NIGHTLIFE
Originally published on Wednesday, 08 July 2009
Straightened Up
It was to be expected. After years of gay boys spilling out of Gayxample to stake out new territory in Heteroland, with bars in Raval, Gótico and Born, and nights in supposedly respectable establishments, the tide is turning: Gayxample is going straight.
No, it's not as if PP plans to hold its annual convention at Hotel Axel, but the cocktail bar formerly known as Shadow Lounge has gone through the equivalent of a conversion therapy programme, and now hopes to draw breeders to the heart of Rainbow Country.
The place has been renamed Trash and the owner promises "no Kylie" but, like most ex-gays, there are still some tell-tale signs. The swank, polished interior, e.g., is largely untouched, and another attempt at butching up involves the introduction of a Japanese food menu. It must be the wasabi overpowering the smell of testosterone..
The main premise, however, is not to make the place straight as a die, but to get rid of the sleaze and attitude found in too many gay bars. We can only say cheers to that - and I do prefer a vodka-tonic to the former Shadow Crème Brule signature cocktail.
Trash - opening weekend parties July 9-11
Consell de Cent 223, Eixample Esquerra
Monday-Wednesday 22-02h, Thursday-Saturday 22-03h.