11 Wardour Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 3PG
0871 971 7422
The ViewLondon Review
Trash Palace is a gay friendly DJ bar that attracts a strong straight crowd. However, it isn’t quite as pristine as the pop it peddles, being more akin to a G-A-Y for the underclass.The VenueSandwiched between a sushi bar and a Korean grocer on the outskirts of Chinatown, the discreet doorway entrance to Trash Palace certainly doesn’t scream glam the way the name does, it’s only concession to fashion being a sign that looks like it belongs to All Saints. Through the doors, the decor is even more underwhelming; sparse verging on dingy, you begin to realise where the ‘Trash’ part of the name comes from. Spread across three floors, it sounds spacious but it really isn’t.
The AtmosphereBeginning at the door, where there’s a refreshing lack of muscle, and proceeding through to the counter and cloakroom, the staff are friendly and welcoming, providing a homely feel that helps to counteract the grimy furnishings. Up the stairs, the party begins - the rooms are narrow but thanks to the general courteousness of the clientele it doesn’t feel cramped, indeed the tiny dancefloors (there’s another on the next floor up) pull off the feat of feeling intimate instead of sleazy. Besides a few sofas and barstools there’s really nowhere to sit, but that doesn’t matter because most people are here to dance.
The MusicTrash Palace specialises in good time music for the more discerning punter: pop snobs in other words. The genre is represented by the classier beats of Nelly, Kylie and Justin rather than the cheesy camp of Steps - the DJ happy to take requests, as long as they pass his quality control. Indie and alternative is also well catered for on different nights.
The DrinkDizzyingly good value for Central London, there are offers at Trash Palace on every night. It resembles a student union in many respects, so not one for connoisseurs, and it’s no wonder the floor is so sticky when the drinks are so cheap.
The Last WordTrash Palace isn’t the most glamorous venue, but the stylish and amenable crowd more than compensate. Whether it’s your idea of a good night out will depend largely on whether you think Kylie is the epitome of cool.