NEW ERA

REVOLVER REVOLUTION

2008-04-29T13:40:00.006+01:00

[press release] Dj Oliver M and Logan and the team who brought you MATINEE LONDON at fabric will bring to London the biggest monthly Saturday night event in years. Saturday 24th May 2008 – 10pm until 6am.

If you have been to our MATINEE LONDON events you will know that the production and the Dj line up will be top notch and the best in the capital. For the opening of REVOLVER we have teamed up with the MATINEE GROUP in Spain and 10 other major European gay clubs to present you the official London pre-party to the CIRCUIT FESTIVAL which will be happening this summer in Barcelona. the CIRCUIT festival will be the biggest and best party week Europe has seen so far with around 30.000 sexy clubbers being expected to decend on Barcelona from the 4th till the 11th August 2008.

JUST CONFIRMEND LIVE PA FOR THE NIGHT:COCO STAR aka FRAGMA performing her current top track :TOCA'S MIRACLE (Richard Durands Tribal version) and the vocal version of club classic Cafe del Mar !!! SPECIAL SUPER STAR GUEST DJ ENRICO ARGHENTINI ( MATINEE GROUP, CIRCUIT FESTIVAL, GORGEOUS ROME)DJ's on rotation will incluide London's best underground djs in the likes of OLIVER M, GUY WILLIAMS, PIER MOROCCO, BRENT NICHOLLS, EDUARDO DE LA TORRE, JON DENNIS, ARIEL, ALEX CELLAR & NATHAN 6 and more! We are especialy proud to confirm that London's original underground and now global superstar DjTOM STEPHAN has joined our team of cutting resident Dj's. Be prepared to be blown away by the new super club SCALA in King Cross which has not been used by many promoters on the polysexual club scene and therefore it is quite a deal to have secured that beautiful venue. The Scala itself is a converted old theatre with a big main arena which features a very high ceiling and balcony’s on different levels . This lends the venue the continental big room feel you find at events like Rapido in Amsterdam, the Roxy in New York and other similar venues. It also got an amazing ''Glass Bar'' overlooking the main room and 3 more dance floors giving us the opportunity to offer you the Spanish matinee style tribal house on the main floor and cutting underground sounds on the remaining dance floors.Situated in the Kings Cross regeneration area and only 2 minutes from the tube/train/bus station and within easy access to the west end and Vauxhall .

You can expect the sexiest, most glamorous and up for it mixed crowd at this new event. We will have lots of free give aways on the night and 2 lucky clubber’s can win a total CIRCUIT FESTIVAL package incluiding flight to barcelona, hotel accomodation in a 4 star Hotel and VIP entrance to the festival party’s .

BE-AREA

2008-04-28T22:52:00.001+01:00

Having been absent from Area sometime before it’s extensive refurb, we decided to take a look and with a now rare Saturday night off we headed down to Vauxhall and the new night Bearea.

Arriving at our customary fashionably late time of 1a.m. there was no queue to negotiate and once past the over zealous door supervisor and through the entrance to (it has to be said) an unwelcoming guy who took our entrance fee, we were hoping that this was not going to set a trend for the night.

To our huge relief it was not, as we swept through the doors past the coatcheck and into the main room, which was packed with a mix of bears, cubs, chunks and hunks of all shapes & sizes. Quite what category we fitted into we were not sure, but it didn’t matter as the pulsating sounds and energetic lighting drew us onto the dancefloor and towards our familiar spot by the DJ booth.

The refit has given the main room an altogether different feel, with the DJ booth occupying the space where the backbar used to be. A conveniently positioned podium right in front of the booth had our names on it and there were plenty of other elevated dancing areas to the side on front of the dancefloor for those, like us, who adore strutting their stuff, competing with resident gogo’s. The Matrix integrated laser and L.E.D. lighting system certainly makes a bold statement and with the magic of Andrew Harris on the controls we were entertained to a simply dazzling display. The packed dancefloor showed their appreciation as San Diego held sway pumping out a popular mix of commercial uplifting house.

Avoiding the temptations of the podium, if only for a short while, we were keen to explore the rest of the club to see what further changes had been made and moving back up the main room one and through an unchanged sequence of doors, we entered the new bar area. Clearly the team had taken pains to make this part of the club much more glamorous and the result is a bar enviable of many a gay venue, with the added bonus of the space leading straight out onto an outside terrace. Pausing for a drink we spotted Wayne Shires who welcomed us in his usual friendly fashion and with plenty of familiar faces around, we felt as though we had well and truly arrived.

Moving down towards room two, we entered through the usual doors into a completely different space. With the stage gone and a revised layout for the DJ booth it was truly like entering a capsule and a totally unique feel compared with the main room. The old space had seemingly been split into two, with no dazzling lights, infact barely any light at all, harping back to the days when all dancefloors were like this, with perhaps the odd aid of a laser of disco light. Ben Jamin was holding court and infusing his usual mix of funky electro and disco beats, never failing to amaze us with his energy and enthusiasm.

Slipping out of room two and past yet another bar, much unchanged from the old arrangements albeit a little smaller, we managed the find the chillout area but were unable to locate either room three or the cruise den, not that we searched that hard, as the sounds from the main room drew us back in and then onto the inevitable spot on the podium next to the DJ booth.

By now Andrew had the lighting system at full speed and with gogo’s adorning the podiums on the opposite end of dancefloor the atmosphere was electric, made more so by the magnificent glittering lighted sign of Area. We made our presence on the podium felt and succumbed to the whole “bearea” experience, this choice of club far removed from our usual haunts such as Matinee & DTPM.

With an early start at work not to mention a disgruntled bouncer who waved us down off the podium we made out exit into the Vauxhall dawn.

So, what was the verdict on the new look Area. To be honest, to us, it felt very much like a smaller version of Fire. Yes we recognise that it is now under the same ownership and so naturally will draw comparisons. But, as magnificent that the lighting system is, you cannot help but think it is competing with the Lightbox. Yes they have done a great job with the new bar area and we cannot deny that Area is a premier clubbing venue, but if, like us, you are not a huge fan of Fire, then the new look and feel will be likely to disappoint. And with the unfriendly staff we encountered, that alone may put some off.

Area is clearly into a new era, but we remained nostalgic of the old style that the previous owner encapsulated, along with all those familiar faces. This may make us think twice about a re-visit, but with the club looking set be remain an important part of the gay clubbing scene, we suspect that we will be ”shaking our booty” within it’s walls some time soon. (DISCO MATT)

BE A-MAZE-D (news)

2008-04-26T13:29:00.003+01:00

PRESS RELEASE: Experience Maze...Dirty Sexy House and Boys.
Join us in the newly refurbished and enlarged Depot for a new concept in clubbing and crusing.
Our philosophy: It`s all about the music.
At Maze we strongly believe that music is essential, therefore we will play progressive and dirty sexy house, no commercial shit.

We have lined up the most talented dj s of the international progressive house scene, amongst which Superstar DJ Producer Pagano, Severino, Gabriele Cutrano and guests.
Maze is brought to you by Tony Bruno.

Ex promoter of Exogroove, the legendery Italian after hours party attended by 20,000 people and 30djs.
Tony Bruno has a track record of success in organising major events worldwide, and producing some of the finest remixes in collaboration with Joe T. Vanelli, the Sharp Boys, and Alan Thompson.
Together with Alex Erfan, Tony has conceived the legendary Salvation nights at Cafe de Paris. Tony has managed many of London's most talented DJ's, such as Wayne G, Gonzalo, Alan Thompson, Sharp Boys, Smokin Jo, Pagano, and many more.

"I personally believe that now is the right time to create a new type of event, combining our desire to enjoy the best music, in the company of the hottest boys. London needs to revitalise its scene, and now is the time!"

Thursday Bank Holiday 1st May - From 11pm to 6am - £5 b4 Midnight and £8 After.
Sunday Bank Holiday 4th May - From 12 Noon to 8pm - £5 all afternoon.
Thursday Bank Holiday 22nd May - From 11pm to 6am - £5 b4 Midnight and £8 After.
Sunday Bank Holiday 26th May 0 From 12 Noon to 8pm - £5 all afternoon.

www.mazeclub.co.uk

DJ PAGANO'S BIRTHDAY (news)

2008-04-22T23:52:00.001+01:00

DJ PAGANO’s BIRTHDAY BASH

On the 26th of April it is again time for DJ Pagano’s Birthday Bash. Last year’s party was one of our most glamorous and successful events, attracting an exclusive crowd of clubbers in the know, gay scene personalities, and European stallions. The 2008 event is already set to be one not to be missed: PAGANO has promised to bring the most cutting-edge sounds to HEAVEN as there will be 6 DJs from his record label “DEVIATE RECORDS” performing on the main ﬂoor. During the night there will be a special performance by STEWART WHO? debuting his forthcoming single produced by Pagano. Our playful HEAVEN CABANA BOYS will bring some extra entertainment and lust to the night. We are also having a special VIP area designed exclusively for this event. So get down to the most happening Saturday night in town to help us celebrate our very own main resident DJ.

MUSIC ON THE MAIN FLOOR BY DEVIATE RECORDS ALL STARS:

PAGANO
GONZALO a.k.a. STEREO MAN
NICK TCHERNIAK from THE WHITE KNIGHTS
ANDY ALLDER
MICKY GALLIANO
JACOB MOSS

PA by STEWART WHO? punk-forming live the forthcoming release:

PAGANO feat. STEWART WHO?
“BACK TO THE FUTURE (GO FORWARD!)”

BARCODE BUFFS UP (COMMENT)

2008-04-08T17:03:00.004+01:00

LUCKY US when we had a preview of the new Barcode Soho which is open for business while the club floor is being refurbed. They impressed us with Vauxhall and now this group are going to equally impress us with SOHO. Leave it to Barcode to create yet another modern, stylish and well finished bar. Here money has been spent well on keeping it simple and sexy. The new ground floor bar is painted a dark blue and accented with red backlit panels. The new toilet/coat check level is upstairs and has a life of it's own. The toilets plentiful and the whole coatcheck (that includes well designed seating area) and the spacious toilets area has become a place where others were found socialising and cruising. The purple backlit walls in contrast to the darker painted walls set an ambience that made a trip to the toilet as much as social event as a trip to the dancefloor.

Meanwhile over in Vauxhall the club room is getting a facelift in the form of a new lighting rig/display. An array of mirror balls now dominate the room making the place feel more intimate. Numerous LED lights hang from the ceiling and point up to the mirrorballs and when turned on (in various colours) creates an interstellar display of moving light points that are complimented by the standard scans. Fire one of the three lazers into the mirror ball array and you get a spectacular light show. Here Barcode has gone for simplicity proving that less is more, and if done right, can be just as eye catching then more overdone or expensive lighting rigs.

Can't wait to see the whole BARCODE SOHO opened...like the advert says 'coming soon'. Check here for details!

MATINEE REWIND (REVIEW)

2008-04-08T17:01:00.000+01:00

Having missed out on the amazing Easter weekend Matinee La Leche!, we certainly weren’t going to do the same with the latest instalment of this, now, super club at Fabric, so much so we secured our tickets way in advance so as to avoid the disappointment of last time.

Styled as a T-Dance as a precursor to Matinee moving from the last to the Second Sunday of each month, the earlier start of 7 p.m. clearly took a little bit of adjusting to and as we gathered in Soho for some “pre-club” drinks, we decided to hold out a little while, before swinging round to Farringdon and making our entrance at about 9 p.m.

With no queue to negotiate, followed by a grand sweep down the stairs, we hit room one where a crowd of hopeful clubbers were assembling. As usual, the Matinee production team had come up trumps, with signage adorning the walls and celebrating the theme of the night, “rewind” to the New York clubbing vibe of the 90’s, a huge graffiti styled mural dominated the stage, as though some underground artist had captured Matinee in a frenzied illustration.

Peeping over into the DJ booth, we spotted Guy Williams holding court and playing a stylish mix of modern day and retro house classics to really get the party going. As familiar record after record blasted out, the crowd grew bigger and bigger, soon engulfing room one, with little or no space to move on the dancefloor, with the usual mix of horny hunks stripped to the waist and getting down to the pulsating vibes.

Our brief excursion from the main floor to look at the DJ line up for room two was short lived, as DJ’s Brad and Jordi Light soon took over proceedings stepping up the pace of the music and rocking room one, which drew even more people onto the dancefloor. With scene photographers snapping away happily, the mood took an altogether different turn as the Matinee go go’s (boys & girls) took over the stage and entertained the amassed crowd to a hedonistic mix of breakdancing and acrobatics.

Once the show was over, DJ Brad resumed control and began a series of records that simply blew us away. With Jordi Light going back to back with Brad, you simply couldn’t have asked for much more as the music just got better and better. Familiar face after face wafted past us, as we held station next to the DJ booth and we succumbed completely to the party atmosphere that Matinee has come to be known for.

We hardly paused for breath and whilst some of our posse fell by the wayside, we carried on dancing, virtually non stop, right through until the 3 a.m. finish, rounding off yet another truly fabulous Matinee party. Although it seemed on a slightly smaller scale than previous occasions, those of us that lasted to the end didn’t regret a minute of it and in some ways just wanted to party on.

With the thought of work the following day, when the music finally died down, we slipped out of the wonders of Fabric and a trip home chilling to the sounds of our favourite DJ, rounding off a truly great night and keeping us at the level of heightened excitement the club had taken us to.

Despite the change of timings which probably resulted in a smaller crowd than previous Fabric outings, as well as the disappointment of no room two, the main floor really made up for it all and we yet again toast a successful and fun Matinee experience. With the return to its regular slot on the second Sunday in May, as well as a special Bank Holiday party being planned, it is clear that Matinee in London is set to go from strength to strength and will certainly have us back for more. Well done Oliver M, Logan and the crew, roll on the next party. DISCO MATT

Matinee Does A T'dance (news)

2008-03-27T11:20:00.003Z

Matinee would like to announce that we will be moving from the fourth Sunday of the month to the first Sunday of the month in response to requests from all of you Matineros out there. To celebrate this move, the next Matinee party will be a one-off T’Dance held on Sunday 6th April 2008 from 7pm to 3am. According to Oliver M, the Matinee London promoter “we have decided to hold a t’dance after people messaged us saying that they simply could not make Matinee due to work on a Monday but would love to have come. We decided that a Matinee T’Dance would be a perfect way to introduce the move from the fourth Sunday to the first Sunday of the month, to keep Matinee fresh and dynamic and to give those people that have missed out the opportunity to come and party with the rest of us. In Ibiza Matinee parties are often held as a t’dances and we hope to create that here for this special event. With Matinee opening at 7pm and closing at a ‘sensible’ hour of 3am, the more conscientiousness of you out there can come and have the full Matinee experience and still make it into work for Monday morning.”
The DJs imported from Barcelona for this special T’Dance will be internationally known DJs Brad & Jordi Light and supported by the best of the London talent including De La Torre, Guy Williams, Ariel, Jon Dennis, Oliver M and Brent Nicholls.
Called Matinee Rewind, the club will be taking a step back in time to the fabulous hip-hopping and break-dancing days of the 1980’s with a 21st century twist. Expect fantastic shows along with our amazing production turning Fabric into a street ghetto with bling! Your eyes will enjoy a feast of professional dancers while your ears will be treated to one of the best sound systems in the country not to mention the fierce tunes dropped by the Matinee resident DJs across two different dance floors.
Matinee always attracts a gorgeous, glamorous and fun filled crowd that give Matinee that fantastic party vibe and feeling. From muscle boys to glittered up drag queens and from dedicated clubbers to socialising metrosexuals; they come for the music and atmosphere that is so distinctly Matinee.
Advanced tickets are only £10 from Prowler Soho, clone Zone and Profile Bar plus online. £14 on the door.
Come and take advantage of the early opening and closing hours of this very special Matinee T’Dance and find out why Matinee was voted the Best Club of 2007 by clubbing website http://www.seenqueen.com/ and why this is the club that everyone is talking about.
Matinee is also the official pre-party of Europe’s biggest and newest gay and lesbian clubbing festival ‘Circuit’ to be held in Barcelona from the 4th-11th August 2008.

MATINEE LA LECHE: 1 000 TICKETS ON THE DOOR (NEWS)

2008-03-22T13:46:00.003Z

Although all advance tickets for Matinee La Leche are sold out, there will be 1000 tickets available on the door.

Advance ticket holders need to take note that their priority entrance is only valid until the time that is written on their ticket. After that they will have to queue with everyone else so get down there early!

For those that want tickets, we suggest you get down to Fabric by 10pm when the club opens to get one of the door tickets.

Alternatively, more tickets will be made available from 5am for only £10 as Matinee La Leche runs to 10am!!

DTPM BIRTHDAY @ THE END (NEWS)

2008-03-17T20:15:00.002Z

This is the BIG ONE! DTPM’s Birthday! Sunday 13th April 6pm-1am

But where will it be ?? We’ll this one is gonna make some of you think all your dreams have come true! DTPM is delighted to announce a triumphant return to what is for some, our Spiritual home – THE END !!! Now you might think this is going backwards and some may say that, but I assure you it couldn’t be further from the truth! Yes, we’ll be taking some of our much loved residents with us, but that’s only the beginning. Those that you know from the past have spent the last three months getting together a completely new sound to delight your ears. We’re also inviting a not so recent resident back to DTPM for this special event. Not only that, we’re introducing a brand new sound to the Lounge. Mash up is the name of the game and party party party is what you’ll get! A no holds barred attitude and puttin’ the fun back into clubbin’ is our mission. This has to be one of the hottest tickets in town this spring, so get yours now at the Earlybird price of just a Tenner! (While stocks last). We promise a few other twists and turns, but we’re keeping that up our sleeves for now! So, avoid disappointment and don’t leave it till the last minute. There will of course be some tickets left on the door, but why take the chance? Get yours now & we’ll see you there!

MATINEE MARATHON (NEWS)

2008-03-09T13:59:00.001Z

Yes, Its true. We thought you all deserve a massive Easter Sunday blow-out at London's best venue!!

On Easter Sunday we are going to be open for a massive 12hours which is a first for fabric!!!!!From 10pm until 10am (from 5am there will be a reduced entry)

The confirmend line-up will be as followed: ROOM ONE: 10pm until 10am DJ J.Louis, Rafa Ariza, Guy Williams, Pier Morocco, Oliver M & Live Pa by Katherine Ellis (Insatiable by Mark Knight, POZA, Make a Move on Me by Joe Negro, Lost by Roger Sanchez....) ROOM TWO: 10pm until 6am Pagano, Dj LeoMeo(amazing underground Dj from Paris and Model for Pierre and Gilles and others....), Brent Nichols. ROOM THREE: 00.00 until 4am Sam Hunwicke & Nathan6. Thank you for making our first 2 outings at fabric so amazingly successful. We will strive to keep the night to the highest standards and take all your comments onboard.

Oliver and Logan

MEGA WOOF! WOOF!

2008-03-07T20:55:00.005Z

When we first heard about Megawoof moving to Colosseum we thought 'what a fab venue'. And that it certainly was. The Colosseum has been divided into two separate venues and Megawoof was held in the original main floor and VIP room. They did an excellent job of dressing the venue up transforming it into the Megawoof dance arena. It was very distinct and there was not one comparison to 'Beyond'...Megawoof made itself distinct with it's own style and touches. The sound and lighting at the Collosseum is excellent and it delivered every tune to the packed floor. The crowd ranged from the usual bears to some very hot hunks indeed. Actually, the crowd was very horny, Megawoof perfectly capturing that balance between clubbing and cruising. The crowd was refreshingly gay taking me back to the days of Crash and Action in their prime...something that is missing elsewhere on the gay scene and that can now only be found at Megawoof. The club has certainly exceeded it's boundaries as being just a bear club, and now attracts a varied and well up for it crowd. Being at the Colosseum just gives it more scope to grow and to be even bigger then it was when it was at Crash. The masculine gay crowd along with the attitude free atmosphere, cruisy vibe and the space and the facilities of the Colosseum make it a winner. DJ Pagano was also a welcomed addition to the DJ line-up giving it to the dance floor big time dropping some phat tunes that kept the crowd jumping until the end! Brent.

RE-ACTION

2008-03-07T20:52:00.003Z

MMM? We are not sure about this...this could be the equivalent as Beyond @ The Fridge.

EASTER SUNDAY 23rd MARCH: VERY SPECIAL PARTY @ AREA: 10pm TO 7am

Easter bank holiday Sunday....The return of Andrew Harris’s Legendary ACTION at AREA for a MASSIVE party, with all the pumped up testosterone sexed up fun the club was infamous for. With the return of The Action Maze, the beefy gogo men, brand new Action production and of course music from original Action resident DJs, ROB SYKES, PAUL HERON, JUSTIN BALLARD, GONZALO, STEWART WHO and CRAIG DANIELS.

LIVING THE NITLIFE

2008-03-04T22:49:00.002Z

Headspace is the synergy of three successful clubland individuals - DJ/producer Alan X, DJ/producer Jon Butler and seasoned club promoter Spike Rhodes who have joined together with the RVT to create a new 'after hours nite' at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.When the opportunity of filling the late Saturday early Sunday slot at the RVT came along we decided to 'strip things back to our clubbing roots' and provide a space for people to come and enjoy an all night, no frills party environment said Spike.The venue, the RVT is by reputation, a cozy, inviting place to 'hang out in', socialize and dance, with pub bar prices and a door charge that won't break the bank. Musically we wanted to do something a little more adventurous without alienating the Vauxhall regulars. Along with Jon Butler, Alan X will be exploring some of the more diverse aspects of the current music explosion."There are so many dance tunes we never get to hear. Things are not as defined as they were before the digital download market took off over the last few years. People want more whilst still needing to dance. Music has fragmented and diversified so much so that there is room nowadays to go down any number of avenues other than just the usual 'funky house' genre - not that I really know what that term means anymore!" said Alan.Jon B is known for taking a darker route and has a fantastic collection of music. For myself I will be playing a few of the more known tunes but expect them to be mixed in with the unexpected as we will both be veering away from the same-old-same-old.The great thing is we will both be playing much longer sets than the usual two hours, which means we can both create more of a journey. Once we get up and running there will also be some guest DJs hopefully bringing talented DJs in from places like Germany and Prague.Having said all that we will always be keeping our feet firmly placed on the dance floor, as we want this to become a euphoric all night dance affair rather than just some heady trip. The close environment of the RVT means we should be able to build the crowd into a frenzy - you only have to look at Sundays in there to know how it can get. Add to that a fresh music policy and fingers crossed we can give people something exciting to party to!The term Dark-Lifting comes to mind. Spike, who will also be supplying the video visuals concludes: We went for the late nighttime slot, as there only seems to be one or two options for that time of night and definitely room for something more personal. As we are going to run weekly from the start we are looking forward to breaking some new tunes and building them into personal favorites for the crowd that we pull.At the end of the day it is a party so you cannot be too serious about things - only time will tell if we are giving the crowd something new to move to but in the meantime we will have a lot of fun trying to pull it off!Don't be shy - come down and say hi.Nitelife launches on Sunday 9th March (weekly theareafter) from 2:30am until 10:00am @ Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY

IN WITH INDUSTRI

2008-03-04T22:33:00.002Z

With the effects of partying at Matinee slowly wearing off, we decided to make a trip south of the river to the enticement of Barcode Vauxhall on a Thursday, which has recently been taken over by the fabulous scene queen Minty with her new venture Industri.

Styled as a seductive and raunchy club night but with the feel of a private party, the entrance to Barcode had been suitably dressed with gorgeous black drapes, concealing the club behind, so we felt as though we were making a grand entrance as we swept through. Once inside, the walls were decked with Industri signage to distinguish the night from the regularity of Barcode and our ears were delighted with the familiar sounds of Brent Nicholls, who was pumping out his unique latin twist and funky electro fuelled vibe to a crowd of party boys & girls, scene faces, off duty DJ’s as well as Barcode regulars revelling in the atmosphere.

Minty welcomed us in her usual voluptuous fashion, spotting us through the crowd and running up, arms out wide to great and usher us to the bar. There we joined her in shots of Tequila and the special offer of Blue Vodka, which were far too tempting laced with our favourite energy drink to give us the necessary kick after the last weekend clubbing workout. Chatting with this enigmatic hostess, it was clear that Minty is thrilled with having landed her own club night, after years of hard work on the scene and she has certainly made her mark on this popular Vauxhall venue. As she was so welcoming, we couldn’t resist tempting her to more shots, which came pouring over the bar with alarming regularity.

So, the scene was set for another fun filled experience, albeit on a more intimate level. The only missing element was Paul Heron, who would normally join Brent behind the decks, mixing up their thunderous cocktail of music. However, with Paul enjoying the Mardi Gras season down under, in his place was the energetic Steven Geller, who had been hand picked by Minty and Brent to stand in for Paul. Soon we realised exactly why, as Steven infused his bounce and youth behind the decks, blending his music choice perfectly with Brent’s.

Familiar face after familiar faced rolled in and out of the club throughout the night and with drinks and music flowing in volumes it was hard not to become engulfed in the brilliance of this club venture. The added surprise of being pushed in front of the camera lens was too much to resist and we succumbed completely to the party atmosphere that Minty, her boys and Barcode had aimed to deliver, and deliver they did, in bucket loads!

With the call work the following day, we eventually bid our farewells, slipping into the Vauxhall night and a short journey home to sleep off our partying excesses, refusing the many temptations on offer after Industri had hung up its boots for another Thursday.

Since its launch just four week’s ago, Industri seems to already be developing itself into a must visit event and certainly will have us going back for more. The combination of Minty, her boys (Brent & Paul) and the excellent Barcode setting is a hard act to follow and is clearly a winning formula. So, if’s it’s a great party, great music and a fun evening all-round you’re after, get yourselves down to Barcode on a Thursday from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. Thoroughly recommended!! DISCO MATT

TRADE SOLD OUT

2008-03-04T22:27:00.000Z

TRADE SOLD OUT!

All Advance Tickets for The Last Dance @ Turnmills have now SOLD OUT!

As we are open from 5am to 5pm, we will be offering limited additional tickets on the door from 11am.

These will be on a strictly “first come first served” basis and subject to availability, we cannot guarantee entry.

AREA REOPENS

2008-03-01T15:20:00.001Z

Originally opened in 2006, Area was always a great space, but never lived up to its potential. Now Craig Elder, the owner and creative tour de force behind Fire has taken the reins and transformed the venue into a truly sensational, state of the art club adding a completely new clubbing environment to the London scene.The main room now features a stunning new Matrix laser installation with 40 moving head lasers and an integrated LED system... (think Rihanna’s performance at The Brits!) while the rest of the club has been upgraded to Craig’s own high standards of customer comfort with rebuilt bars and seating spaces. The launch party on the 8th will be a big glamorous blow out, a chance to showcase this stunning new venue, one of the 'must attend' party events of the year, a one off mega party with great music from DJs Steve Pitron, D'Johnny, Terry Bryan, Elliot J Brown, Gonzalo and Sean Dickson.As of Saturday 15th March, promoter Andrew Harris will be moving the mega successful Juicy to Area as a weekly club

TRADE DJ LINE UP CONFIRMED

2008-02-29T21:55:00.000Z

The largest 12-Hour non-stop Dj line-up Trade has ever booked!

Featuring the BEST Fierce Rulin Trade DJs of Past & Present: Dj Pagano, Daz Saund, Fat Tony, Fergie, Gonzalo, Guy Williams, Ian M, Kelly Marie, Lady Bianca, Lisa German, Malcolm Duffy, Martin Confusion, Nick Tcherniak, Pete Wardman, Sharp Boys, Smokin Jo, Steve Thomas, Stevie B, Tom McMillan, Trevor Rockcliffe & Tyron.

Vocals by Trade Lite Diva TONNIC & Percussion by JOY

MATINEE PACKS A PUNCH!

2008-02-27T12:43:00.003Z

It was with much anticipation of a massive party following the huge success of Matinee’s launch at Fabric in January, that we made our way down to Farringdon on Sunday night. Arriving fashionably late at the stroke of midnight to no queue and the gorgeous Marky B on the door who ticked us off his list and waved us through, we entered and as we commenced our decent down the labyrinth of stairs, the excitement as well as the sound of the music heightened to a crescendo when we swept through the doors and into the room one. It was clear everyone had got there earlier than us, as the club was already heaving with hunky men, party heads and scene stalwarts.

Never failing to disappoint the Matinee crew had staged the venue brilliantly with a huge boxing ring engulfing the main dance floor, being the centre piece of the knockout theme, with Matinee signage adorning the walls. Pagano was holding fort in the DJ booth, pumping out massive sounds and sending the crowd into frenzy. As we got closer to the boxing ring, we spotted the matinee models, boys and girls assembling and climbing through the ropes ready to perform, suitably dressed in a variety of costumes to delight the crowd of onlookers.

All the gay paparazzi had gathered on the side of the boxing ring outside the ropes and what seemed like the whole club full of party goers swarmed to watch the show and marvel at the mix of glamour glitz and gloves (of the boxing variety) parading and prowling around the ring to the continual pumping sounds of the ever present Pagano behind the decks. With cameras flashing and the crowd going wild the atmosphere was electric and just what we come to expect from Matinee.

When the show came to an end, the revellers then started taking over the boxing ring turning it into an elevated dance floor. With this, we sneaked off to room two to listen to the delights of Ariel & Jon Dennis. Returning to room one, which by now was bursting at the seams with gorgeous men and their admirers, many of whom had stripped off their shirts, we found them dancing to the beats of DJ Brad, who had taken the reigns of the decks from Pagano. The music simply blew our minds, so when in Rome (or Matinee) do as the Romans (Matineeans) do, so we dressed down to the waist and danced on and on, not moving from the main room. Often we bumped into familiar faces sashaying past and we only momentarily paused for liquid refreshment, so as to avoid interrupting a truly fabulous dancing experience.

When Iordee entered the music fray, pitching his talents against DJ Brad, in the turntable version of a boxing match, the atmosphere became fever pitch as they traded record after record rather than punch after punch. Having thought the quality of music was going to be hard to follow the January party, these two talents excelled themselves. The crowd showed their appreciation by filling room one to capacity right through till 6 a.m. The boxing ring by the end of the night had taken it’s toll as the revellers had let the frenzied atmosphere get to their heads, forcing many others to occupy the sides and back of room one, making it feel as busy as always, although as the music died down we, like many faded into the normality of a London morning journey home.

In a gay scene that seemed to have become quite stale and with so many of our favourite clubs being infiltrated by straights and chav’s, Matinee proves that stylish, the beautiful and the downright charming gay partying crowd still exists. You could not have asked for a better atmosphere and clubbing experience, so hats off to Oliver M and the team for yet another great night. Bring on the next one!!! DISCO MATT.

LO PROFILE GET'S A-LISTED

2008-02-26T18:26:00.008Z

Something very exciting is happening in Soho! Clubbing is starting to get a bit of style and glamour injected back into it and the epic centre of this revival is the new bar come club or club come bar 'Lo Profile'. As Gaydar takes a step from the cyber world in to the real world, they have managed to develop a new clubbing phenomenon right under our noses. LoProfile is a refreshing change and antidote to the somewhat pedestrian clubbing to be found elsewhere in the gay clubbing scene. The crowd is a mainly a gay gathering with a strong polysexual feel. A- list boys, glamorous girls, clubbers, a strong Latin crowd, the well dressed, the hunky, the good looking and the drag-glitterati are all mixing up at this club. It truly is a gathering of the tribes.

Music wise, some of the best DJs are playing here dropping a range of tracks from big anthems to underground flavours and from funky house to progressive & electro. They all seem to love it; playing for a professional management team that seem to trust them to 'get on with the grooves'. A packed dance floor and queues down the street indicate that Lo-Profile is definitely getting to be one of the hottest spots on a Friday and Saturday night.

Lo Profile seem to have found the perfect balance between a bar & a club. For those who want to go on to a later venue it is perfect for a pre-club warm up; and for others it is a high quality clubbing experience that gets them home at a decent hour.

The venue itself is black highlighted by a basic decor of Gaydar logos of stars and circles that are illuminated by various coloured back lighting. Two main bars serve the space, one of which is very long and both are served by some of the hottest bar-staff in the capital! There also are plenty of places to sit down in alcoved seating areas. The sound system has been tweaked since opening night and is great for the space delivering each track to the floor. The lighting system could be better obviously designed in an attempt to try and balance the mood between a bar and a club and at times queues to the coat check cut across the dancefloor.

Ever since clubbing moved to Vauxhall, especially recently, it has taken a bit of a dive in quality; but it seems the old school days of up market clubbing in London's west end are returning. After experiencing both a Friday night and Saturday night at this new and exciting venue it has been added to our club diary as one of the places to BE SEEN in London's gay club land.

That's right. LoProfile gets a-listed! Brent

MEGAWOOF GOES MEGA!

2008-02-15T20:10:00.001Z

MEGAWOOF!
HUNKS WHO FUNK
SAT - 1ST MARCH - 10:30 - 6AM @ SUPER CLUB COLOSSEUM
MEGAWOOF! Is excited to announced it is moving to a new home at Super Club Colosseum just round the corner from Crash.
After 4 years, the Hunks Who Funk! are on the move again.
With its state of the art sound system, laser and light banks, fabulous new roof garden for a breath of fresh air, 3 bars and the addition of Pagano to the DJ lineup - the Megawoof! team are in a frenzy of excitement.
Come and join celebrating the move, with the sexiest, friendliest crowd in town.
Current Megawoof Members free this night, as a special thankyou.
Special price flyers in soho bars.
DJ line up.. Diddy, Daz Saund, Pagano, Paul Coals, David Eph, Sugabear, Jo-Public, & David Junior
with 2 rooms of cutting edge sounds, the horny Megawoof! gogo dancer and live visuals.
MegaWoof is a club for men who are passionate about clubbing, dancing, music, cruising and boozing.
In this internet age there are still things you can’t get online !

MATINEE ROUND TWO!

2008-02-13T22:49:00.005Z

THIS is a brilliant idea for an after-hours for Matinee! For only a fiver more you can still party in Fabric, but in a clean and unused part of the club...and what's better, the numbers are limited and, apparently, the tickets will be offered to a majority gay crowd. They also told Seen Queen that these tickets can be bought as you enter the club (you get some kind of wristband), so make sure you buy yours early as they say there will only be about 250 on sale. Full press release below...

MATINEE AFTERHOURS: ROUND TWO

After the huge success of Matinee’s 10^th Birthday at Fabric in January, over 600 clubbers were left wanting for more. An after-hours at a club next to Fabric proved successful; but we felt it failed to deliver the high expectations we had of it.

After much thought we have now come up with MATINEE ENCORE, a fabulous new after hours where you will not even have to leave the venue to continue on partying.

While Matinee Knockout will use the popular main room and room two at Fabric, MATINEE ENCORE will be held in the exclusive room three and will also include the chill out area that contains the sofas and the beds. This intimate venue is perfect for the Matinee official after-hours. For one, it is an unused part of Fabric that will be opened creating a fresh and clean environment with its own feel & decor to party in. The ambience and style of the after-hours will be exclusive with entrance wrist-bands being limited to about 250 and costing only £5 each (this small door charge is to pay for the DJs, staff and room hire). Secondly, there are no cab fees or walks out into the cold; it is simply a walk upstairs. You do not even need to recheck your jacket. Thirdly, you know the crowd will be fabulous, after all, you have been partying with them for the last few hours and Matinee attracts a hot and attractive mix of metrosexual, polysexual and homosexual boys and girls. Lastly, the DJ line up will be totally fierce and include top scene DJs such as Brent Nicholls & new kid on the block De La Torre playing a mix of progressive, funky and electro house to turbo charge you well into Monday morning.

FUNK ME FUNK YOU

2008-02-11T19:03:00.000Z

There is a bit of a vibe happening at Barcode Vauxhall on Friday night called Funk You. When I got there the place was quite busy with a mix of bears (yum!), young Spanish ladz, a few skins and an assortment of clubbers and wot not. A DJ who I did not recognise was dropping some big choons and really getting the place moving. The back bit of Barcode was hot and sweaty, with tops off. Who the fuck was the barman with his shirt off? Woof! I really enjoyed the music tonight, and eventually left around 2.30am, an hour later then I wanted, but fuck it! I have been to Barcode Vauxhall on a Friday night b4 before I went to AM, but this new Funk You night has made the place seem more clubbier and the tunes were tops. The men were decent too, and there was none of them dodgy straight people that have been in the clubs lately, which for tonight was exactly what I wanted. A night out wif the boyz! They even had some blonde drag queen doing a show miming to that track Maniac. Good one Barcode! Keep it real....FIRESTARTER.

SPACE HITS AREA

2008-02-09T19:56:00.000Z

SPACE IBIZA WORLD TOUR COMES TO LONDON AT AREA SATURDAY 1ST MARCH
11pm to 7am

Ibiza’s premier superclub; SPACE launches its new residency at the refurbished AREA in Vauxhall, with special guest DJ, Space resident JONATHAN ULYSSES.

If ever there was a club that deserved the word legendary it must be Space from Ibiza, just ask any clubber who has been there since 1989, no visit to the `white island’ is complete without a trip to the famous club. Over the years many big name DJs have graced the decks at Space including; Smokin Jo, Carl Cox, Sven Vath, Sasha, John Digweed, Erick Morillo and more recent additions like Steve Lawler and Jonathan Ulysses.

The SPACE LONDON FIESTA will be a massive party in the newly refurbished AREA in Vauxhall, designed by the creative team behind FIRE, the club is now something truly out of this world, with state of the art light and sound... just wait until you see the `Laser ceiling’ in the main room!

Special guest DJ, JONATHAN ULYSESS, has been playing at Space for 9 years and his sets of `pumping, electronic House’ have become world famous. At Area, he will joined by London DJs and Area residents STEVE PITRON and THE OLI on the main floor, with room 2 given over to `Raw – The Sound of Now’ from infamous London club ORANGE Where residents DAVID JIMENEZ and GONZALO will be joined by Ibiza DJ; ALEX ROSS, founder of Mean Records and resident at DC10.

BARCDOE SOHO GET'S REFURBED

2008-02-09T19:54:00.000Z

Barcode Soho is having a total face lift. Expect the same high spec design as Vauxhall but with Barcode Soho’s trademark intimate vibe.

11.02.08 Ground floor closes. Basement bar remains open. Open every night, with normal opening times except Tuesday when Comedy Camp will take place as normal in the basement.

01.03.08 Basement bar closes. Ground floor and new first floor open. Open every night as normal. No Comedy Camp Tuesdays.

PROVISIONAL BARCODE SOHO RE-OPENING DATE: 21.04.08

IN THE INDUSTRI

2008-02-04T21:50:00.001Z

INDUSTRI: When I was invited to Industri i did not know what to expect. I am usually in bed by 10pm on a Thursday so I thought an early evening drink would not go astray. Upon arriving I found Barcode Vauxhall pleasantly busy but not over run. Of course, the music was fab (dare I say anthing else!). Minty was being hereself, and that bar man with his shirt off...I nearly swallowed my tongue although that wasn't what I wanted to swallow! ;-). I thought Barcode might of looked a little different with so much effrot going into the advert, but it was just Barcode, maybe a little darker then normal. I am not sure if i got the point of Industri. The advert looked great, the DJ line up made up of my favourites and Minty should spell success; but is that enough? What about a bit of decor or production. Why not hold this in the back where the club is. Will I go back? Of course I will. I am a sucker for a soiree. Now who was that barmen? Funky Fred.

(image taken by Chris Jepson www.chrisjespon.com)

MIGHTY MATINEE

2008-02-04T20:31:00.000Z

MATINEE 10TH BIRTHDAY : Did somebody say rock! And that is exactly what Matinee did! The marriage of Fabric and Matinee was perfect and no where was this proven more then on the main floor where the fabulous Fabric sound system delivered the big progressive house tunes slapped down by the visiting Matinee DJs. Sure, the music got a little monotonous (to quote a well known DJ), but that is the style of progressive house! But when they dropped a big tune, it was absolute chaos on the dance floor and no other sound system could have done those tracks justice. It was great to hear something different and although I did not like all of it, the bits did like I loved! It was fantastic the way the show was seamlessly mixed into the music and when Rebekah Brown performed the Sun Rising Up nothing could have beaten the atmosphere! Latin chaos prevailed! Talk about hands in the air! The crowd was very gay indeed with a nice mix of straight boys and girls (i believe the term is polysexual). There were no greasy Vauxhall vixens on a piss up here; the crowd being the future of London clubbing and it took an overseas brand to show us how it was done. The boys were hot, so hot I did not know which way to turn. The path way to the toilets was very busy in deed...and 'how' straight did you say you were? Mmmmm? Nothing like a Matinee party to bring out the hotties. Oliver M needs to be congratulated on putting Matinee in a venue that it finally deserves and he needs to be thanked for putting on one of the best parties in a long time. Funky Fred.

TRADE DATE CHANGE

2008-01-30T19:22:00.000Z

The final TRADE at TURNMILLS will no longer be on Easter Sunday. Instead the final TRADE will be held on Saturday Night/Sunday Morning 15th March 2008.

ALL CHANGE AT CRASH

2008-01-30T19:15:00.000Z

With the new deal between CRASH/AREA & FIRE significant changes are taken place at the venues CRASH & AREA.

The most current development is that the venue CRASH will now drop it's name and the venue will know be known as DEPOT. DEPOT will become the home of masculine cruise clubs with a 'men majority door policy' keeping DEPOT strictly as an underground men's club offering London a real gay alternative to the gradually increased 'straightness' of other gay clubs on the scene.

(info extracted from press release)

TRADE SAYS FAREWELL TO TURNMILLS

2008-01-21T11:40:00.001Z

It seems London's old school clubs are experiencing what can only be described as change...now it is Trade's turns. See the press release below from Laurence Malice.

TRADE FUTURE

When I first came across Turnmills, it wasn’t anything like the club you see today. There was a grand piano (Which people danced on), a stainless steel dance floor, wine barrels above the bar and a carvery at the back of the dance floor. Times change, as has Turnmills over the years, offering a new aspect to the club each time. This suited Trade from start to finish, with our ever evolving Monster of a club night. It’s that time again and with a heavy heart I must announce that Turnmills will cease to be as of the end of Easter.

To have been associated so closely with a building in which I achieved and accomplished so many of my dreams and clubbing aspirations (TRADE, FF, BEYOND, TOXIC DISCO 2000, SPACE and PUMPING CURLS) it makes me realize just how lucky I was to have been in the right place at the right time.

Alas, the world moves on and progress is imperative in the machinations of life.

As such, I am proud to announce that TRADE will move forward with a fresh, bold approach; remolded for the 21st century, with new management, inspirational ideas and exciting concepts aimed at welcoming and bringing onboard the next generation of TRADE BABIES.

I will continue to oversee the general concepts of TRADE and steer the club into the next cycle. Plans for TRADE’S future expansion will be announced shortly, in our next press release.

As you would expect, we’re planning our Fond farewell party to Turnmills, the last TRADE party to be held at Turnmills will be on 22/23 March, (Easter weekend) and will celebrate seventeen frenetic years of TRADE clubbing, encompassing the past, the present and the future. The party will bring together all that TRADE is world famous for; huge production, astounding visuals and the largest non-stop DJ line up that TRADE has ever employed.

Due to the overwhelming demand to attend this historic clubbing event, it is advisable that you purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

I look forward to seeing you all on the night, to remember what we can of the past, raise a glass and the roof and usher in TRADE’S exciting future.
Sincerely, Laurence Malice

PAUL HERON get's fired up at A:M

2008-01-18T16:22:00.000Z

DJ PAUL HERON RETURNS TO FIRE: FRIDAY 1ST February

Yes, the rumours are true, one of the scene’s most popular DJs, PAUL HERON is returning to his original clubbing home; FIRE by becoming the new weekly resident at A:M.

Over the past five years Paul has become one of the most in demand London DJs, taking his unique brand of `Dirty, Sexy House’ all over the world including Australia, Canada, South Africa, Paris, Barcelona and the far east as well as playing at some of London’s most popular events.

Paul will be playing every week at A:M in the Mirror Arch which is now the home of the slightly tougher electro funk side of Friday’s at Fire, while the full on pumping funky house has moved into the Main room.

BEYOND REVIVAL

2008-01-18T13:01:00.000Z

ORANGE AND CRASH PRESENT BEYOND THE RETURN AT THE FRIDGE
SUNDAY 27TH JAN 2008 6pm to 2am: As part of the new deal between Fire/Orange and Crash we are very pleased to announce the return of the legendary club BEYOND, in an exciting new format, for a special party at The Fridge. BEYOND was one of the most influential and successful clubs of the past decade and apart from its weekly sessions at Club Colosseum was famous for its massive parties at The Fridge. Following the recent fantastic `tea dance’ parties at the Fridge from Salvation, The Milk Party and Matinee, the Orange and Crash team have decided to move Beyond from its afterhours slot to a new early Sunday evening time, from 6pm to 2am for this special event. Music will be classic Beyond tunes provided by a selection of the original Beyond DJs including STEVE PITRON, PAUL HERON, SEVERINO, BRENT NICHOLLS and PAUL MARTIN (more DJs to be confirmed) and you can expect a fantastic `Beyond style’ laser and lightshow with great production and sexy gogo boys, plus lots of surprises on the night including a PA.

INDUSTRI GETS MINTY FRESH

2008-01-15T11:57:00.000Z

Industri @ Barcode Vauxhall
LAUNCH NIGHT THURSDAY 31ST JANUARY

Minty, London’s undisputed Queen of the Night welcomes everybody and anybody to her new soiree; Industri at Barcode Vauxhall every Thursday night. She hosts an eclectic crowd of scene faces, off duty DJ’s, fashonistas, music lovers and all those that fancy a well priced drink or two with a friendly, fun loving lot. Minty’s boys Paul Heron and Brent Nichols are joined by other well known faces behind the decks.

8pm-1am (photo by Edson Costa www.sonofed.com)

MATINEE MOVES TO FABRIC

2008-01-07T17:45:00.000Z

MATINEE MOVES TO FABRIC // SUN 27.01.08

After a successful relaunch of the London Matinee party season on New Years Day at the Fridge, Matinee has decided to upgrade their venue again and move to Fabric to celebrate their 10th birthday of global clubbing.

According to a Matinee spokesmen, ‘We are moving to Fabric for obvious reasons; the least that it has a international reputation of being London’s best venue with an amazing sound system, visually stunning light shows and an ambience that best suits the Matinee party style. It was the venue we first wanted when we decided to launch Matinee London 2008 clubbing season but it was not available. While we were happy with the Fridge, we felt Fabric was better located and offered services, facilities and a dance space that was in line with our production values. Matinee often collaborate with the best venues in the world and these have included Space in Ibiza,Space Miami,Space Barcelona ,Billy in Milan, THE WEEK in Rio de Janeiro and in Sao Paulo, Escape Amsterdam…… and we wanted the best venue in London too. It wasn’t until now that it became available so we had to jump at the opportunity. In addition we wanted a dance space that had two distinct dance floors so we could provide the typical Matinee sound in one room and a more local sound in the other combining the best of the new international sound with the more familiar host city sound. With Fabric, Matinee can realise its full potential due to the large and European styled space the venue provides. This means Matinee can freely work on their production and entertainment delivering to London the real Spanish feel and vibe. In addition, we work with the most stunning to look at go-go dancers and entertainers who will provide further visual stimulation throughout the night’.

Fabric boasts multi-located coat checks that are well staffed allowing quick and easy access to your checked clothes. No one likes to spend hours in a coat check queue as clubbing hours are ticking away. In addition the toilets are clean, large and monitored giving a quick turnover and providing a hygienic facility that are fully working. There are plenty of spaces to sit down and chill throughout the venue, large and numerous bars and generally a clean and safe environment to dance and have fun.

Matinee is about hedonism and passion and Fabric has the space and facilities that will allow us to recreate that famous Matinee atmosphere.

2007: A YEAR IN REVIEW

2008-01-07T14:14:00.000Z

NO DOUBT 2007 was the year of FIRE. Throughout the whole year FIRE went from strength to strength bringing to London strong products like JUICY, HORIZON and AM. Despite a brief break in the summer due to a drug raid on the venue which forced it to close down for around a fortnight, faithful clubbers returned to the club in droves. They featured high production values, a incredible line up of DJs and incredible nights from international promoters such as the WHITE PARTY and RAPIDO. The promotions of ALL THINGS ORANGE that promote at FIRE also included the FRIDGE in their successful club domination later in the year with events like SALVATION SEX BALL & GOD & MONSTER'S PARTY, plus the relaunch of MATINEE on NYD.

AREA, the new club on the block also had some great success earlier in the year with clubs like ULTRA, EVOLVE & TOYBOX. AREA bought to London a true international flavour with international guest DJs from the American Circuit Scene as well as the first MATINEE LONDON parties and BILLY from Milan. However, competition remain fierce and AREA failed to capture the clubbers imagination: what being promised and what being delivered having a significant gap.

Out of the Vauxhall clubs it was CRASH that suffered the most this year, it's Saturday night flagship slowly loosing ground until the CRASH FINALE on Dec 22.12.07. Saying that MEGAWOOF continued to remain very popular, many saying it attracted the former CRASH crowd now grown up. MEGAWOOF remained a uniquely gay product in the VAUXHALL area with its predominately male clientele and exclusive DJ line up.

HARD ON continued to remain London's most popular fetish club, finding a permanent home at the club HIDDEN, also in Vauxhall. It attracted a large cross section of a-list clubbers and those who are really into their fetish wear. It was also the only club that offered a the real hard core house sound coupled with a second room providing a more electro/tribal/progressive sound.

The OLD SCHOOL also had it's up and downs. DTPM & FICTION both had spectacular closing parties, their weekly events slowly loosing their crowds. This was a reflection of a down turn in clubbing in general, theses two clubs no longer able to profitably sustain themselves.

TRADE made a spectacular one-off event for it's birthday, many hailing it as 'just like the old days'. Their annual Christmas bash did just as well.

One of the more successful openings of a new night was the ultra glamorous and stylish ROME CLUB styled t'dance at the CC Club in Picadilly Circus. This attracted a very Italian and up market flavoured crowd pushing DJ & Promoter Fabio White into the clubbing scene limelight.

This was also the year of divorce. After a successful start MATINEE left the AREA club, claiming that the Matinee Group wanted to take their parties in London to the next level. SALVATION also suffered a divorce between their co-promoters, both claiming the name and both promising to put on rival parties. Alex, one half of the team, took Salvation to ALL THINGS ORANGE and the FRIDGE for two very successful parties, however a court order saw the name SALVATION removed form their third party MILK PARTY, also at the Fridge. By coincidence this party failed to capture the clubbers imagination. Stirrings from the other side of the Salvation camp indicate a comeback in 2008.

Perhaps the shortest marriage and biggest divorce was the joining together of Area & Crash with the Colosseum group giving them four venues in Vauxhall. However, this marriage was not made in heaven and ended soon after.

This is where FIRE stepped in, a clubbing alliance being formed between AREA, CRASH and FIRE. It was common knowledge that CRASH/AREA & FIRE were fierce competitors and unholy rivals, however a vision of a flourishing Vauxhall Gay Village saw old disputes put aside as FIRE gained an interest in CRASH/AREA paving the way for a super clubbing conglomerate to dominate the London gay scene.

So what was our favourite clubs in 2007? In no particular order:

1. JUICY (you can't beat an Andrew Harris clubbing promotion...the men, the production, the style)

2.TOYBOX (one of the most innovative and fun club nights in ages)

3.MEGAWOOF (we are gay, we like men...truly the last of the real gay clubs in London)

4.MATINEE (progressive house, Spanish vibe and hot men help rejuvenate Saturday nights)

5.HARD ON (it appeals to the perv in us all)

6.SALVATION @ THE FRIDGE (no one thought that this glamorous club could transform the Fridge into a venue worthy of it's name, but they did and it was fabulous)

7.ULTRA (it was a Beyond off-spin, and while it was popular it rocked)

8.TRADE BIRTHDAY (IT WAS like the old days!)

9.BARCODE VAUXHALL (yes, it was under an arch, but they showed us how an arch could be transformed into a down to earth Bar and Club balancing style with credibility)

10.RAPIDO (Amsterdam's famous club came to FIRE for one night only)

HAPPY 2008. KEEP CLUBBING.

ROME CONQUERS LONDON

2007-12-17T21:16:00.000Z

The return of ROME for it's Christmas party on Sunday (16.12) was an amazing success. Recommended by DJ Brent Nicholls, I decided to slip down to the CC Club to check what all the fuss was about. You see, I am a Rome virgin. As soon as I walked into the venue I was super impressed with it. A club not under a damp and dank railway arch (how novel!), stylish design, hi-tech, clean and modern. What was more impressive was the ultra chic, stylish, glamorous and beautiful crowd. Many of my friends have stopped clubbing due to the chav and pedestrian crowds in our clubs at the moment, but stepping into Rome was such a refreshing and welcoming change. Stylish gay men, hot gay men and beautiful well dressed women were everywhere to be seen. I bumped into so many old clubbing friends that yearned for the glamorous days now sadly forgotten on the main stream gay scene. The crowd was reminiscent of Salvation's hey day at the Cafe De Paris, a mix of Latinos, London's gay a-list and fashionable crowd. Many of these people I have never seen in a gay club before, the crowd definitely appearing to be more up-market but not pretentious. The music was a mix of classic house, funky house and touches of electro; although a little dated at times, it served it's purpose well for a stylish t'dance styled club. The gogo dancers were just as glamorous as the crowd and were very easy to look at. My only complaint was the price of the drinks...£5 for a beer! That might be the price of glamorous clubbing, but we all know when we are being ripped off! Apart from that Rome was a refreshing change. Congratulations to Fabio White & the CC club for such a fabulous party. I highly recommend it! x Funky Fred.

Crash Closes

2007-12-12T00:05:00.000Z

We say goodbye to CRASH on Saturday night as the last CRASH SATURDAY will be held on Saturday 22nd December 2007. The club that started the Vauxhall clubbing phenomenen is about to close for extnesive refurbishment.

See the following press release:

CRASH: THE FINALE PARTY!
Nine years ago a fresh new underground club opened it’s doors in the unlikely clubland desert that was Vauxhall. The club was was called Crash and it unleashed on London a whole new generation of underground clubbing. Very soon after opening Crash had became synonymous for it’s cutting edge dance sounds and attracting the hottest hunks in town – all getting down and dirty on the dancefloor. With time comes change… and after the opening of AREA (Crash’s sister club next door) and a whole host of new venues in Vauxhall we feel that it’s time to move on and explore newer ideas. In January the venue will undergo an extreme makeover and emerge as a fresh and rejuvenated venue with a whole new identity.

So join us one last time on Saturday 22nd Dec for the final CRASH SATURDAY as the club goes out with a party to remember!!

Famous globally for it’s dirty funked up underground sounds – Crash was the first London club to champion the new tribal sounds that were emerging from New York – and it’s reputation for nurturing the dj talent that provided them and twisted them into a whole new dance energy. These djs include the mighty talents of Steve Pitron, Paul Heron, Mikey D, Brent Nicholls, Martin Confusion, Dave Cross and Alan X who will all be back together for one night only night extra special sets showcasing some the biggest tunes from throughout the club’s music history.

It’s bound to be a night to remember! And your last chance to experience the incredible clubbing phenomenon that was CRASH.

PS~ We’ve also got together over 200 CRASH collectors cds from the vaults which we will be giving out on a first come first served basis so get there early and bag your own piece of clubbing history!

NB>>>The closure of CRASH SATURDAYS will NOT affect the Megawoof! New Year’s Eve party, Queer Nation Xmas or FITLADZ events…

DJ ROB MARMOT JOINS A:M

2007-12-10T12:47:00.000Z

DJ ROB MARMOT JOINS A:M

As part of the ongoing evolution of A:M, promoter Alex Erfan has recruited ROB MARMOT to the team of resident DJs playing on a Friday night at Fire.

Rob has had a very busy 2007, apart from spending most of the summer flying between his residencies in Ibiza and at The Egg, Zap Club, Pacha, Azuli and The Cross in the UK he managed to find time to mix the top ten album for Ministry Of Sound/Fantazia; `Club Classics’. Over the past few years Rob has worked hard at building his reputation as one of the UK’s fastest rising stars playing at a whole host of top clubs, including Miss Moneypenny’s, Togetherness, Space, Heaven Ibiza and even a private party for the Prince of Monaco. He has also played many international gigs including Vancouver, Copenhagen, Thailand and Spain

Rob has also been in the studio recently and has a number of projects ready for release in 2008

November Club Report

2007-12-09T17:52:00.000Z

Forward by Brent Nicholls with additions by Funky Fred.

November was a quite time for the SQ crew who hibernated from the winter cold. Especially for EDNA III who skated very close to coma-ville while taking too much of the G stuff, she decided that the only club she was going to go to was Fiction's farewell at the Cross. Funky Fred did Action and Firestarter (the third of the disco sisters) layed under a pile of Valium in preparation for Christmas (he also went to Barcelona).

November opened with a big bang with the introduction of RAPIDO at FIRE which was a hugh success for the Amsterdam based group. Stilt walkers, scary masked people and funky edged sound track transformed FIRE on Sunday night, which was followed by the traditional Orange.

A:M's birthday was an opportunity for Edson Costa (http://www.sonofed.com/) to take a few pics for us, and although the disco sisters did not attend, the word filtering out was that the party was a huge success forging A:M's dominance on Friday nights. Alex Erfan's involvement with the club has not yet seen the full fruition of a more glamorous A:M as yet, but with a lovely new diamante logo...the glitter can't be far behind.

November proved that closing parties were all the rage: whereas previoulsy opening parties were well attended it seems most new clubs need to prove themselves before getting established. Not everyone will go to the opening of a new club anymore, often the hype never matching the delivery. Yet Ficiton's saying aurevoir to the Cross and DTPM closing party at FABRIC (yes, we know that was a December event) were huge successes. Wall to wall memories on most accounts as the old and new dragged themselves out on a wet winter night... The irony is, of course, if all those people who turned up at the closing party could bother on the other nights to make an appearance, DTPM would still be open!!

Still, taking account of emails, and Funky Fred's underground gossip network: here is his list of the 5 hottest clubs & events of November:

1: JUICY @ FIRE (Fire's strongest, hunkiest and busiest night. Alisters mix it up with the polysexuals and clubbing posse).

2: RAPIDO @ FIRE (Amsterdam comes to town. Nice change. Something Different.)

3: MEGAWOOF @ CRASH (London's hunkiest and gayest, as in it's a mans club, night out. Big muscle boys rub it up with the hairy bears. Dick-a-licious!)

4: A:M Birthday @ FIRE (Can you believe it has been 7 years!!)

5: FICTION closing the CROSS (Drags, hunks, the glitteraatti and the metrosexual collide for one last time at the Cross as it makes way for the Eurostar).

Until next time!

United We Stand

2007-12-06T19:30:00.000Z

ARCH RIVALS NO LONGER

CRASH, FIRE & AREA UNITE as ONE!!

The crews behind Vauxhall’s trio of dynamic clubs – AREA, Crash and FIRE - are very excited to announce that all 3 clubs and crews are now joining forces to collaborate and work together as a UNITED TEAM to present the very best in gay clubbing to London. Putting any past rivalries firmly behind us - the combination of this dynamic creative collaboration and the three venues presents a fantastic new era for London gay clubbing!

While the rest of gay scene has seemingly become more and more fractured and fragile of late; the cementing of this relationship will provide an exciting and positive future for Vauxhall’s (indeed London’s) gay clubbers.

The mission of this collaboration is not only to bring the most fabulous and professionally run club nights of the gay scene together, but to work towards a better and more cohesive Vauxhall Village – helping to provide not only a safe and fantastic gay area for London, but indeed one of the most exciting gay villages in the world! Watch out as the first evidence of this of this mighty collaboration launches NEW YEAR’S EVE with 3 incredible parties – ready to launch you into 2008 and beyond!!!!

Rod Lay
on behalf of
Crash, Fire + Area

Rocking The Discotec for HIV/AIDS

2007-11-24T20:32:00.000Z

DISCOTEC & 2KOOL4SKOOL PRESENTS:

DISCO ROCKS…. WORLD AIDS DAY
Thursday 29th November 2007

We all know disco rocks, and no one better than the Discotec boys and girls. Disco rocks even more, however, when you can put your dancing shoes on to raise money for a good cause.

On Thursday 29th November Discotec throws open its doors for a massive party to increase awareness of World Aids Day and raise funds for the Terence Higgins Trust. This is always one of the biggest Discotec nights of the year, and 2007 will be no exception, with over 20 DJs and MCs across two rooms.

The main room dancefloor will be fired up all night with uplifting pumping house from some of the best DJs from the UK gay scene and Discotec’s faithful residents: Ben Parkes & Kesnerr, Mikestarr & Nick T, Guy Williams & Jeffrey Hinton, Femi B, Luke Hope & Crystal, and Lee Harris & Fidel. In the Lounge, London’s favourite R&B DJs and MCs will keep it bumping – with Slamma & Ariel, Firmed Up DJs, Off The Hook DJs, Qboy & 9Bob and guest MC Pacman.

And that’s not all…Horse Meat Disco’s latest venture Dansistor will be hosting the lounge from 4am till 7am, keeping the party going until way past sunrise. Horse Meat Disco have become infamous for their debauched, extravagant Sunday parties where everyone’s welcome – so don’t expect to be sloping off home early, especially with James Hillard and Jim Stanton behind the decks.

The event is generously supported by AXM magazine, Gaydar.co.uk, Cuervo Tequila, Religion clothing, POP by Pommery champagne and Nickel products.

Door charge is £10 (included £5 donation to THT)

For more information contact:
Laurent C: akalaurent@mac.com
Adrian: adrian@adeboi.net

THE SOUND OF THE FUTURE

2007-11-23T22:06:00.000Z

FUTURE @ AREA: I was quite excited to hear that a new sound system was being installed at AREA and the launch night was to be the opening night of FUTURE at AREA. Upon entering the club it was obvious that the builders had been at work. A new dance floor layout saw the DJ box move from the side wall the one of the opposite ends of the dance floor giving the main room a totally new feeling. Suddenly this dance space no longer felt like a corridor but a club room somewhat reminiscent of Crash's main room a about 5 years ago. Of course, the star of the show was the new Avalon sound system. Fabulous! In a word! From the DJs point of view it delivered each track loud, crisp and clear. Electro filled the room and not attacked it and funky house felt warm and inviting and not cheap and nasty. Tribal beats were textured and big tracks became bigger, while those that needed a punch got it. On the dance floor, the sound was loud and booming but one could talk and be heard over it without shouting in an attempt to bust the listeners ear drum. There was a warm feel to the music. Add to this the new room lay out that helped create a warmer atmosphere and AREA's main dance floor became exactly that. With a few extra touches, AREA will have finally become the club that is promised to be...led by a super soundsytem. Even though the turnout for the relaunch of Future was quite well, it was just absorbed by the huge space with both rooms opened leaving the crowd a little sparse looking. This, it seems is a new step for AREA, and hopefully Vauxhall will become the vibrant clubbing gay Vauxhall Village we were all promised with variety & choice fuelling the gay scene. BN

JUICY @ FIRE: I went to AREA last Saturday (17.11) and have to say the new soundsystem is fantastic. I have always like the main room at AREA, if not just for the space, but the new layout with that super sound system in the main room really has transformed the space, however most of my friends went straight to JUICY and despite some of the choice tunes dropped by my favourite DJs at AREA ( a big shout to Gabriele Cutrano who did a great job), it was not busy enough for me to hang around so I quickly ran off to join my friends at JUICY. Helloooooooooooooo? Did someone say heaving? Hellooooooooooo? Did some one say hot? Helllloooooooooooooo, did some say hunky? I don not know what was happening at FIRE, but JUICY was probably the busiest I have seen it in ages. FIRE was rammed to the rafters, and the crowd was very easy on the eye. Now FIRE is hard to get around at the best of time, but this sardine crush was one that was an absolute must. Andrew Harris really knows how to put on party and this Juicy was exceptional. Maybe it was the advert with the hunky guys kissing, maybe it was just one of those nights...but the music (especially in the Mirror Arch), the crowd and atmosphere all just worked so well tonight. JUICY is certainly one of the best club nights in London and it seems to get better every time I go there!! Congratulations Andrew! FF.

ALEX ERFAN JOINS A:M

2007-11-12T12:48:00.000Z

(PRESS RELEASE) Following the hugely successful joint promotion of Salvation with the Orange group at the Fridge, we are pleased to announce that from 30th November Salvation promoter ALEX ERFAN is joining the Fire promotion team to add his unique brand of style and glamour to London’s best Friday night; A:M at Fire.Alex’s aim is to provide a clear and separate identity for A:M from the rest of the Fire parties, working on the visual aspects of the club, in terms of the advertising and the in club production, emphasising the different identities of each room. He will also be bringing in a series of big name guest DJs to play on the main floor such as the fantastic HOXTON WHORES who will be making their A:M debut on Friday 30th November. Alex will be working closely with host Minty and the rest of the Fire team to make sure that A:M is THE destination club in London on a Friday night. Alex says; “We need to revel in the fact that A:M is for anyone with a love for clubbing and music, whether gay or straight. The aim is to make the gay clubbers feel safe and comfortable by allowing a more sophisticated straight following to develop. ‘’Straight-friendly Gay clubbing’’

A:M@ Fire Every Friday night/Saturday morning 11pm to 11am £10 with flyer, more on the door. South Lambeth Road, SW8

Matinee Moves On

2007-11-09T10:40:00.001Z

ANOTHER divorce in clubland...this time between MATINEE & the AREA/CRASH group. We received the following post from London's Matinee agent OLIVER M.

MATINEE GROUP LONDON - IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.

The MATINEE GROUP and UK Agent and Promoter Dj Oliver M would like to announce that the long working relationship with Area and the Crash group has come to an end and that there will be NO further MATINEE GROUP parties in London for the year 2007.

MATINEE felt it was time for a change and bring their parties to the next level in London.

After the amazing success of Salvation at The FRIDGE in Brixton, the MATINEEGROUP have decided that the venue would be the perfect venue to re-introduce MATINEE back onto the London gay scene. The FRIDGE is a legendary club and has been home to countless amazing nights and is perfect for the continental feel, ambience and atmosphere of Matinee parties. The large central room lends itself to the high production standards that the group are internationally famous for and this will give greater scope for Matinee to promote parties on a larger scale with massive production and amazing shows.

Oliver/Orange group intends to open MATINEE at the FRIDGE with a party to end all parties this New Year's Day, 1st January 2008 from 7pm to 3am (full details to follow) with other events to be scheduled throughout 2008.

2008 will definitely be the year of Matinee in London!

Matinee are very excited about having this fresh start in London and working

with the Orange group at The Fridge which will allow them to present theproduction values that are equal to those offered at their world parties inBarcelona , Space Ibiza and at the Miami Winter Music conference which are held yearly at SPACE Miami.

RAPIDO RAVES

2007-11-07T23:08:00.000Z

RAPIDO @ FIRE Sun 4.11.07: When we heard one of Amsterdam's most famous club brands was coming to London, we were excited. Being held at Fire we knew the production values would be excellent and we were right. The club looked great with oddly shaped mirrored objects hanging from ceiling, spectacular light and laser show, eye catching projections and the clever laying out of space so the club would always appear busy. Entertainment were provided in the way of stilt walkers, some very hot gogos in unique and honry outfits and some very scarily masked figures (that looked as if their faces were melting) running around with Rapido flags.

Although a little slow to get going, by 2am the place was literally heaving on both floors with a lot of London's a-list boys and circuit lads out in full force...making it all very easy on the eyes (check the CLUB PIX to see what we mean and make sure you check out the VIDEO to get a good eye full of the gogo dancers). The main floor played host to RAPIDO with two of their DJs taking over the reigns and delivering a mix of hinrg house and electro.

Fire usually holds many of it's own in house brands and this venturing out and inviting international clubs to London is very welcomed adding more variety to our club scene. RAPIDO delivered a fun and very social night and was good to see so many hot looks out and about. BN

DTPM CLOSES

2007-11-04T12:42:00.000Z

DTPM: END OF AN ERA....we warned about here in the club blog last month that if you do not use it you will loose it...well, it's gone. DTPM is closing it's doors on Dec 2nd and the gay scene looses one of the best gay venues it has know. SEE BELOW for the full press release.

THE END OF AN ERA AS WE KNOW IT

There has been much speculation and rumour about DTPM of late, so I’m finally putting all that to rest. DTPM as we know it will cease to exist as weekly event on 2nd December, when we will be hosting the last ever weekly DTPM @ fabric. A wild and wicked joyride it’s been for almost 15 years, over eight of them spent at fabric, almost four before that at The End, not forgetting Bar Rumba for 18 months and Villa Stefano for just over a year too! My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved at these venues, present and past.

Many DJs, punters and celebs have passed through our doors – 1 million of them – and we’ve shown them what real debauchery is. We’re proud of our heritage and our contribution to the club scene and have enjoyed almost every minute of it, but now it’s time to move forward and evolve once more.

We won’t be gone forever – we’ll be back, bigger and brighter than ever for some very special one-off events! But in the meantime, thank you to everyone for their support, hard work and some of the most enjoyable years of my life. From the DJs, VJs, Percussionists and performers; to our Street PR teams, Press Peeps & webbies, our Managers and staff, but most of all, YOU – the most discerning customers on the dance floor! Special thanks must go to Bart, for without that man, DTPM may never have been a reality and most certainly would not have had one of the strongest, well executed images in club land ever & special thanks to Laurence and Trade - the club that paved the way for DTPM to exist. So, we hope to see you all at the last few weekly DTPMs and don’t forget to book off Monday 3rd Dec, for your recovery, after what will surely be one of the best DTPMs ever and most certainly a night that will go down in clubbing history !

Love and respect

Lee Freeman

Check the CLUB DIARY for closing party details.