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Saturday, 6 December 2008

Lo-Profile 1st Birthday - Club Review


LO-PROFILE 1ST BIRTHDAY – THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER
REVIEW FOR SEENQUEEN


Now we all like a good “knees up” and what better way to spend our Thursday night than joining in some birthday celebrations. December is a special month for us, not only because there always seems to be a lot going on but it is a time for celebration like no other (our birth month you know!) and with a host of clubs celebration their special days, Barcode Soho 13, Gravity 4, Gutterslut turning just one, another first birthday ended up being an unmissable treat.

Since it’s launch, following the highly successful integration into the gAylist London scene of it’s little sister Profile bar, Lo-Profile club has cut a considerable stride and a venue on Wardour street with a chequered history (remember Sweet Suite) quickly establishing itself as a smart way to enjoy a night out on the town. Backed up by the muscle of Gaydar, the venture was seen as a little risky, but it was clear there was a considerable market for those seeking an alternative to the Vauxhall scene.

The powers that be were masterful in lining up a top notch list of resident D.J’s that, in it’s brief history have included Guy Williams, Brent Nicholls, Mikey D, Jamie Head, Paul Heron, Hugh Stevenson, D’Johnny and new talent Alessandro Giaccetti. It has even attracted the superb & household name Steve Pitron, who played there just recently, so there has clearly been no lack of credible music to entice an audience. Furthermore, whilst bang slap in the middle of Soho, it still feels like a genuine clubbing experience, with the added bonus of all the usual trappings close on hand.

So, on a cold early December evening, we descended on Wardour Street at around 8 p.m. and the glamour of this 1st Birthday offering, being greeted at the door by very friendly staff, although the absence of Vanity seemed a little strange. Being ticked off the list, we ambled along the stretched corridor like entrance, brightened by multi-coloured inset lighting in various shapes (stars, spots etc), a theme common throughout the club and also in Profile Bar on Frith Street. Once into the club, we immediately spotted the lovely Mikey D behind the decks, the last time we saw him to chat to, was following his amazing set at Beyond, back in the summer.

The venue was filling nicely, with many taking advantage of the cosy and quiet seating nooks & crannies, as well as flooding the main bar, rubbing shoulders with scene faces, off-duty D.J’s, you know the sort of collection by now!! We had to drop our stuff off at the coatcheck (what a controversial part of clubbing it has been recently, with issues at both Matinee & SuperMartXe, as reported!) and as we were sorting out items in our bag, the imposing figure of Logan appeared and immediately greeted us in his usual calm & friendly manner. We compared notes on the fantastic event over at the Coronet just last Saturday, also confirming the New Years date for the next SuperMartXe event and both agreed that the venue was perfect for the club concept with the size of the main room comparable to Madrid. Logan gave us assurances that the hiccups with the coatcheck were just that and will be sorted for January 3rd.

Back into Lo-Profiles main room, we headed straight to the bar and a welcoming complimentary glass of wine, immediately bumping into friends from our other life at Kings Cross, catching up on news and sharing opinions of this anniversary venues appeal. We were soon dragged away by more familiar faces in the form of Wayne G & Joe Publik, whom we had shared a fun Tuesday just over a week ago at Barcode Soho & Shadow Lounge and then by even more friendly folk, DJ Alessandro & Rupert Street General Manager Cathy, this all while scrumptious nibbles were being put our tempted way by scantly clad waiters floating through the building crowd in constant waves. Alessandro was intent on meeting both Wayne G & Joe Publik so we gracefully introduced him and savoured the conversation that followed.

It was clear the team had gone to great expense to impress the invited crowd and the drinks kept flowing, the food kept coming, all with the backdrop of great music and great company. However, with time seemingly flying, a sudden change in music pace signalled the arrival of the delectable Jamie Head, who stepped up the pace a little, which prompted us to spin over to say hello. Jamie had been so kind on just the last Saturday at SuperMartXe and is always oozing with generosity, making him a particular D.J. fave of ours.

Out of the corner of our eye, we spotted photographer Chris Jepson arrive, immediately launching himself of the crowd by the main bar, clicking away in usual fashion. With Alessandro wanted a photo shot, we posed with him & Cathy, also spotting the arrival of Q.X. editor Cliff Joannou, the man responsible for selecting the photos’ (amongst other things) for reviews in the mag (not that we wanted special treatment & selection you know!!). However, with photo’s taken our pals Alessandro & Cathy decided to call it a day and with a slightly thinning crowd, we also bid our farewells to Lo-Profile to drop on our Thursday favourite soiree, Industri at Barcode Vauxhall.

With the party set to continue into the wee hours and with Brent Nicholls lined up to do a set after Jamie Head, it looked like the birthday bash was going to be one hell of an event, which for us was the most enjoyable experience of Lo-Profile we have been part of thus far. However with Thursday’s being patchy to say the least reports coming in were such that an expectant crowd simply failed to materialise, not really the kind of birthday present anyone would like to receive!!

So, with the plethora of club’s pre-club bars, club bars and venues on offer in Soho, how has Lo-Profile faired in its first year? Quite well actually and given the massive backing of Gaydar, we suspect it is set to remain a part of the gAylist scene in London. Whilst far from being our favourite venue, this club definitely attracts a good quality crowd, searching good quality music, surroundings and atmosphere. Lo-Profile has this in bucket loads, so long may it continue. Happy 1st birthday. (DISCO MATT)

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