Mon 2 Jan 2006 In: Entertainment View at Wayback View at NDHA
GayNZ.com sent non-drinker Bain Divine around Auckland's gay bar/club venues to have a sober and unbiased view of just where venues are at, as we enter 2006. After a drought of venues a couple of years ago, the scene has got a bit of choice going again and the centre of activity has moved uptown for a casual drink, a wink at a twink or a bump and grind that's good for your mind. To get an idea of prices and music styles Bain took along a 23-year-old drink slut from Real Groovy Records and bought him a Heineken in each venue, so you can compare. (All prices are from actual purchases, hours were provided by staff members but may vary). QUEEN Having just recently opened, it's hard to know where the Queen will sit. She's definitely a nightclub, with a wooden dancefloor at one end (with thankfully no thoroughfare) and a smoky atmosphere (thanks to dry ice) and a modern bar area with cube seating and well groomed male and female staff. Situated downstairs in a K Rd back street a mere stone's throw from Family (with the same owner, but ironically, considering the name: no drag), Queen is open much later to attract extended Family members as they move through the night or arrive at 6am after Family closes. There is nonetheless movement to and fro throughout the night and weekend... Cross St has been transformed from a sleepy Gotham laneway to a gay parade from 10pm as punters head east and west between venues. Expect some messy mornings and happenings by the door as the smokers, party boys and queens greet the summer dawn. Love the location. Hours: Friday - Saturday only 10pm - 10am Music: Handbag, Re-mixes, dancefloor anthems, gay disco, Vocal House. Heineken: $7 Venue type: medium/small bar-club with a dedicated dance floor Smoking: on the street Toilets: okay Cover charge: none Parking: street parking where you can find it or Pay