Christchurch's gay venue scene will take a big step back towards normality in just over a week's time with the reopening of Menfriends in a new, almost central city location. Menfriends was one of the hundreds of inner-city businesses which were destroyed by the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, but after much paperwork, site-searching and hard work by its owners and tradesmen the combination sauna and cruise club will re-open on Tuesday December 18th. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of last minute tidy-ups and adjustments, co-owner Stuart Yeatman says they've just had their final council inspection and are almost ready to go. He is "really quite proud" of how the renewed venue, now at 427 Tuam Street, has turned out. "I think we've managed to reflect the feel of the old Lichfield Street premises but at the same time we've brought it right into the 21st century. It has a very modern feel and yet it kind of recreates the old atmosphere. Also it's just a little bigger overall and on two levels instead of three so there are fewer steps," he chuckles. The ground level of the new venue includes the sauna, steam and spa area as well as the social and relaxing spaces and all the other facilities such as food and drinks and a retail shop. On a mezzanine level there are private cubicles and a up to date well-equipped bondage room. "We've got everything from the old club and a little bit more," says Yeatman as he breaks off to check details of the wet area plumbing system. The new Menfriends will open will open from 7.30pm to 2am for their first night and, with the exception of Christmas Day, will be open every night from then on. You can discuss this New Zealand gay community news story in the GayNZ.com Forum.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 9th December 2012 - 4:38pm