|
The Philbeach Hotel
Where the girls come to dress and play
The Philbeach Hotel is a boutique hotel
conveniently located in the 'gay neighbourhood' of Earls
Court.
It is best known for its downstairs bar which is a
frequent meeting place for t-girls (and boys). It also has a
superb and very well-priced Thai restaurant.
The Philbeach Hotel is a t-girl friendly venue at any
time of the week; the welcoming staff being sure to make you
feel at ease, and on most days of the week, you will usually
find a few girls there.
However, it is really on Monday nights when the place
comes alive and when it hosts its main event, 'Lipstick'.
After paying the £5 entrance fee (which includes
unlimited access to the 'buffet' - a collection of snacks
that are great for soaking up alcohol) you descend to the
bar area, which in good weather opens onto a very pretty
garden with tables and chairs. Girls also have access to a
changing room provided by the hotel.
Guys often say, its my first time and I won’t know what
to do when I get there. My answer to this is to just treat
it like any other bar, and if there’s a girl you like, go
over, say Hello, and offer to buy her a drink – chances are
she’ll say yes! And if there are 2 or 3 girls together,
don’t be afraid to introduce yourself – standing around
gawping is not the order of the day at the Philly!
Girls on their first visit often worry about their
appearance. My answer girls, is that we’ve all been there!
Best thing is to wear what you would feel comfortable in at
any bar, and remember there will be those who look far
better than you, and those who look far worse!
James, the head barman of 23 years standing, has created
the atmosphere of a very relaxed bar where the music is
present but not too loud - perfect to chill, meet, have a
drink, have a chat, a flirt and maybe a little more! But
this is not a dance club so don’t expect to boogie! The bar
opens around 6pm and guys and girls steadily arrive and by
10.30pm the place is usually heaving with girls and admirers
alike.
There are a number of hidden alcoves and sufficient seats
that are well laid out so you can either join in the main
fun or be quietly romantic. The lighting is more at the cosy
end of the scale and all-in-all the environment is
gregarious but relaxed.
The hotel rooms are quirky and not cheap at around £50 for a
single and £80 for a double, but although there are better
deals to be had elsewhere, you won’t have to take a cab
anywhere if you intend to spend the night at the Philly.
Convenient also if you stay until closing time, around 2am,
and want to slip seamlessly into bed!
The Philbeach Hotel
30-31 Philbeach Gardens, London, SW5 9EB (near Earl's Court
tube). UK£5 on Mondays (no admission after midnight).
http://www.philbeachhotel.co.uk Telephone 020 7373
1244
article
Copyright © 2003 BirchPlace
|
