Black, White and Red All Over

Monday night saw (finally) the arrival of the biggest theatrical event of the season - Andrew Keates Black & White Birthday Ball. OK, well maybe not the biggest event of the season but I had bought new trouser for it, so for me it was big-time. It was an opportunity to catch up with lots of people I know and love and despite the last minute change of venue, it was actually rather a fun evening. The pleasure was doubled by the fact that my man came with me, although both of us were quite knackered and had to leave early, ready for an early start. Try to birthday on a weekend in future, Ange - then i'll be up there singing with you!

On the down side, as we made our way to the planned venue on Monday, it suddenly dawned on me that the Archer Street Cocktail Bar was actually where Barcode used to be. Barcode is no longer there and I was rather upset, I have to say. OK I had not been for a while but Barcode, or Barcode Soho as it was later called was my playground of choice not too many years ago. Barcode was were I would go to flirt, dance and indeed I pulled on many a happy and probably drunken occasion. It put me in mind somewhat of the disappearance of so many gay bars in London.

As I mentioned, I was hardly ever a barfly, but I can't help feeling a little sad that so many names from my past are slowly evaporating from the gay landscape..... Barcode, The Coalherne, Bromptons, Kudos Bar (the first gay bar I visited in London) and of course, The Stag. Hopefully Vauxhall will maintain some sense of community and the RVT, Griffin and Eagle will still be fun places to visit in ten years time.