Sun 12 Oct 2014 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Russell Green at the Parnell Shanghai Lil. An Auckland venue institution is to make a come-back when the gay Poof bar is reinvented again, this time as the much-loved Shanghai Lil's. Poof bar, for a time known as Pop bar, on Ponsonby Road will receive a make-over to create a more laid-back and 'plush' atmosphere, according to host Russell Green. Following the inking of a collaboration agreement between Poof and Family bar's owner Wayne Clark, Green says they will "re-create the Shanghai Lil "eclectic, fun, environment, a place where people can go for a night out, not just few drinks." An added attraction will be live music from a jazz trio, featuring legendary gay pianist Billy Farnell, on Friday and Saturday nights. As in Shanghai Lil's past incarnations Green will be 'mine host' and he will be welcoming gay straight and any other people who are looking for a relaxed night out. The make-over will be a rapid one with Shanghai Lil opening her doors on Wednesday October 23rd, according to Clark. Green first created Shanghai Lil's in a space in Anzac Avenue a decade ago. "It was a pop up bar which then moved to the Birdcage at the bottom of Franklin Road between 2006 and 2009 when it had to vacate due to major works associated with the construction of the Victoria Park motorway tunnel," says Green. It then moved to Parnell but has not operated for some time. As for where the name come from, "it was just something we thought up," says Green. "It sounded a little naughty and echoed a classic and quite camp 1930s show-biz themed musical movie called Footlight Parade starring Jimmy Cagney and Joan Blondell," he grins.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 12th October 2014 - 4:00pm