Since taking over Blayds Bar, Robert Payne and Duncan McCallum have changed the venue beyond all recognition and it is now one of the most popular and entertaining bars on the Leeds scene.

Here we catch up with Robert who talks about his plans and hopes for Blayds and vision of the future of Leeds.

Blayds Bar won the best venue award in the Owlies last year. Do you think you can win it again this year?

It would be great if we won again this year, however, each venue is a contender and the bars seem to have stepped it up a gear with décor & entertainment.


What do you think makes Blayds Bar so popular?

Duncan & I decided from day one that we would be a people friendly bar although it has been said that Blayds is probably the only true gay venue on the scene but most importantly we don’t discriminate.


Who do you see as your main competition?

As previously mentioned everyone is competition, to attract customers I think you have to be pro-active and imaginative to keep things fresh.



Will you be having an Owlies celebration party?

We will celebrate on the night at the after party here at Blayds and promoting it again on face book and any other literature we do in the Bar.

So are you looking forward to the Owlies?

Yes. I think it will be interesting. Especially to see what Leeds First Friday gets because that started in Blayds. We are attending, not just because we are nominated but to see who else picks up an award.

What do you think of the Owlies getting a lot of media attention this year?

It is good that it is getting attention because it is very good for the community.

What entertainment can people expect at Blayds?

We have Orange Fridays, deals on drinks, popcorn and DVD giveaways, Cheryl Hole, Ruby Lorraine, Marlena and Bears Aloud, and we also get international acts from London once a month. . DJ’s on a Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights, acts booked so far this year include Ruby Loren, Cheryl Hole, Bears Aloud & Marlena and upstairs at ABUV we have LFF, Lips T-girls every 3rd Saturday. Munch group once a month.



Can you tell me about the refurbishment that you had?

We refurbished 2 years ago to make Blayds Bar more open plan and people friendly, the middle floor (ABUV) now gets used for shows in the winter and available for private hire. Duncan & I have been involved in other bars and we feel it’s all about providing the customer with what they would like in today’s market place.



Where do you see the gay community in 10 years’ time?

I think it has already changed. It has definitely quietened down but I don’t know if that is anything to do with the recession and people not having any money. Hopefully once we are out of the recession, it will improve more. I think primarily Leeds will still be a Gay area but not as big as Manchester. With the VAT increases and the recession I think a lot of venues have been affected not just the gay community, as long as the bars continue to be innovative and provide alternative entertainment and the community support the venues there should be no reason why the gay community will be successful for the next 10 years.



How did you get involved in Leeds Pride last year?

We went to the meetings. We held a fundraising event, ‘Dunk Tank’ last year and raised just over £2,500. I think it would be good if every bar did a fundraiser this year and raise lots of money for Pride. It is very tiring though, we set up our own stage, and work on the bar and then when it’s finished take the stage down ourselves and then clean up. As long as everything runs smoothly and there is no trouble then it’s all worth it. Fundraising event with “Dunk Tank” was very successful and with various other events in the bar managed to pledge just over £2500. It is always very stressful for owners on the day of the event, however, as long as everything runs smooth, customers enjoy themselves and there’s no trouble it’s all worth it.



Do you and Duncan have a good working partnership?

Yes we work well. We have a working partnership; we socialise together and go home together. I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere but we get on very well together. The partnership works well in the bar, different thoughts and ideas on most things although it works out well in the end.

 Interview by Amelia Bradbourne

Gayleeds.com would like to say a huge thanks to Robert for giving this interview.