Gay club nights at Embassy to continue despite party firm move
GAY nights will continue at Cheltenham's only lesbian and gay club despite the venue parting ways with the firm which ran dedicated events there.
Owners of Embassy nightclub, in Pittville Street, insisted specialised nights would continue at the venue as they remained dedicated to providing a haven for the town's gay community.
The split came after a dispute with promotion company Love Parties, who will now be taking gay nights away from the town to Birmingham and Bristol.
James Hatherly, who runs Love Parties, said the split raised doubts over the club's future as a dedicated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) venue.
Dyson DC50i - Bagless upright vacuum cleaner - BALL Technology -...
View detailsThisi is Dyson's smallest upright vacuum cleaner with the performance of a full size upright machine. The DC50i has Dyson's most advanced cleaner head technology and 2 Tier RadialTM cyclones.
Terms: LIMITED STOCK OFFER. FREE delivery to most UK postcodes - Next working day dispatch.
Contact: 01664 491439
Valid until: Monday, May 27 2013
"We will no longer be working at the Embassy nightclub in Cheltenham with immediate effect," he said.
"After a dispute with the building's occupiers we were left with little option. It was a disappointing result.
"We launched at the nightclub some four months ago, immediately turning Saturday nights into a success.
"We increased the revenue and ensured they went from an average of 30 people on a Saturday night to almost 300 on the busier weeks.
Clubs
"Love Parties is going to be doing a new project called The Love Party Bus which takes people to the big clubs in the big cities once a month – Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester.
"We are unsure if Embassy will stay as an LGBT club anymore."
But Leslie Grant, who owns the lease at the club, said despite the fallout he remained committed to providing a place for members of Cheltenham's LGBT community.
"Our contract with Love Parties has come to an end and we will not be renewing it," he said. "But we are still committed to running gay nights at the club so nothing will change in that regard."
He also said there were plans to start up cabaret and karaoke nights on Sundays, as well as opening late on Fridays and Saturdays.
He added: "Running gay nights has been a success since we started doing it earlier in the year.
"If it is done in the right way it can be all inclusive.
"We welcome people whatever their sexuality to come here and have a good time as long as they are respectful.
"We want it to continue that way."
The nightclub reopened during the summer as a dedicated LGBT venue – the town's first since Club EXS closed last year. Plans were launched last week to convert the former EXS site, in the High Street, into a real ale pub.
Comments
by Mcqueen07
Monday, October 08 2012, 12:45PM
“Waiting to sell? That club isn't and never will be worth anything to buy. Poor standard of refurbishment means you'd need at least 25k+ spent on the building, sound system and lighting alone. The reputation is also beyond repair after numerous failed 're-launch' attempts. I guess that's what happens when two people do everything on the cheap, owe people small fortunes, have numerous failed businesses liquidated/dissolved, court cases against them, and evidently don't know how to even run a nightclub. An embarrassment to Cheltenham.”
by tishwash
Friday, October 05 2012, 8:30PM
“It won't last long, he's simply waiting to sell.”
by Steve_Thomas
Friday, October 05 2012, 7:11PM
“I have to say I had a wonderful time there last Saturday. The Pink tribute act was really good, and the guest DJ stood head and shoulders above many of the DJs I've heard lately. The atmosphere was fantastic, almost like the kind of club nights we used to have in the '80s. In these straitened times, this is the kind of fun we need more of.”
by FreeRadical1
Friday, October 05 2012, 2:52PM
“I agree with Coventrymama. There is some interesting information available on the internet relating to a certain person...”
by Coventrymama
Friday, October 05 2012, 2:42PM
“Just have to look at the history of this leaseholder and you will see this latest saga is no surprise.... Last year this venue was raided and closed by the council for unsavoury behaviour. Mention this leaseholders name to any food, drink, building etc supplier and you will get the same answer.....”
by gallopingbear
Friday, October 05 2012, 2:31PM
“After the small fuss when it opened...
Lasted a long time didnt it.”
by Ms_Superstar
Friday, October 05 2012, 1:29PM
“Mountain out of a molehill, by the look of it.
Love Parties' contract came to an end and the proprietors chose not to renew it. Happens all the time in the entertainment industry. If I went to the papers every time my contract ended I'd be on here all the time.
As far as I'm aware, Leslie and Sarah are committed to continue running the venue as primarily an LGBT venue, though of course others will not be turned away, and they are making continual improvements to the facilities and entertainment provision.
I know Mr Grant is very serious about plans to introduce cabaret and karaoke, as he said, and is working towards installing sound and lighting geared towards live performance. They have already presented a number of professional live acts and there is every reason to suppose that this will continue. The setup is miles better than it was a couple of years back.
As for many who comment on Cheltenham's nightlife, why not try it before assuming the worst?”
by Matt1006
Friday, October 05 2012, 1:07PM
“Oh dear. More issues with this venue and it's operator. Given what has previously been written on this website, I guess this should come as little surprise.
Wonder what the "dispute" was, and who was in the right / wrong?”