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Who’s the boss behind the bar @Legends?

Morgan Fabulous chats with Reece Roberts the manager of Legends on Brighton seafront.

Reece has been general manager of Legends for almost 10 years and is kept extremely busy running the hotel, bar and nightclub. He is full of praise for his team of friendly staff who he says are always there to support him and make him smile.

Born in Anglesey, North Wales, he had a happy upbringing and his parents were fully supportive when he came out.

One of his closest friends was also gay, but there wasn’t anywhere for them to socialise and be fully accepted in Anglesey, so at the age of 17 Reece moved to Manchester, where the gay scene was thriving. After a few years on the Manchester scene and having gained managerial experience with Johnson Cleaner he managed to get a transfer within the company to the South Coast and Brighton and when his friend, Collin Day, who was manager at Revenge asked him if he fancied a bar job at the club, he accepted.

Like many people who worked on the gay scene at that time, Reece felt his colleagues were more like family than workmates.

Tony Chapman owned Revenge at the time and Reece says was a great person to work for. Tony looked after his staff well, so when he bought Legends Hotel, Reece was happy to take the manager’s job there.

For many, Legends is the hub of the gay community in Brighton. I am a frequent visitor there as I like the clientele it attracts, and there’s always a warm friendly atmosphere.

I had never really considered what the hotel above is like, and I know it sounds like I’m writing a yelp review but I was very pleasantly surprised at the very high standards of rooms I saw, when I got a guided tour. With constant refurbishment and additions to the furniture and decor, the rooms are fresh, sophisticated and modern. Most importantly the staff are really friendly and the rates extremely reasonable for a hotel on Brighton seafront. If you have friends or relatives visiting for the weekend, I highly recommend you push them in the direction of the hotel.

The upstairs bar is currently undergoing an £80,000 refurbishment which includes new glass doors, a new floor, new tables, new wall coverings and reupholstered furniture. I got a sneak preview of some of the designs, and it’s going to look fab ul ous! The bar and club will remain open, while the refurbishment is being completed.

Reece lives with Justin, his partner of 16 years and their cat Dinky in Peacehaven and in his spare time loves cooking, socialising and keeping fit.

For more information about Legends, click here:

 

Who’s the boss behind the bar @The Queens Arms?

Morgan Fabulous chats with Barry Nelson, manager of the Queens Arms in George Street, about Thailand, cabaret and Victoria Sponge.

Barry Nelson

Barry took over the Queens Arms nearly two and a half years ago and made some drastic changes to make the bar what it is today. Walls came down, the bar was replaced, the stage relocated and the whole interior was redesigned. Importantly for the drag queens, the upstairs bedrooms and kitchen were all remodelled giving a larger space for the cabaret acts to get ready and drink complimentary champagne before heading to the stage.

The bar has changed significantly since changing hands. Some preferred how it was then, others prefer it now, but that’s inevitable when a venue modernises.

Barry often used to drink there before he became manager and feels it now attracts more of the traditional Brighton cabaret crowd and sees new faces as well as the regulars who’ve been coming to the bar since it opened over 35 years ago.

Established cabaret acts including: Miss Jason, Kara Van Park, Lola Lasagne, Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle and Sandra regularly appear at the QA five days a week and twice on Sunday.

During the winter months it’s closed on Monday and Tuesday but available for public hire for birthday celebrations and parties. On Saturday nights the bar staff dress in top hats and waistcoats to give the bar a burlesque feel.

Before taking over the reins at the QA, Barry managed Bar Revenge and later Revenge for eight years, where he first introduced the contestants of X-Factor onto the stage.

It was also the start of his drag career, as one night, 12 years ago, a member of the Lollipop Girls who appeared every Friday night cancelled and he got roped into standing in for them. Today you can catch him hosting at the Queens Arms on a Saturday and Sunday as the sassy seaside landlady Victoria Sponge.

Barry grew up in Cheshire then relocated to Bristol and Bournemouth where he worked on the gay scene before coming to Brighton to manage Revenge. Deciding to take a break from the commercial gay scene, he went on to be food and beverage manager at the Queens Hotel where he introduced Dine With The Stars, a cabaret dinner hosted by drag queens and special guests, which raised over £16,000 for the Thai orphanage in Pattaya, Thailand.

When the Queens Arms last changed hands Barry was offered the post of manager. Even though he loved his job at the hotel, he felt he belonged in the pub trade and accepted. Barry enjoys cabaret which has been evident in all his management ventures, and he loves travelling and exploring Asia, particularly Thailand where he’s been 26 times. In his spare time he enjoys reading about the history of Thailand and its celebrations as well as reading psychological thrillers.

Victoria Sponge has also visited Thailand and hosted events to raise money for the children’s orphanage there. He says it’s uncomfortable being in full drag in 40º heat and keeps his makeup in the fridge until he’s ready to apply it – a tip he plans to share with Davina Sparkle.

If you love cabaret or just fancy a drink and a slice of Victoria Sponge, then you’ll find Barry at the QA this and every weekend, that’s if he’s not on his 27th trip to Thailand.

 

 

UTUBE REVIEW: CINEBRA – A History of Horror

If you missed Cinebra’s Halloween special at Charles Street or you enjoyed it so much that you want to relive it, then here is your chance!

Filmed live on the night, Cinebra presents History of Horror – The Movie! If you don’t already know, Cinebra is a collaboration between Lydia L’Scabies and Rococo Chanel.

Their two lovable characters, Megan and Sophie are parodies of every teenage girl film geek out there, delivering a hilarious and unique cabaret show. The show features original songs and comedy and also parodies of horror films, you should defiantly check out their Carrie skit, it is funny and intruding.

Megan and Sophie often perform at Revenge where are welcomed on stage with loving arms, they truly capture the crowd and put on a hilarious show.

You can follow them as “Cinebra” on YouTube where they review films in their own unique way.

Who’s the boss behind the bar @The Grosvenor Bar?

This month Morgan Fabulous talks wigs, heels and hair with former Golden Handbag, Landlord of the Year, Collin Day.

Collin Day
Collin Day

The Grosvenor on Western Street in Hove, just off of Hove lawns is a lively gay bar which Collin, also know as Pooh la May has managed for the last two years.

Since his arrival, the bar has been redecorated twice originally with super camp glitter walls, feathers and masks and now with a more theatrical look including a drag queen tribute wall, displaying famous drag queens past and present. There is a waiting list of local drag queens waiting to have their photo mounted on the wall, myself included!

The bar is open 7 days a week, has a late licence and with Drag Bingo on Thursday’s, Karaoke on Friday’s and top Cabaret every Saturday night at 10pm is a perfect destination bar, to spend your evening at.

Since his arrival, Collin has turned the Grosvenor into a friendly local pub for everyone to enjoy with a regular, loyal clientele who like to take advantage of low-priced drinks at £3.30 for any pint.

Over the years, many  customer have followed Collin as he has moved around the city from bar to bar. Before managing the Grosvenor, he worked in and went on to manage Revenge nightclub for a total of 14 years throughout the 90’s, eventually moving on in 2004.

He says: “I loved the scene back then as there were so many real characters in Brighton. Staff turn around was much lower and everyone knew everyone. It was like being part of one big family.”

After leaving Revenge he took a five-year break away from the scene and from drag, but missed his heels and the social aspect of running a bar so much that he just had to return.

He managed Legends Bar for a year, then 22 Church Street (Black Horse) for 6 years and now the Grosvenor, where he has settled down and firmly stamped his personality on the bar.

Fortunately, he kept all of his drag wear, including over 40 pairs of heels, 100 dresses and boxes of wigs to help recreate Pooh la May, his drag identity name which was given to him by a friend, and is apparently Norwegian slang for female masturbation.

Collin has been doing drag for over 25 years. He started off in Revenge in the 90s as a door host, working behind the bar and becoming one of the original members of the legendary Lollipop Girls. He remained there till 2004 when Revenge changed hands and he decided to move on and concentrate on a solo career.

Pooh la May appeared regularly in the Adult Pantomime and performs at venues around Brighton singing numbers from the 60’s and 70’s.

Collin donates his time to worthy causes and is particularly proud of the fundraising Pooh la May has done for the Sussex Beacon and the Thai children’s orphanage in Pattaya, Thailand, which is supported by many Brighton entertainers.

He lists his hobbies as theatre, reading, music and men (so 1980s dear!). You can catch Collin and Pooh la May on stage at the Grosvenor on New Years Eve partnering Maisie Trollette. Entry all night is free!

For more information, click here:

Who’s the boss behind the bar?

This month Morgan Fabulous finds out why Lee Cockshott, owner and manager of the Marine Tavern, never has a moment to himself.

Lee Cockshott
Lee Cockshott

Lee grew up in Manchester where he became very fond of the commercial gay scene. Aged just 18, he invested in a bar named the Woolpack and worked there at weekends while studying social work at university.

After working his way up the social work ladder he decided to take his career in a completely different direction. After owning a guest house in Scotland and later a hotel in Eastbourne, he decided, after constantly commuting here for nights out, to move to and invest in Brighton.

He looked at a couple of gay venues and decided to buy the Marine Tavern in Broad Street, a traditional bar with lots of character. He also manages Poison Ivy at the bottom of St James’s Street, which is under new ownership.

Since taking over the Marine Tavern he’s introduced a variety of themed nights. If you’re new to the area and want to make new friends, join his Bar Crawl every third Friday of the month at 8.30pm. It is hosted by local drag queen, Stephanie Von Clitz, and you get a free shot in each bar visited, which usually includes the Marine Tavern, the Bulldog, the Zone, Queen’s Arms, Bar Broadway and Poison Ivy!

Every Tuesday is Quiz & Curry night with curry, including naan bread and rice, costing just £1! Unbelievable value. There’s also a vegetarian option available when booked in advance through their Facebook page.

Traditional roast diners are served every Sunday, followed by Drag Open Mic night where you get £10 cash for a 10 minute performance, providing you’re in drag. During December, Christmas dinner will replace the traditional roast each Sunday.

Lee also organises and promotes The Big Scrum, a rugby and sportskit night that is currently held at Subline in Brighton as well as other venues in the UK and Ireland. For details of the next Scrum, click here:

Twice a year, in February and October, Lee organises a trip to Blackpool for his customers with hotel and transport included in the price. This year’s trip cost just £149 and it’s a great way to meet new people and see another part of the UK. If you don’t have a car, Blackpool can be very timely and expensive to get to, so it’s an opportunity not to be missed! Ask at the bar for details and prices of the next trip in February 2017.

In his spare time, Lee loves travelling around Europe and clubbing in Brighton and London amongst other places and he’s pretty confident that there isn’t one gay club in the UK that he hasn’t been to. Now that’s dedication for you.

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Lee has a love of horror films, which was reflected in the Marine Tavern’s Halloween decor this year. For all of October, he boarded up the front of the bar to look like a post-apocalyptic movie set with a smoke machine making it look like the bar was on fire.

A special date for your diary is Friday, November 25 when Ruby Murry, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, will be performing live on stage from 9pm.

CINEBRA – A History of Horror with Megan and Sophie

Morgan Fabulous chats with Lydia L’Scabies and Rococo Chanel about their upcoming theatrically inspired production CINEBRA – A History of Horror.

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A unique concept derived from both girls love of film and characterisation, the show is based on socially awkward movie buffs and lead characters Megan and Sophie. You can find them both on YouTube reviewing movies and getting up to mischief.

With Halloween fast approaching, their first stand alone live show is based on classic horror movies from the 1920’s. Both actors come from a theatrical and musical background, and have been on the Brighton scene for a few years now, performing at the notorious Powder Room and FOMO at Revenge and for the first time this year, Lydia was nominated in the Favourite Entertainer (Drag) Category at the Golden Handbag Awards.

The girls decided it was time that Brighton had a little more variety in its drag culture and came up with Megan and Sophie. The characters are based upon exaggerated parodies of teenage movie fanatics and geeks and together they form the duo CINEBRA. An amalgamation of the words Cinema and Bra, for obvious reasons.

Sophie, is just 17 years old and goes to college with Megan. She’s a celiac asthmatic who is allergic to most things, and really likes film history and the movie industry. She also likes big jumpers and her custom inhaler!

Whats your favourite movie Sophie?
Well you’d know that if you watched mine and Megan’s ‘MOVIE TAG’ series on our YouTube channel! Give it a watch, and don’t forget to like, share and subscribe!

What are your plans for the 29th?
Me and Megan feel very passionately about Horror Movies, so as it’s Halloween we’re delivering a performative seminar on the History of Horror!

What should people expect?
Original songs, laughs, a lot of learning and maybe even some scares and stuff, but don’t worry too much because we scare quite easily. If you ever feel nervous just keep telling yourself “It’s only a Seminar, It’s only a Seminar, It’s only a Seminar…”

Why CINEBRA?
We wanted something that sort of rhymed with Cinema and because we’re girls we thought CINEBRA would be funny. We rate movies in ‘Bras’ not ‘Stars’ because they’re just as irrelevant and supportive.

Megan is 17 years old also, artistic and fun-loving with a passion for make up. When she’s not at college doing her A-levels you can find her hanging out in H&M with her friends Abigail or Sophie, who she’s been best friends with since year 4 (IKR). At the moment they are focusing on running their YouTube channel CINEBRA because they really want to get noticed and share what they love with their new friends on the internet!!!

Whats your favourite movie Megan?
I always say the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, because it’s such a good story and I can really relate to Ariel because she’s really optimistic, ambitious and young like me (lol) and obviously the best Disney princess. 

What can people expect from CINEBRA?
Like, I mean, obviously it’s near Halloween and it’s about spooky things, so expect to be SPOOKED!! There’s gonna be like blood and guts and poltergeists and loads of information and facts. We’ve been doing plenty of research to give you all the best knowledge on our favourite films!! I’ve been writing some really cool songs for it as well, we’re a bit nervous to sing in front of people but hopefully we will be really good. 

Why CINEBRA?
CINEBRA, for me, means like a really good way to just showcase our talents, because in school people always thought we were weird, but now we’re in college we can really show the world what we’re made of. We’re strong, we’re fab, we’re CINEBRA!!! PS also I really want the YouTube channel to take off because Zoella earns £1.12 a minute and imagine what you could do with that.

CINEBRA was first performed as short sketches at Club Revenge during their appearances at the Powder Room which hosts the finest of Rupaul’s Drag Race Alumni and prides itself on being the most creatively motivated show in town and where each resident (Crystal Lubrikunt, Lydia L’Scabies, and Rococo Chanel) comes up with new material either inspired by the headline act, or drawing from current affairs, character icons and sometimes nostalgia!

With plenty of one liner’s, original songs and what I have been told, ‘a plot twist’, the show which is on Saturday, October 29, from 8pm – 11pm, at the Nightingale Rooms above the Grand Central pub close to Brighton Station, and I am assured it is not to be missed.

If you can’t wait until then to see what they have to offer check out their YouTube videos and social media accounts by searching for CINEBRA.


Event: CINEBRA

Where: The Nightingale Room, Grand Central, 29-30 Surrey St, Brighton

When: October 29

Time: 8pm

Cost: Tickets from £7

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PREVIEW: Smile for David at Sallis Benney Theatre

In a couple of weeks, the Smile for David charity will be holding its annual fundraising event at the Sallis Benney Theatre in Brighton.

The DTM's
The DTM’s

This year they will also be smiling for John Ling, who sadly passed away in February of cancer. The money raised this year will be evenly split between the charities NNAB and Marlets Hospice.

The Smile for David charity was founded by James Pullen and named after his brother, David, who tragically passed away in from lung cancer 2009, at the young age of 27.

David was blind since birth but he didn’t’ t let that hold him back, he was one of the happiest people you could meet and he was always smiling. David and his parents were supported by the charity Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) when they moved to Cromer in Norfolk.

James Pullen and Morgan Fabulous
James Pullen and Morgan Fabulous

His Brother James, who was devastated by his passing, wanted to give something back by supporting the charity that supported his brother and to keep the memory of him alive.

After months of planning and the kindness of his friends and other people willing to share their time for a good cause, Smile for David had its inaugural production at the Sallis Benney Theatre. Amongst the first performers who dedicated their time were Brighton drag queen, Candi Rell, singer/songwriter and cabaret artist, Lorraine Bowen, and alternative all male band, The Lingettes, which John Ling was a member of.

After the success of The Lingettes, James decided to put together another band called the DTM’s, who carried on to perform at the Smile for David events and also Brighton Pride street party. It was his Brother who inspired him to pursue his dreams and put together a band where likeminded men could come together to make people smile and Smile for David events provided the perfect platform for their performances.

Trudy Styles
Trudy Styles

The band don’t take themselves too seriously and have fun with their performances, it’s a delightful mix of cabaret and comedy.

You can catch the DTM’s at this year’s Smile for David event, on Saturday, November 12, at the Sallis Benney theatre. Tickets are only £10 in advance, £15 on the door, and are available from The Bedford Tavern, The Brighton Tavern and The Grosvenor Bar.

Acts also appearing will include: Maisie Trollette, Gabriella Parish, Spice, Crystal D’Canter, Paul Murray, Trudy Styles and the Piano Man, Poola May, Pasty Cline, Jason Thorpe, JB, Sissy Sucks, Richard Tredgett and hosted by Candi Rell and Adam Brooks. Morgan Fabulous will also be there to photograph the event.

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Co-host Adam Brooks

The after party will be held at the Brighton Tavern and on Sunday 13, The Bedford Tavern will be holding a Piano Bingo and donating the proceeds to Smile for David.


Event: Smile for David

Where:  Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY

When: Saturday, November 13

Time: Doors open 6.45pm for 7.30pm start

Cost: Tickets £10 in advance from Bedford Tavern, Brighton Tavern and Grosvenor Bar in Hove.

For more information, click here:

Candi Rell and Adam Brookes
Candi Rell and Adam Brookes

Who’s the boss behind the bar @3 Jolly Butchers?

Morgan Fabulous talks to former life guard, Rachel Midgley, who manages the 3 Jolly Butchers on North Road in central Brighton.

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Located in the North Laines, close to Brighton train station, the traditional, yet modern, stylish pub attracts a mixed clientele with their friendly staff and high end traditional pub food menu.

The bar boasts a cosy snug for private parties of 20-30 people, features regular live music, open mic nights and quiz with a top prize of £150 every Thursday at 7.30pm.

On Sunday’s they serve a traditional roast dinner from 1pm accompanied by live jazz between 3-6pm. Its one of the best kept Sunday secrets and well worth checking out.

Rachel grew up in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire moving to Bedford where she spent most of her teenage life and started working in a bar at a local rugby club, where she used to play.

She describes herself as shy, but working in a bar environment really helped her come out of her shell. She spent a year working in Ricky’s Cabaret Show Bar, at the Yumbo Centre in Playa Del Ingles, Gran Canaria before finally moving to Brighton around 10 years ago with her partner, Gemma, who she will be marrying later this year.

Rachel loves the hospitality trade and her bubbly personality is ideally suited to running a bar. She thrives in a pub environment and previously managed the Zone on St James Street for eight years alongside Sharon Barr the owner. However, she wanted to take on the challenge of a more traditional venue serving food and local ales and took on the lease of the Rose Hill Tavern for a couple of years before ending up at the 3 Jolly Butchers in 2016.

She enjoys every aspect of running a pub, believes that it is her customers that make the job worthwhile and one day hopes that she will get the opportunity to own her own pub.

In her spare time she loves socialising with friends, drinking Jagerbombs, camping with her partner and spending time outdoors walking her dog.

You will find 3 Jolly Butchers at 59 North Road, Brighton, 01273 608571

Food is served: Monday-Wednesday from noon-3pm and 6pm-9pm: Thursday-Saturday from noon-9pm and Sunday from noon-sold out.

For more information, click here:

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