3 minute read
Hello Sailor!
Steven Lee, fella at the helm of opulent nautical-themed bar Nautilus Lounge where Gscene shot this month’s cover, tells us why his bar is shipshape and ready to sail into 2021
How did you end up where you are today?
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Raised by wolves after my parents were killed by an electric eel while exploring the Amazon basin, I returned to civilisation... No, seriously, just a normal (?) upbringing in the suburbs, as an introspective, geeky homosexualist - before it was cool, back when it was also shameful and secretive.
I was helped into bloom by Tim; we met while I was working as pub chef and he was the manager. Together we tenanted a selection of (straight) pubs before joining together in civil partnership, then ‘retiring’ to Brighton in 2009. Tim sadly passed away in 2017.
I took ownership of Subline in 2019 and had already been diversifying with games nights, cocktails, and a more open-door policy. I‘d decided on the undersea theme at least in part to “make the best of what I’d got”, so we were already working towards it when the Covid-19 pandemic forced me into action.
Nautilus Lounge launched in August. How did the idea come about?
The team and I tirelessly tore the place apart and rebuilt it during the first lockdown, with a look that mixes Steampunk, Victoriana and Art Deco; lots of comfortable sofas; low tables and an open, sociable feel. Chilled and ‘grown up’... Perfect for social distancing, table service, and the new normal.
It was a mad scramble to get things ready but we hit the ground running. After temperature checks, signing-in, and a good dousing with sanitiser, guests descend the stairs – and beneath the waves – to find themselves in the Nautilus engine room. From there we’ll allocate them a sofa in the lounge or a table in the crew quarters... only a tiny bit camp.
Although we’ve plenty of wines and beers to choose from, the big focus now is on cocktails - we have great fun experimenting and seeking obscure new ingredients, turning up unexpected pleasures like the Waldorf Daiquiri (the only drink I’ve had to make celery juice for AND the only drink I’ve garnished with Stilton!), but I must admit nothing really beats an Espresso Martini for me. There’s a core list of about 40 – some classics, some our own concoctions – as well as regularly changing ‘guest’ cocktails; and a mocktail list made with Stryyk alcohol-free spirits... something for everyone.
Are you seeing a more varied clientele?
It’s been very mixed and has included a fair few tourists (considering the pandemic), but Nautilus Lounge is entirely gay-owned and operated, and is at heart an LGBTQ+ space.
How has lockdown been treating you?
It’s consisted of dog-walking, online shopping, cooking, and gaining weight; which is the story for most of us? From years of dealing with the public, it’s suddenly quite a small and quiet life, although I’ve found it thankfully (surprisingly) easy to adjust, knowing it’s not forever.
When will Nautilus Lounge return?
Depending on tiers, we might be back in action in December – keep checking our social media and website for more info – so I’ve got lots to do in preparation: festive extensions to the cocktail list, enhancements to the decor, and a tonne of paperwork, at the very least.
What does the future hold?
Despite pandemic restrictions, our weekly quiz, hosted by regular barboy Ian, has become very popular, and the reconfigured space also includes a stage. I’m looking forward to welcoming back Club Silencio – resident queer theatre hilarity from the Subline days – as well as other performers in the new year.
Team Nautilus Lounge
Will LGBTQ+ Brighton bounce back?
Brighton still wants to party; the scene is more robust than many and I would have thought. Even if the vaccine doesn’t get things back to normal, venues and customers have proven how adaptable they can be. The scene might not be as distinct as it once was – and more inclusivity/less ghettoisation is a victory, lest we forget – but there will always be a need for community spaces, and we’re pleased to be one!
A HUGE thank you to Nautilus Lounge for letting us shoot our Dec cover in difficult times. During the shoot we, the models, photographers and the bar adhered to social distancing guidelines.
With Brighton & Hove in tier 2 (at the time of writing) check the Nautilus Lounge social media and website for more info, including opening hours over the festive period and beyond.
