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Last Review Posted by neilio - posted: 10 July 08 20:51

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What ever happened to a good afterhours party? Who cares; afterhours are back! Pride had been a tiring day, and an afterhours party certainly wasn’t on the agenda. However, following a fantastic Shame and a superb MegaWoof!, there was still fun to be had, so I trundled on down to Area. The atmosphere on approach to Area for Beyond was electric and it became clear that it was packed inside, if the queue and swathes of people outside were anything to go by. The queue, security, and cloakroom was very swift, and it was on to the dancefloor. Clubbers of a very mixed variety had congregated here from the likes of Juicy, MegaWoof!, XXL, Heaven, and earlier Salvation; friends meeting and catching up on news of their escapades over the weekend. This is what afterhours are about, staying out later with friends who just want to have a good time. For some time, afterhours in London seemed to have been in dangerous decline, but Beyond at Area has put afterhours clubbing firmly back into the weekly clubbing calendar, as have Trade with Alphatek over on the other side of town. Area has always had that potential to be a great venue, but has struggled to hold very many successes. Afterhours parties always work well there though, so it’s great to see the space being used for such an event now. Its huge dancefloor and clean air about it contribute to its suitability. Everybody loves an uplifting afterhours, now Area has given it to us the way it had originally intended. The music, coupled with the hundreds of lasers, on the main floor was funky and uplifting the whole time, just what you need on a Sunday morning, and the sound system is flawless. The highlight was most certainly outside though, where Timmy was spinning the decks al fresco style. Clubbing outdoors early Sunday morning with Her Majesty’s Secret Service staring you in the face, who would’ve thought!? The whole event was very sociable, friendly, and a suitable end to a fun weekend of being proud. Vauxhall traditionalists are still bickering that Beyond isn’t really Beyond as we knew it. Maybe not, but perhaps it is time to move on. Area is a stunning venue and does itself proud with this one. Rating: 8

Club Details: "Beyond" by Bart - posted: 14 April 04 - Rating: 7.50

Last Review Posted by neilio - posted: 10 July 08 20:23

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Arriving at the fashionably late time of 2am, the party was already in full swing, busy to the rafters and everyone was clearly enjoying themselves. Last month I took with me a group who hadn’t yet experienced MegaWoof! in its glory at Club Colosseum. This time, it was the turn of a total MegaWoof! virgin. My earlier visit to Gay Shame crossed my paths with someone on their way to their usual weekend at Fire. I persuaded them to join me at MegaWoof! and after much ‘umming and ‘arring, he gave way for his first dance with the hunks who funk. We graced the main floor mid-way through Daz’s set, which was very funky and very up. My companion was a little taken a back at first and it took him some time to adjust to this unfamiliar setting he’d not experienced before. He had the obligatory tour, to which I noticed many regulars were not here (they’d gone to Madrid!), but plenty of old faces and lots of new ones who were in town for Pride. Finding our spot on the dancefloor, the music just got better and better all night. Daz must be congratulated for carrying the crowd through with what is one of his best, followed by a deeper set by Diddy playing some amazing progressive tunes, building and building to another amazing Pagano showpiece. This is what MegaWoof! should always be like, and I’m glad my friend got to experience his first time this time. It was busy all night, with the expected pushes and shoves, but something my friend said to me summed up what makes MegaWoof! so great: “I’m totally overwhelmed by how everyone in here is having such a good time, with no attitude whatsoever. People are talking to each other, smiling at each other, and there is no pretension at all. Everybody is just so friendly.” - another converted hunk who funks! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: go to MegaWoof! Rating: 9

Club Details: "MegaWoof!" by Bart - posted: 3 February 04 - Rating: 8.17

Last Review Posted by neilio - posted: 10 July 08 20:20

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Gay Pride in London can only mean one thing: Gay Shame! Turn everything you are proud of on its head, throw in the Duckie crowd, and you know it’s going to be fabulous. Duckie suspends its regular Saturday night slot at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and substitutes it for a night of randomness, mayhem and pure, ridiculous fun down the road at the Coronet in Elephant & Castle for its annual Shame. Shame is not like any other club you’re likely to experience. In fact, it’s not really a club at all. The venue itself is the very generic once-a-cinema-now-a-multi-purpose-venue-come-club, but its arena setting is perfect for what can only be described as a very un-gay gay village fayre. The main floor is like the village square, with stalls galore around the edge, hosted by groups of familiar Duckie faces. Each stall has a quirky theme, with some challenge or other to provide the entertainment. Such hilarious schemes included the Wheel of Misfortune, a gay men’s sauna which in actual fact transformed willing punters into gore-covered zombies (not unlike real saunas then), turning real urine into a fancy men’s aftershave (yes, they really do it in front of your eyes), and a slave auction, among many others. This year’s theme was masculinity, meaning the vast majority of the fun and frolics was geared at reinvigorating one’s masculine side. Enter the Bearlesque guys who hosted their building site, complete with straight porn, magazines with nude women, topped with an arm wrestle to show who really is butch and not bitch. Wheel of Misfortune pitted you against a group of highway truckers in challenges to prove your manly side by rubbing your face between the rather large (plastic) pair of busty tits, or sucking off a (big rubber) cock! All the fun comes at a price though, 9 shillings to be exact, per event! Upon entry at Shame, every attendee is handed eleven 9-bob notes, standard Bank of Duckie issue, in order to participate in the hilarity. There are ways of earning your money back though throughout the night, such as bets on horse races, dog races, or reveling the size of your... talent! The venue was packed for what can only be described as one of the most fun and enthusiastic crowds I have seen for a long time. Forget your usual club music too and throw in your typical quirky Duckie soundtrack to play as a backdrop. Be proud by day and ashamed by night; Shame is where I’m headed next Pride London weekend. Rating: 10

Club Details: "Duckie" by Bart - posted: 7 June 04 - Rating: 8.67

Last Review Posted by spikey - posted: 10 July 08 19:59

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PLAY is returning! Hoorah! It's going to be better than ever and, what with loads of girlie clubs disappearing, it's great to have it return. It's the perfect mis of music, Chart pop and indie, to the more alternative dance orientated slant. It ticks EVERY box musically. You can't lose if you make it down. GRAND OPENING PARTY: Saturday 22nd August Be there!!! Rating: 9

Club Details: "Play" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 19 April 07 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by Sam Giles - posted: 10 July 08 16:59

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Lo-Profile's not been around long (since November last year), but the only time I graced myself with its presence was back near opening day when I swung my nose round the door and decided that I liked it. Funny then that apart from a very few messy trips around town, it's never been on my regular radar. Well after this visit, I know what I've been missing good and proper (and that's not just a good seeing to by the Lo-Profile bar boys). Located a short walk down Wardour Street from Shaftsbury Avenue (turn right off Old Compton Street and follow the road, or if, like me you only know London by it's pubs, come out the main entrance to Village, do a left, and it's on your right), you could be forgiven if you miss the entrance by day, but come night time, it would be hard to stumble past this portal into gay heaven. A small queue forms at the door, back lights shining through the crowd and beyond a long lit corridor of Gaydar stars takes you downstairs and into the club. A particularly fearsome yet fashionable (think punk mo-hawk, cowboys & indians style, but incredibly cool) clipboard queen guards the door, but don't be put off as 'she's' been educated in the Gaydar school of Charm - very friendly! The club's now open every Friday and Saturday and provides a great service when it comes to House music in Soho. Having a think for a gay late night venue on a Friday which plays decent dancey stuff causes me to draw a blank (can only think of Barcode and that closes at 1am). Tonight Brent Nicholls did a fine job getting the crowd ready for Pride, with loads of funky tracks with an electro sexy edge. I normally only catch Brent when he's playing in Barcode and other bars so to hear him proper in a club environment was fantastic. The club itself is quite misleading by it's small entrance. It is in fact, huge, giving weight to the argument that you should not judge a book by it's cover. Two bars serve the clubbers, each with plenty of friendly staff. The drink prices are not cheap, but lets just say competitive for a late night Soho venue. I found the vibe inside Lo Profile distinctly different too to it’s older sister down the street, Profile. This bitch is dark, cruisy, horny and intimate, yet still manages to have a cheeky wink and smile, which puts you at ease. With the main dance floor jumping, and the drinks flowing, you notice that the club has many different areas all with a very nice finish. Think leather sofa's, raised dancing platforms, and even sections where you can get away from the music if you wish - Vauxhall venues take note! Security are friendly (thinking the nice lady who used to work at Heaven Saturdays.....), and the regular selection of DJ’s ticks all the boxes (think Paul Heron, Jamie Head, Hugh Stevenson, Oliver M etc..). The industrial feel of the place helps with the vibe, and while the amazing dance floor lights whizzed above our heads, and decent music blasted away, I realised that I really had been missing something very special right here in Soho, on the gay doorstep. Lo Profile comes highly recommended if you want to have an 'early' night in town or if your warming up to head on out south of the river. If you want to have a quality night with a good, easy on the eye crowd, this is it. Where do you think all the hot guys hide out when they are keeping a Lo Profile? Do'h - just a shame it took me so long to figure it out! Rating: 9

Club Details: "Lo-Profile" by nm67uk - posted: 10 July 08 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by Sam Giles - posted: 10 July 08 12:14

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With only two well advertised after-hours events in London this Pride, and one only being metres away from the official Pride after-party, it was inevitable that that Beyond would do some serious business last weekend. There were plenty of people out partying and it felt like the whole world and his gay dog had descended on Vauxhall for a night of sheer abandonment. Queuing to get in was a little confusing and a bit more communication to the those waiting would have been appreciated for those at the back, as it looked like there were was plenty of pushing in occurring. It was in fact the 'queue jump queue'!! Still, those waiting had the added advantage of previewing the fun to come as the new Embankment Bar had opened it's sliding French doors, allowing the normal overspill from the club to wander out like dazed sheep into the paddock. In fact for this weekend the decks had moved outside with Tim McLoon from Bearea fame providing a totally uplifting soundtrack to those outside. The space in front of Area and Depot had turned into a dance floor - whoo hoo (minus darkness, which was a bit scary at 8am in the morning). Tim really managed to entertain the crowd with it getting very busy at several points throughout the morning - this was a firm spot for the Megawoof! crowd. After a quick search and pat down, putting the bag away was a breeze, and we hit the main floor straight away. The DJ's seemed to have been given longer slots than usual which was entertaining for me as they could really get into it and find out what the crowd wanted to hear. For me the Sharp Boys played an excellent set, their best for a while. Initially I was a bit concerned as when I'd had seen them over previous months, their dance floors were less than busy (although their music was normally top notch). Tonight they were playing a good mix of tough tunes and familiar Beyond classics which the crowd were loving. The square stage in the middle of the main floor did a fantastic job of making the space feel more intimate, especially between the DJ booth and this new all singing all dancing platform - a real hit with me. Gonzalo continued where the Sharp Boys left off, mixing elements from his Raw sound with his more commercial notes. The main floor did it for me tonight - the first time in a while, and the intensity of the lighting system shone through. Area when it rocks, REALLY rocks. Next door in the Black Box things were still heated when I heard Terry Bryan play his mix of vocal house with a trademark electro edge. All around the club people were making use of the space by chilling out, chatting and generally having a good time. All the bars were open too, the upstairs one on the main floor having a great sofa to lounge in now. Beyond finished the Pride weekend for me in true messy style. My planned trip out Sunday night laying by the wayside, I decided it best to get my head back together for Monday morning work. The crowd tonight was a good mix of Woofers, Juicy kids, post RVT'ers, those that had strayed from their Soho base, questionables and of course, the loyal Beyond crowd, which of course ONLY do Beyond (!!). I'd like to say there were plenty of tourists, but it seemed the majority had already headed off to bed....is it a London thang or does nobody admit to being a tourist these days? If you want to get the most out of your Saturday night and push yourself to the limit, then a trip to Beyond is what's called for - you'll still be there come mid morning Sunday! And if you want a Pride special well, perhaps you might not have to wait that whole year - have a night out in Brighton, then take the party train back to Vauxhall - its only a few weeks away!! Rating: 9

Club Details: "Beyond" by Bart - posted: 14 April 04 - Rating: 7.50

Last Review Posted by parisb - posted: 8 July 08 20:44

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The Glass Bar is a lovely little hideaway situated in Euston which aims to provide a safe, comfortable, friendly and affordable space for all women including those who identify as LBTQH. It’s a small, cosy bar with outside seating and a very warm welcome at the door. Inside, the ground floor has an ambience of peace and tranquillity - candles, warm comfortable furnishings and chill out space create a feeling of comfort. Upstairs, the gold and black colour scheme is reminiscent of plush studio, the iron spiral staircase, colourful wall hangings and small but nicely placed dance floor provide a adequate space for the nights events. Soul Naturelle, lesbian’s funky, slick sexy club night was in full effect this Sat at the bar. It’s a big favourite on the scene and a firm favourite for black and other minority ethnic women who are mature music connoisseurs. In spite of this, a diverse mix of women attended the night including those pretty young things you can only look at (but not touch, of course!). DJ Isis provided a varying mix of eclectic sounds that really got the booty shaking and the pulses racing; R&B, Hip-Hop, nu-soul, funk, acid jazz, afrobeat, soulful house, reggae, garage and drum and bass were just some of the sounds that were in effect. ‘Something for everyone’ made the night a rare gem in the current scene and is undoubtedly one of the many reasons for the amazing success of this night. I had a wicked time – saw some old faces, met some new ones and danced till the sweat rearranged my highly styled hairdo. I would definitely recommend this night to those of you whom remember the ‘good old days’ of music, those of you whom enjoy friendly, chilled, attitude free women-only spaces where the staff show the approachable lead of the clubbers. Rating: 9

Club Details: "Soul Naturelle" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 14 November 06 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by nm67uk - posted: 1 July 08 16:56

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I’m afraid to say I’ve become a bit of a S.L.A.G. recently. Many a Sunday afternoon has being spent chilling on the grassy knoll behind the RVT, catching Edna’s amazing show and then dancing the rest of the night away to Andy Almighty and Sean Sirrs. It would be even more perfect if Simon Le Vans set before the show could be piped outside. Every week the show provides a topical warped insight into current affairs which for some reason I can never remember properly the next day. Highlights from this week’s show was a revamped version of Mika’s Big Girl (You are beautiful), but aimed at Big Boys who frequent a certain south London bear event. This was followed by a great effort in improving one of Katie Melua’s numbers. Spotting the legendary black wig at the back of the stage we knew a special treat was planned. This week it was the return of Amy Winehouse, taking us momentarily to Glastonbury for a rendition of Rehab and Valerie. Something I’ve observed over the weeks is the crowds who arrive later on in the day just for Andy or Sean’s sets. This event really is like 3 different parties – and I’m pleased to say I managed to keep going until the end this week. The news is that some changes are afoot – Jonathan (Edna) will be in Edinburgh performing his new alter ego (Livinia Slutford) at the Fringe during August. So my advice is that you make sure you get a fix of the RVT Chillout sooner rather than later. Jonathan reassured us that Edna is not being killed off and will return post Fringe. Rating: 10

Club Details: "Chill Out S.L.A.G.S." by Bart - posted: 17 October 04 - Rating: 9.63

Last Review Posted by nm67uk - posted: 1 July 08 16:35

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The special crowd puller to this month’s Hard On was a tribute set in the Red Room to mark the 10 year passing of Tony De Vit. His era was before I hit the gay scene, but I understand the contribution he made to the hard house scene. Even in the Cruise Room the music felt harder/tougher than usual. Whereas other clubs are struggling to evolve their music policy, Hard On manages to do this without a major backlash from its customers. Whether it’s because it’s a monthly event, or whether the type of event, I always feel nervous/excited/apprehensive during the day before going out to Hard On. However, once I’m there those feelings evolve to ones of enjoyment and curiosity. As usual 99% of the crowd had made a good effort with what they were wearing - not surprisingly as much fun can be had observing as well as participating at a typical night at Hard On. Apart from running a well lubed ship, you get the impression that Susie looks after her staff as they seem to be genuinely happy to be doing their jobs – something that seems to be lacking in other venues. The only negative I could make with this month’s party was a bit of a strange pong – maybe Hidden’s drains are having a crisis at the moment. Rating: 9

Club Details: "Hard On" by Bart - posted: 27 March 04 - Rating: 9.17

Last Review Posted by Sam Giles - posted: 26 June 08 17:33

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As Juicy Beach party was drawing to a close something quite magical was opening across the road at Area. Yes, 5am is Beyond time! Another messy Sunday morning in store for one and all - who needs sleep when you can party on the A3036 Albert Embankment! We arrived quite early for us, before 6am to see a sizeable queue and a good deal of people already inside the club. We were to learn though as we entered that neither dance floor was open as yet and everyone was ushered into the newly re-furbished Embankment Bar for a 'waiting period'. This is something that Orange does so well, using space. I could just imagine the nightmare of just 'opening' the club and everyone moaning about empty it is - creating anticipation like that really is special! As the person in front of us had their shoes searched (?), and had a small soy sauce fish squeezer taken away from them (one less sure-fire casualty later, the fish I mean!), we were whisked to the well manned cloakroom, this time still in the Area club, not Depot, to drop in our small selection of garments for the evening. It's at this point that a number of friends started asking when either of the dance floors would open - note to Orange Group, perhaps a notice with the opening times would be an idea - if they were there, me and many others missed this, make them bigger? In the bar area some decks and speakers did the business of moving the crowd, handled well by the Oli. Around 6am Room 2 opened with the Oli continuing on. Commercial house led the way, which was indeed the very best way to go, plenty of vocals, strings, floaty moments and big basslines. Indeed just a happy vibe throughout the building. Paul Martin took over a bit later, and as the toilets became more manic, the pace on the dance floor did not let up - note to oneself manic toilets= manic dance floor! In fact it was Room 2 that did the business all morning, very full, uplifting atmosphere with that crowd mix that can only be found at a Vauxhall after-hours. Totally rammed. The main floor opened around 7am with the Sharp Boys, starting off busy, as the excitement of getting speared by one of the industrial lasers seemed to overthrow all sense. Business soon subsided in here and became 'constant', but not overly empty, as the lure of the Black box and Paul Martin threw Matrix lighting system to the wind! Megan's hat was also a little wonky at this point. A great morning which carried on through to midday with the now legendry (after six weeks) dancing on the picnic tables. Random scaffolding becoming the new plush pole's for dancing - and you don't even have to pay to watch... not that any of us would mind! Each Beyond seems different and well tailored to the amount of punters they expect, giving a contrasting experience each time I visit. A fantastic after-hours party - it seems the legend certainly lives on! Rating: 8

Club Details: "Beyond" by Bart - posted: 14 April 04 - Rating: 7.50

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