17/12/2008Somewhere in the maze of backstreets at the dodgier end of Soho is a door. Behind that door descends a single flight of stairs. At the bottom of those stairs is gay London's best kept secret. Fortunately for you, the secret's out.
The Venue
The Friendly Society is one of those rare places that make you feel you've wandered totally off the beaten track while still being right in the thick of things. Tucked just off Wardour Street at its junction with Old Compton Street and the centre of the gay village, the only indication of the bar's basement location is a discreet sign beside an open doorway. This, however, is where any attempt at discretion ends, as entering the main bar area is a bit like walking into an acid flashback.
Vividly painted frescoes of fruit and flowers climb the walls while a fluffy-haired army of troll dolls and naked Barbies float just below the ceiling. Seating is provided by a mixture of white leather banquettes and cutesy little stools in the shape of garden gnomes, while to one side of the bar is a separate alcoved area with enormous leather couches - perfect for getting very friendly indeed. Even though the result is undeniably kitsch, it's all done in such an effortless way that the place really pulls it off.
The Atmosphere
Perhaps what gives The Friendly Society its unusual moniker is the rich mix of interesting people you can find here, lounging on the leather seating or twirling each other round beneath the galaxy of trolls. The bar is laid out in such a way that it's difficult not to spark up a conversation with your fellow drinkers, so don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in the unexpected company of some truly fascinating characters - gay, straight, and every possible combination in between. Although it gets busy on Thursday evenings and weekends, the main room never gets packed out, and it's only on rare occasions that your party will be unable to find somewhere to perch.
Most nights see one of the bar's resident DJs take to the decks in the main room, pumping out an eclectic mix of camp classics and one hit wonders, with girl groups of the 1960s being something of a house specialty. Bonus marks too for the soft blue back-lighting, which contributes to the venue's relaxed, almost subterranean vibe.
Telephone: +44 207 434 3805
