After almost half a year, Shanghai’s iconic “alternative lifestyle nightclub”, Home Bar, officially reopened last week under its new brand, Pinkhome. It has been transformed from its previous existence into what is China’s first gay multiplex including a dance club, restaurant/lounge, and hotel. As some readers may remember, there was a pre-soft (is that a word?) opening last October for the bar, after which the establishment was closed again until renovations were completed. For those of us privy to that event, the ground floor décor looked much the same as it did in October, though, vastly different from the old, gritty, but lovable Home.

The first thing patrons will notice when they enter the Pinkhome property is the long, sleek, transparent side bar which has been added to the existing building. Although empty now, this will be a excellent place to get a drink quick in the summer when everyone’s hooking up hanging out in the garden. Sexy young men (a common theme throughout) greet clients at the door and usher them down a tunnel of bright, flashing lights vaguely reminiscent of the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.

Once inside the main area, few people will recognize the polished, commodious interior as Home. The space is at least two times larger than it was before with seating around the whole perimeter. A free-standing island bar accommodates drink orders from all sides and the handsome waiters (those with a uniform fetish will love the outfits) serve the tables. The only complaint is that they require payment before the drinks arrive and the wait for libations can be long. If you’re a thirsty person like Shanghaiist, it’s a good excuse to order two at a time.

Finally, the music, one of Pinkhome’s trademarks and the reason Shanghaiist started going there years ago, is thankfully the same brilliant style. Part-owner and DJ, Simon, ensures the highest quality mixers in town grace their DJ booth. The dance floor is well located between some private seating and the bar so you can groove, relax or keep ordering drinks until you can’t stand up anymore. The restaurant and hotel are still being tweaked, but promise light Western fare and rooms starting from 200 RMB (Sorry, no hourly rates).

Shanghai's No. 1 fag hag just got an SMS informing us that our VIP card is available already! If you hurry, you can still sign up for a free card here.

Details of the grand opening ceremony:

Pinkhome Grand Opening 16th Dec, Saturday Featuring DJ :Steve Bamford (UK), Support DJ: Simon, Karon 9:00-11:00 Pre party (Inc. Freeflow Wine and Canapes) After 11:00pm, A 30rmb Cover charge applies

Shanghaiist looks forward to the many long, wanton nights to come at Pinkhome. But for the first time in history, with a choice of two prominent gay dance clubs, what will a girl do? Is there room enough in a city of 18 million people for both to thrive? Time will tell ... but we hope so!

In other brief gay news
It’s a good weekend to be gay or a fag hag!

• Friday, December 8th: G.O.D pre-party at Frangipani with a free vodka mixer when you buy a ticket for Saturday’s event.
• Saturday, December 9th: Club Deep is having a Shanghai Attitude Party to celebrate their six-month anniversary with five DJ’s in one night and normal entry prices.

  G.O.D party at Club Mint featuring Princess Anne from Malaysia and some hot Japanese boys! Find out how to get your tickets here.

• Sunday, December 10th: Shanghai’s new LGBT yahoogroup is organizing their first event. If you’re the king of pins or the queen of spin and want to join for some bowling, you can sign up for the group here and reserve your space. More info to come on this group….

  Just in case you’re hungry after all the events… Terence from Frangipani, has taken over Kevin’s Thai Cuisine Restaurant and promises authentic Thai food. Friends say the food is great.

Tips on other LGBT events? Email shanghaifaghag (at) gmail.com!

Photo from Pinkhome.

Pinkhome, 18 Gaolang Lu near Sinan Lu 皋兰路18号近思南路 Phone 7008-210-210-138. Open Wednesday to Sunday 9 pm til late.