“No Name – Boys Club” set to be the only space exclusively for boys to have some fun!
Whether you feel it or not, Reykjavík is overflowing with queer-owned spaces to congregate. Of course, there’s the classic Kiki Queer Bar for dancing the night away to Robin and Cher. There’s Guakurinn for LGBT comedy nights and Drag Súgur, and newly opened Curious for two floors of tropical cocktails, great DJ’s, and a great smoking area. That´s on top of an incredibly LGBT+ friendly city where one of the main streets is a permanent rainbow and queer-owned businesses are thriving. Yet all this has some of us questioning: “what’s missing from this thriving culture?”
For many gay men, specifically, it’s a private place of their own.
Men-Only nights at Curious came and went over the past few months, but eventually, the crowd dissipated. A few parties were held at Ægisgarður in Grandi but weren’t made into annual events. So, where are the boys of Reykjavík to go if they’re looking for a place specifically for them to have some fun? Abroad?
Every gay city around the globe has more spaces to offer for men who like men, from cozy neighborhood bars to dark basement clubs. Most Icelanders travel abroad for their fun, whether it be to Berlin, New York, London, Provincetown, Mykonos, or São Paulo. However, here in the world’s northernmost capital city, men-only establishments are a rare sight to see.
Well if you’re questioning where a space like that is, our queen Gloria Hole (Hjálmar Sveinbjörnsson) has the answer! “No Name – Boys Club” will open Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at an “undisclosed location.”
GayIceland chatted with Hjálmar to get the 411.
What’s the concept/vibe of the club?
Hjálmar: “The concept is pretty much underground men-only bar with the possibility to be a little bit naughty. It’s in a weird basement with a hidden entrance. To enter you have to pay the amount for one drink and then you become a member of the private club for one night. You can also buy a membership card for a whole year.”
How big of place should we expect? All one room or multiple spaces?
Hjálmar: “It’s not big and it’s in a basement and on the ground floor. There is a darkroom. It’s hard to explain but it’s weird and cute at the same time.”
Why do you think Reykjavik could use a space like this now?
Hjálmar: “It’s been a long time since we had our own space and sometimes gay guys want a little privacy.”
Men only? Does that include anyone who identifies as male?
Hjálmar: “Of course! If you identify as a male and you like other boys, you are more than welcome.”
What kind of opening hours will No Name have?
Hjálmar: “No Name will be open Thursdays and Sundays from 8.30 pm to 1.00 am. Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30 pm to 4.30 am.”
“There will be events for that but on regular nights it’s just going to be sexy bartenders.”
This isn’t your first men-only club, no?
Hjálmar: “No, this is not my first men-only club. I was working at the Boy’s Club in Bar 46 and then when that closed I opened The Malebox. It was a really lovely space, but we lost it and now it’s a hotel like all the good spaces in Reykjavík.”
Wait, I thought you were moving to Tenerife?! What happened there?
Hjálmar: “Yes, I am moving to Tenerife so I will leave a big gap in the gay scene. That’s why I have to do something to replace me.
Just kidding, I feel like there is a time for a place like this and we have the space so I’m just going to go for it and I’ll hope the boys will like it and I have guys to manage it for me while I’m gone.”
Should we expect any gogo boys? Performers?
Hjálmar: “There will be events for that but on regular nights it’s just going to be sexy bartenders. I’ve gained weight so in case I am working at the bar there will be porn on the TVs.”
What kind of drinks should we expect on offer?
Hjálmar: “It’s going to be simple and fair priced drinks. I know some of our queens need their special drinks and I will, of course, make sure everybody can have their special drink.”
Do you expect a mix of both locals and tourists? How will you get the word out to tourists if it’s a hidden location/entrance?
Hjálmar: “It will be a good mix but to know where to go you will have to hear it from somebody else.”
So! There you have it folks. If this kind of space sounds up your alley, keep your eyes and ears open for its location next month. And once you know where it is, be sure to use discretion so as not to spoil the fun of it. After all, it’s Reykjavik’s only men-only club.
To stay up to date with the latest on No Name – Boys Club, follow Hjálmar (Gloria Hole) at the socials here:
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