THE BOX – FRIDAY 29TH MAY
REVIEW
Now, Friday is becoming a bit of a tradition for us, as with our new day job, we often find ourselves relaxing after a hard days work, winding down within the buzz that is Soho, with our regular haunt, Rupert Street, being the choice pick. However, every now and then we like to break with tradition and whilst this week was not really different to others, we seemed in even more of a party mood, but wanting to connect with great pals and savour something of the gAylist style that is sometimes missing from our end of week antics.
So, with plans to meet up with Salvation promoter Steve Elliot early in the evening and news that our other promoter come D.J. (come lots more!) friend, Oliver Mohns, was in town to play, it seemed that all paths were going to meet at The Box, just off Seven Dials in Covent Garden. With the news slowly spreading amongst other friends, we were anticipating one of those fabulously impromptu gatherings that have proven magical in the past and we weren’t to be disappointed as with a speedy jaunt across from out first stop, Rupert Street, we arrived at The Box’s doors at just after
8 p.m.
A warm and balmy May evening was unfolding, signalling that many were taking advantage, spilling onto The Box’s outside frontage, although with all of the windows open, inside felt just as much like outside, as we squeezed passed alfresco drinkers and into a packed bar, sliding right round the back of the space in search of the D.J. booth, which from memory used to be positioned in the far corner, in an elevated spot behind the bar so the view of the audience was at its best. However, not finding our man of the moment there, we went in search of refreshments at the one space that we could find at the bar, right back out towards the windows and, low & behold, there was Oliver Mohns, behind the makeshift D.J. booth, spinning away and warming up the crowd with some funky house tunes more akin to this bar atmosphere than his regular clubbing exploits.
With drinks speedily despatched from the welcoming bar staff, we were behind the D.J. decks receiving our now characteristic welcome from Oliver, who grabbed us in a huge embrace, lifting us high into the air, even in the confined space, making for a thrilling start that was set to turn out to be one special evening to savour. Looking around the crowd was developing nicely, a genuine mix of Latino lovelies, muscle queens, scene faces and an altogether high quality collection of cuties, very gAylist in its look & attitude and just the sort of people we have come to love & adore. But, it was Salvation supremo Steve Elliot whom we had mostly made the effort to meet, although it seemed he had been drawn away around the bar on promotional duty (and why not?!). However, it wasn’t long before his familiar face appeared from in amongst the masses to give us a big hug and kiss.
Oliver was now well into his stride with his musical choices, delivering some delectable sounds, enticing his audience into the bar which was getting busier and busier by the moment. We were anxious to find out whether Oliver’s beau, Robb, was going to make an appearance, perhaps emulating our celebrations of his birthday just two weeks ago in this very space, although there were plenty of pals around to keep the conversation flowing, including Cliff Jackson, which gave us the opportunity to catch up on clubbing news, not least our conflicting views on the success of SuperMartXe the previous weekend, his experienced eye matching our meticulousness which always makes for interesting intercourse (of the taking kind, silly!). We were also graced with the appearance of Salvation D.J. resident Mis-White (known socially as Emma) a pint sized powerhouse who had entertained us so brilliantly at the Famous party just a few weeks ago and whom we were certainly looking forward to her set at the Salvation outing to come. Then, the arrival of Fierce International figurehead, the gorge Mark M Forms lifted our buoyant mood even further & with the rebellious Romano in tow, this served to electrify the atmosphere, Mark clearly being as pleased to see us as we were him.
With all these faces around, the feeling now was more of a Salvation pre-party rather than a mere outing to The Box on a Friday and with flyers spread all around the bar, with talk on everyone’s lips of Kelly Rowland taking centre stage at the main event, as well as so many Salvation faithful's in situ it could well have been just that, especially with Oliver continuing to mesmerise with his musical magic, pulling out some terrific tunes that really got us dancing away in our select corner, getting down to tracks including Serge Devant’s “Addicted”, Eddie Coulter’s “Now Your Gone” and even the fab J Velarde newbie “Serious Emotions”, all so much more mainstream than his Matinee mixes, but testament to the diverse talents of this grassroots D.J. turned prominent club promoter.
We really didn’t want the night to end and being in such distinguished company, not to mention mixing with a stylish sophisticated crowd (so breathtakingly refreshing to the sometimes mundane morosity of other parts of the bar culture scene in gAyland London) as well as the sumptuous surroundings why would we want to leave. Moreover, with superb service from the bar staff, who were clearly under pressure dealing with the constant four deep thirsty throng, but succeeded supremely, the gorgeous Guilherme giving us fantastic and efficient attention each time we made our way to the bar, this really made our experience extra special. However, the 11 p.m. closing time arrived with remarkable speed, drawing to a close a most enjoyable impromptu evening full of fun & frivolity.
So, saying our goodbye’s to Emma, to Steve, to Mark, to Romano, but mostly to Oliver who had played out a perfect performance, delighting us and everyone around with scintillating sounds, we headed out of The Box and onto further pastures south of the river at Barcode Vauxhall to savour yet more musical magic in the hands of Brent Nicholls, who was captivating the crowd in the club space of our hospitable local hangout.
Well, what did we think of our experience at the Box and will we be returning soon? Simply on the grounds of the true gAylist feel of this Friday night foray, we will definitely be returning, as it is clear The Box is the favoured choice of the stylish set, who want to end their week & start the weekend in the best possible way. Whilst The Box is moderate in size, it makes up for it in sophisticated surroundings complimented by superb service from a sexy selection of staff, unflustered by the demands of a deluge of drinkers. It is clear that the owner Frank and his management team continue to carve out a niche for themselves in a competitive climate to attract the pink pound.
Friday is clearly the most popular night of the week for this Seven Dials situated swanky bar, but it is also a perfect place to meet, any time of the day or night, if its just a catch up over coffee, a social gathering of like minded friends or even a tasty breakfast, lunch or evening meal, selected from their extensive food menu, The Box is an ideal choice for not only the discerning gAylister but anyone in search of an enjoyable experience. We certainly had a exceptional experience this time round, will be back soon for sure and if you need one, it certainly gets our recommendation. (DISCO MATT)
REVIEW
Now, Friday is becoming a bit of a tradition for us, as with our new day job, we often find ourselves relaxing after a hard days work, winding down within the buzz that is Soho, with our regular haunt, Rupert Street, being the choice pick. However, every now and then we like to break with tradition and whilst this week was not really different to others, we seemed in even more of a party mood, but wanting to connect with great pals and savour something of the gAylist style that is sometimes missing from our end of week antics.
So, with plans to meet up with Salvation promoter Steve Elliot early in the evening and news that our other promoter come D.J. (come lots more!) friend, Oliver Mohns, was in town to play, it seemed that all paths were going to meet at The Box, just off Seven Dials in Covent Garden. With the news slowly spreading amongst other friends, we were anticipating one of those fabulously impromptu gatherings that have proven magical in the past and we weren’t to be disappointed as with a speedy jaunt across from out first stop, Rupert Street, we arrived at The Box’s doors at just after
8 p.m.
A warm and balmy May evening was unfolding, signalling that many were taking advantage, spilling onto The Box’s outside frontage, although with all of the windows open, inside felt just as much like outside, as we squeezed passed alfresco drinkers and into a packed bar, sliding right round the back of the space in search of the D.J. booth, which from memory used to be positioned in the far corner, in an elevated spot behind the bar so the view of the audience was at its best. However, not finding our man of the moment there, we went in search of refreshments at the one space that we could find at the bar, right back out towards the windows and, low & behold, there was Oliver Mohns, behind the makeshift D.J. booth, spinning away and warming up the crowd with some funky house tunes more akin to this bar atmosphere than his regular clubbing exploits.
With drinks speedily despatched from the welcoming bar staff, we were behind the D.J. decks receiving our now characteristic welcome from Oliver, who grabbed us in a huge embrace, lifting us high into the air, even in the confined space, making for a thrilling start that was set to turn out to be one special evening to savour. Looking around the crowd was developing nicely, a genuine mix of Latino lovelies, muscle queens, scene faces and an altogether high quality collection of cuties, very gAylist in its look & attitude and just the sort of people we have come to love & adore. But, it was Salvation supremo Steve Elliot whom we had mostly made the effort to meet, although it seemed he had been drawn away around the bar on promotional duty (and why not?!). However, it wasn’t long before his familiar face appeared from in amongst the masses to give us a big hug and kiss.
Oliver was now well into his stride with his musical choices, delivering some delectable sounds, enticing his audience into the bar which was getting busier and busier by the moment. We were anxious to find out whether Oliver’s beau, Robb, was going to make an appearance, perhaps emulating our celebrations of his birthday just two weeks ago in this very space, although there were plenty of pals around to keep the conversation flowing, including Cliff Jackson, which gave us the opportunity to catch up on clubbing news, not least our conflicting views on the success of SuperMartXe the previous weekend, his experienced eye matching our meticulousness which always makes for interesting intercourse (of the taking kind, silly!). We were also graced with the appearance of Salvation D.J. resident Mis-White (known socially as Emma) a pint sized powerhouse who had entertained us so brilliantly at the Famous party just a few weeks ago and whom we were certainly looking forward to her set at the Salvation outing to come. Then, the arrival of Fierce International figurehead, the gorge Mark M Forms lifted our buoyant mood even further & with the rebellious Romano in tow, this served to electrify the atmosphere, Mark clearly being as pleased to see us as we were him.
With all these faces around, the feeling now was more of a Salvation pre-party rather than a mere outing to The Box on a Friday and with flyers spread all around the bar, with talk on everyone’s lips of Kelly Rowland taking centre stage at the main event, as well as so many Salvation faithful's in situ it could well have been just that, especially with Oliver continuing to mesmerise with his musical magic, pulling out some terrific tunes that really got us dancing away in our select corner, getting down to tracks including Serge Devant’s “Addicted”, Eddie Coulter’s “Now Your Gone” and even the fab J Velarde newbie “Serious Emotions”, all so much more mainstream than his Matinee mixes, but testament to the diverse talents of this grassroots D.J. turned prominent club promoter.
We really didn’t want the night to end and being in such distinguished company, not to mention mixing with a stylish sophisticated crowd (so breathtakingly refreshing to the sometimes mundane morosity of other parts of the bar culture scene in gAyland London) as well as the sumptuous surroundings why would we want to leave. Moreover, with superb service from the bar staff, who were clearly under pressure dealing with the constant four deep thirsty throng, but succeeded supremely, the gorgeous Guilherme giving us fantastic and efficient attention each time we made our way to the bar, this really made our experience extra special. However, the 11 p.m. closing time arrived with remarkable speed, drawing to a close a most enjoyable impromptu evening full of fun & frivolity.
So, saying our goodbye’s to Emma, to Steve, to Mark, to Romano, but mostly to Oliver who had played out a perfect performance, delighting us and everyone around with scintillating sounds, we headed out of The Box and onto further pastures south of the river at Barcode Vauxhall to savour yet more musical magic in the hands of Brent Nicholls, who was captivating the crowd in the club space of our hospitable local hangout.
Well, what did we think of our experience at the Box and will we be returning soon? Simply on the grounds of the true gAylist feel of this Friday night foray, we will definitely be returning, as it is clear The Box is the favoured choice of the stylish set, who want to end their week & start the weekend in the best possible way. Whilst The Box is moderate in size, it makes up for it in sophisticated surroundings complimented by superb service from a sexy selection of staff, unflustered by the demands of a deluge of drinkers. It is clear that the owner Frank and his management team continue to carve out a niche for themselves in a competitive climate to attract the pink pound.
Friday is clearly the most popular night of the week for this Seven Dials situated swanky bar, but it is also a perfect place to meet, any time of the day or night, if its just a catch up over coffee, a social gathering of like minded friends or even a tasty breakfast, lunch or evening meal, selected from their extensive food menu, The Box is an ideal choice for not only the discerning gAylister but anyone in search of an enjoyable experience. We certainly had a exceptional experience this time round, will be back soon for sure and if you need one, it certainly gets our recommendation. (DISCO MATT)
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