In Liverpool’s Pride Quarter, the loss of three iconic venues was felt deeply by the community. The Navy Bar, Icon, and Social were all beloved spots that offered unique experiences. However, they were quickly revived under new ownership with fresh ideas for the future. The Navy Bar reopened with a subtle update, while Icon was transformed into DysCo, a vibrant dance venue. Social underwent a drastic makeover and became The Benidorm Bar, inspired by the popular ITV comedy show.
Upon visiting The Benidorm Bar, the colorful and lively interior immediately stood out. The venue exuded a sense of fun and nostalgia, reminiscent of childhood holiday activities. While the bar offered a unique experience, it failed to attract a large crowd on the night of the visit. The choice of music, focused on alternative and classic rock/pop songs, seemed to resonate well with the guests.
As the night progressed, questions arose about the decision to transform Social into a Benidorm-themed bar rather than a queer alternative space. With a growing alternative community in Liverpool’s queer scene, some felt that the venue missed an opportunity to cater to a younger demographic. The potential for creating a unique hub for the community was overlooked in favor of a more mainstream concept.
Despite the enjoyable experience at The Benidorm Bar, the writer, who has been part of Liverpool’s queer scene for years, felt that the venue did not fully align with their preferences. While the revival of The Navy Bar and the introduction of DysCo were welcomed, the Benidorm Bar’s theme felt out of place in the vibrant queer nightlife scene. The writer expressed a sense of nostalgia for the previous Social bar and questioned the long-term viability of the Benidorm-inspired concept.
Overall, while The Benidorm Bar may appeal to fans of the TV show and offer a fun night out, it might not fully resonate with the diverse and evolving queer community in Liverpool. The venue’s unique theme and engaging staff were noted, but the writer suggested that a more tailored and authentic approach could better serve the area’s nightlife scene. As the community continues to evolve, there is a need for venues that reflect the interests and preferences of a new generation of partygoers.
