The shift did little to maintain the business, and the bar unfortunately closed in 2008. In the mid-1990s the bar shifted its focus once more, becoming a regular gay bar in order to attract more customers. The most well-known of these, Colin Ireland, also referred to as ‘The Gay Slayer’, murdered five men he met at The Coleherne.
The bar unfortunately had tragedy surrounding it – three separate serial killers have used it as a stalking ground for their victims. With the change came all of the things you’d expect – blacked-out windows, notoriety, and a shift in clientele. Though it long had a reputation as a bohemian haven, and attracted a mixed clientele that included many queer people, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the bar officially became a gay bar.Īnd not just any gay bar – a leather bar! Talk to any self-respecting gay-of-a-certain-age about Earl’s Court back in the day, and The Coleherne is bound to be the first bar they mention.
In the 80s the bar changed its name to ‘Bromptons’, which it is perhaps best known as (see full entry further in this article). And, before the night was over the police had to come along and shut the whole thing down. Rather than deterring audiences, of course, this drew them in, and the crowd was so huge that it spilled out on to the street. Things went supersonic after the newspaper News of the World heaped scorn on the night, running a critical article entitled “This Show Must Not Go On.”
They convinced a number of local drag queens to come into the pub and perform alongside them.Īnd, before they knew it, they had set the wheels in motion for the Queen of the Month contest.įrom then on, every Saturday night between September 1964 until May 1965, the bar was full of revellers cheering on a gaggle of competitors for the crown. Its quite dangerous as the queue barely moves because the cloakroom is at the end of this stairs.The pub wasn’t a gay bar until, in 1964, a band called The Downtowners, who played there regularly, came up with a little gimmick for their gigs. Trying to get out is a bit of a nightmare as everyone has to exit via the same stairs. We fly to London once a month and always go to Sound, its our "local". Mixed crowd in here, black, white, asian, mostly early 20's. If you're looking to go clubbing on a Sunday night try Sound as a lot of places aren't even open on a Sunday night. Sound opens early and is usually open till 3-ish. Drinks are pricey 2 vodka + 1 red bull £12.10, bottles are less than £4. To use the bathroom you have to walk to the fifth floor (ridiculous). Finally on the 5th floor is an RnB, hip hop room overlooking the london eye. Second floor which is on the 4th floor is a balcony floor overlooking the first floor. First floor which is located on floor 3 is mostly a mix of dance, chart, pop, hip-hop and cheese. Staff are friendly, maybe a little too friendly!! There are 3 floors for us commoners. Queues are always inevitable but there are ways of skipping, hehe. Sound is right in the heart of Leicester Square. I look forward to visiting Two Brewers more often. Jason, Dwayne and ALL the staff here are a credit to your company! I cannot believe how much they went above and beyond their duties to help me, I could have been seen as someone with a petty dilemma but they never made it seem that way.ġ000% will recommend this venue to everyone. Looking back I can see that they were busy with other things but they spent the time to help me out. I told them that I get nervous in busy places when I am alone and they were completely understanding. When I described my friends to them the were able to locate them and reunite me with them. I had lost my friends and was quite upset I went to them and asked them to help me find my friends.
I would like to mention Dwayne and Jason who work there. When you get served by individuals they remember your face and remember what you have ordered (which makes the service more personal and quick). They work hard to ensure that the customers are welcome and have a great time. I do not feel like I am being judged like you are in other LGBT bars. The bar staff at Two Brewers are always kind and happy to help. I really love the acts that they put on throughout the week.