Category Archives: Gay London

BEST New Years Eve RoofTops

Conde Nast CN TRAVELLER probably said it best, “It’s easy to sneer at New Year’s Eve: too expensive, too crowded, too much pressure to have the greatest night of your life. OK, you could hunker down at home – or you could make it really memorable by hitting up one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the world. From fireworks blasting across breathtaking backdrops to raucous street parties in cool capitals and all-night raves on blissed-out beaches, there’s no shortage of amazing ways to ring in 2019.” I live in Chicago and SO MANY people go out NYE its so hard and so expensive to get a Cab or Uber or Lyft! Is it worth it? If you know where to go, it might be! What better place to see all the fireworks, than from a rooftop bar?!
The is an actual site called The RoofTop Guide! “BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH A NICE VIEW! We believe that’s how it is, that everything is better with a nice view. Therefore we have assembled this guide, a guide to the world’s best rooftop bars. To inspire and for you to, wherever you are or wherever you are going, be able to find an oasis where you can feel the breeze against your skin, sip on a drink and gaze into breathtaking views. So of course you can count on them to show us 30 Amazing and Fantastic rooftops for a NYE to remember!
From New York and Los Angels, Chicago to Sandiego, London, Dubai , Madrid – all the best rooftops are listed here with details, pricing and more info! get the complete scoop HERE.  
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STK Steakhouse Meets Lounge

Sexy chic lounge meets modern steak house. STK.

(Chicago location  in side  photo)

The ONE Group, based in New York, has positioned STK as “women friendly,” trying to break the conception that steakhouses are only meant for men. A DJ booth brings a curated playlist to diners, creating more of a nightclub vibe, hoping diners opt to party after their meal, or even while they’re digesting their wet-aged beef. No need to bar hop, as STK’s other spots haven’t been as concerned about the menu as they are in developing a trendy, and sexy, scene to draw the clientele who would normally roll their eyes at the notion of dining at a steakhouse.

From Forbes to Zagat to Facebook, dinners are loving this place!

Locations AROUND THE WORLD!

Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Ibiza, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Milan, 3 locations  in NYC, Orlando, South Beach, Toronto, San Diego Puerto Rico, and 2 locations in Dubai!

Recently we had the chance to sample some of their new recipes from their Fall menu in Chicago, being unveiled in October. But first, we started with their Strawberry Cobbler Martini.

Fresh strawberries, Belvedere vodka and a graham cracker rim.

Another classic that I could live on is their signature tuna tartare!

Besides what they are known for we got a sampling of some excellent new dishes!

 

*NEW Roasted Root Vegetable Salad: Squash, parsnip, celery root, living water greens, brown butter vinaigrette

*NEW Roasted Slagel Chicken: Celery root purée, celery salad, jus

*NEW Roasted Rack of Lamb: Charred broccoli, huckleberry vinaigrette, black garlic jus

*NEW Grilled Branzino: Roasted thumbelina carrots, kale, carrot purée, grilled lemon

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Apple, cranberry, aged goat cheese, marcona almonds

Potato Bar: Creamy yukon potatoes and sweet potatoes, bacon, scallion, sour cream, cheese, marshmallows, candied pecans, short rib. TO DIE FOR!

 

How about finishing your meal with fresh warm doughnuts covered in various toppings?

Or perhaps their signature Chocolate mousse layered cake?

WHAT ABOUT BRUNCH? STK has a monthly brunch – Dare to Brunch – that features STK’s take on the traditional weekend meal. Offered on the last Sunday of each month, Dare to Brunch will be complete with a specialty STK brunch menu, mimosa stations that includes a variety of freshly squeezed juices and all-day DJ performances.

The Dare to Brunch menu favorites include Gold Leaf French Toast, Market Vegetable & Truffle Omelet, STK n’ L’eggs and more. The monthly Sunday event will offer three seatings (2PM, 4PM and 6PM).

 

Their menu features a nice variety of re-imagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere.

Aside from steak, signature items also include Parmesan Truffle Fries, Lil BRG’s, and sweet corn pudding. Incredible food and a wonderful hip atmosphere!

This is not your daddy’s steakhouse!

Visit  their site for all locations  and  phone numbers for reservations. 

all photo credit goes to the incomparable Matthew Mitrick of Mitrick Photography!

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Lady Bunny in London

LADY BUNNY

      IN  LONDON!

Cover “girl” on the latest issue of Boyz magazine to promote her run at Soho Theatre from Feb 14-Feb 26.     Fasten  your seat belts!

Interview here and hers’ a snippet:

Have you come to terms with your new president yet? What do you think of him so far?

There was an election? My God! Why was I not informed? Oh, never mind. I’m sure it turned out OK. America would never do anything silly like electing a belligerent, narcissistic sociopath. I mean, we’re not Russia! I just hate that now Melania is our First Lady; we’ll lose one of our most brilliant jewellery designers. I have a bracelet she designed in 2015. I bought it in 2013 from Macy’s.

Tell us about your new show Trans-Jester!

It’s just like Les Miserables, except get rid of all the dreary and depressing French stuff and replace it with me singing and dancing for 90 minutes. Oh, and my usual fart jokes. This show actually combines the raunchy and sometimes offensive humour I’m known for, but in the context of this question: with political correctness gone wild, what are we still allowed to laugh at?

What specific areas of gender politics wind you up?

Pretty much all of it, but especially the L’s, the G’s, the B’s. The T’s, The I’s and the A’s. Did I forget any letters? I wouldn’t want to seem non-inclusive. Trans-Jester! also discusses how puzzled I am by the fairly recent rift between the drag and trans community. For me personally, I feel closer to drag and trans people than any other segment of our community. I’m thrilled that the NYC run of this show really struck a chord with both older gays who remember fighting for medicines for AIDS instead of the endless list of names for new gender variations and the younger folks, some of whom agree with me and some who don’t. But most seem to have been entertained by it. I have a unique perspective and am not afraid to express it. And peppering my more serious points with jokes prevent the show from ever being preachy.

Do you ever worry about offending people with your material?

I’m pretty sure that everyone in the audience will be offended by something in the show – especially sticklers for personal hygiene and good grammar. I actually asked on the ticket sales site that people do not attend this particular performance if they are prudish, overly PC or who don’t like offensive humour. Trans-Jester! is for those who enjoy an unabashedly twisted laugh.

MORE: http://boyz.co.uk/lady-bunny-in-trans-jester-at-the-soho-theatre/

GET  TICKETS  NOW!   Selling out quickly!!

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Gay London Grindr Warning

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Gay Travel in LONDON

London: exciting, regal and friendly

By Sebastián Sáenz
@sebastiaenz

Not as rainy as people tend to think it is, mighty old London has a lot to offer to its visitors. Yes, we all know about the bridge, the abbey, the tower, the river, the eye, the park, the square, the palace and the clock; but as a gay tourist myself I also tried more than a few “alternative lifestyle” options that satisfy the LGBT community.

Obviously we are talking about one of the most progressive cities in one of the most progressive countries in the world, so we have a wide range of activities from sunrise to sun… rise. During the day there are so many places in which, even though it might not be an official LGBT convention, it just looks like everybody got a memo. The Fashion and Textile Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum of Art and Design, or ANY West End musical are a few examples in which Grindr just keeps buzzing, a great chance for cruising while actually doing something productive and cultural.

 

And speaking of fashion, needless to say this is a major fashion capital of the world. Just walking down the city center or by taking the Tube is enough to appreciate all sorts of ensembles: hipster, trendy, extravagant, posh, punk… you name it, locals are not afraid since they have seen it all. This is a city that inspires any wardrobe, a great chance to get a nice trench, flashy mocs, or comfy chinos.

Londoners are not afraid of tattoos, prints and bright colors, they are daringly classy. If you don’t have enough to buy more than cookies at Harrods or Selfridges, Primark has a good (and accessible) supply if you want anything different than the “I<3GB” T, but by far my strongest recommendation is Topshop/Topman.

You might want to buy your clothes one size bigger, since the food in this town is to die for (contrary to its old reputation). Jamie Oliver, the chef du jour, has restaurants all over the island, but there are so many places to go. Covent Garden has amazing little independent bakeries, Bo Dean’s BBQ will make you lick your fingers, The Breakfast Club is THE PLACE TO GO for the weekend brunch, and even Wahaca offers exquisite Mexican food (who would have thought?!). So, you may want to get the must meat pie, fish and chips and kebabs, but just once, don’t stick to those.

And now, the cocktail menu. Bank, the financial district, is the best area to go to after six if you want to grab a pint and start getting a glimpse of the attractive 9-5 workers in tight shirts and dress pants. However, our community gathers in Soho: central, hip and fun. Just try to stay close to Old Compton St. and Rupert St., everything you need can be found there, from bars, restaurants and clubs to hostels, boutiques and sex shops. For a memorable night of drinking and dancing, Ku and G-A-Y are mandatory, a bit further is Heaven, and at Vauxhall (on the other side of the river) there is Eagle and XXL if you feel a bit more kinky.

If you can, try to visit during Pride Weekend, St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween; the party is insane. Londoners love their rugby and their soccer, so even if you don’t know much about the rules, the names of the teams or the players; the atmosphere at any bar (even gay bars) is guaranteed fun. And if you want some ice breakers, an issue of Gay Times Magazine or Attitude Magazine will give you plenty of material to talk about what everybody is talking about (usually Britain’s Got Talent/Eurovision, 1D or Tom Daley).

Elton John, George Michael, Sir Ian McKellen, you and me… as we can see, London embraces many queens besides the one on Spur Rd. Museums, history, tours and hot men with sexy accents (who also happen to love foreign accents, by the way) are waiting for all of us, so let’s pack our bags. Cheers mates!

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Travel to Berlin, London, Paris and New York City with Taschen Book set


 

Travel wisdom in your pocket, at your fingertips.


Get around New York, Paris, Berlin, and London in high style



TASCHEN 4 Cities   is a 12 Vol.  Boxed set of wonderful books  covering New York, London, Paris, and Berlin.  Each city is 3 guides  –  ”hotels”, “restaurants”, and “shops”.

We love that they’ve taken the design-oriented (and coffee-table sized) TASCHEN guide book concept and translated it into pocket-sized companions.  Wonderful for gift giving and a great keepsake from these wonderful cities! Great photos and the text gives you interesting and useful information, as well as addresses, phone numbers and website address.  $60 retail price, $39 at Amazon.
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)


Highlights include –

London: Number Sixteen, a chic South Kensington hotel in a beautiful Victorian townhouse with romatic gardens, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant and social project, Fifteen, where teenagers cook the meals, and Dover Street Market, the multi-floor concept store founded in 2004 by Comme des Garçons.

New York: the Maritime Hotel, a former sailors’ dorm, now Chelsea’s coolest hotel, the Waverly Inn, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s exclusive salon for the glitterati, and where to buy New York’s best cheesecake

Paris: Ladurée, the best macaroons in the city, the ultra-luxurious Ritz hotel on elegant Place Vendôme, and Colette fashion concept store

Berlin: hip nightspot Green Door, where one rings the doorbell to gain entrance, oriental delight at Edd’s, the best Thai restaurant in Berlin (perhaps Germany), and experimental store Bless, “publicizing artistic values through products”

Order yours today!
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)

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Gay Pride London with Reporter and Singer Danny Hilton

One of  our favorite reporters and dear friend Danny Hilton  from London, was interviewed by the BBC News for Gay Pride. He writes for Pink News  and HOMOVISION.TV   and he is a super singer!

London will be THE place to be in 2012. The Olympic Games come to town, her Majesty celebrates her Diamond Jubilee but most importantly of all Pride London will be hosting WorldPride 2012 !

Watch the Video on his Facebook page .

Find  Danny Hilton on Facebook 

and  Danny  Hilton UK

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Anish Kapoor Unveils London’s Version of the Eiffel Tower for 2012 Olympics

Anish Kapoor  is an Indian sculptor. Born in Bombay. Kapoor has lived and worked in London since the early 1970s, so it only makes sense he is designing a magnificent new work for the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London!

Kapoor’s pieces are frequently simple, curved forms, usually monochromatic and brightly coloured. Most often, the intention is to engage the viewer, producing awe through their size and simple beauty, evoking mystery through the works’ dark cavities, tactility through their inviting surfaces, and fascination through their reflective facades.

A spiralling sculpture, 115m tall piece, named the ArcelorMittal Orbit, will be placed in the Olympic Park and will be 22m higher than New York’s Statue of Liberty.

The £19.1m design incorporates the five Olympic rings and will offer visitors panoramic views of London.

London Mayor Boris Johnson revealed plans for the tower on Wednesday.

“I am deeply honoured to be invited to undertake this challenging commission,” Kapoor said.

“I am particularly attracted to it because of the opportunity to involve members of the public in a particularly close and personal way. It is the commission of a lifetime.”

The artist will work with leading structural designer, Cecil Balmond of engineering firm Arup.

WATCH  THE  VIDEO  AT  BBC.

Best Gay Cities

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Final Weeks to See Matthew Bourne’s All Male Swan Lake in London

Matthew Bourne’s
legendary all-male Swan Lake is back in London – but only until January 24, and this production, at Sadler’s Wells, has been garnering reviews to equal – or better, those it received at its premiere there in 1995.


The longest running ballet in the history of the West End or Broadway, Bourne’s Swan Lake is based loosely on the romantic Russian original, including its Tchaikovsky music and plot outline, but with stylistic inspiration from Hitchcock’s The Birds, and most startlingly of all, with the traditional female corps de ballet replaced with a menacing male ensemble. At its Broadway premiere, Time Out New York called it “a miracle”.


Touring companies have played to sold-out houses throughout the world,  but now it’s back where it all began, and with extravagant, award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston.

Matthew Bourne’s SWAN LAKE has collected over thirty international theatre awards including three Tonys for the Broadway production and has been widely acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic as a landmark production on the international stage.






BEST GAY CITIES


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Gay Icon Dame Shirley Bassey in London This Weekend

Dame Shirley Bassey,
 
a true gay icon and Britain’s most successful female artist ever, will celebrate 50 years in show business by giving a unique performance for the BBC Electric Proms at London’s Roundhouse on this Friday, October 23.

The Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (!) will be joined on stage by the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform some of her classic tracks as well as new songs from her forthcoming album The Performance.

Famous for her powerful renditions of songs like Big Spender, Light My Fire and Something, Dame Shirley’s international stardom (she also has France’s highest award, the Legion d’ Honneur) was confirmed by her performances of the fabulous Bond movie themes Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker. These days, she’s a much-sampled legend as well, most recently by Kanye West for his Grammy-winning hit Diamonds From Sierra Leone.

You can also watch her exclusive performance over at BBC2 on Saturday 24th at 10.40pm.

72 year old Bassey also   joins a star studded line up for Children in Need Rocks the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 12th November.

Also featuring the likes of Take That, Sir Paul McCartney, Muse, Snow Patrol and Leona Lewis, this spectacular show will see the UK’s finest musicians help raise money for disadvantaged children.

         

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