Shanghai’s gay and lesbian scene welcomes the newest kid on the block, Q Bar, located at the revitalized section of Dream Wharf in the South Bund. This is the latest venture from joint owners Tony and Tony, who are veterans of the Shanghai gay and lesbian bar scene. Before this launch they managed and ran the popular Kevin’s Bar from 2000-2005.

During the early 2000s, Shanghai was by no means a sexually open environment. In the early days, gay lifestyle was a back street affair catering mostly to men. The first bars were Eddy’s, which opened in 1995, Kevin’s (now closed), Asia Blue (ditto), Morris Club (long gone) and Shanghai Studio. Then, in 2004, the first gay club, Home, opened for two years, followed by the original Club Deep in Jing’an Park in 2006. Out of these early entries, only Eddy’s and Shanghai Studio have survived.

Gay bars come and go in this town because Shangayers are finicky. A lot of new bars, despite their novelty, can’t maintain a steady crowd. In the case of the wildly popular Deep, trouble with the authorities led to its eventual closure. (Homos running around premier property areas was frowned upon by the powers that be.)

According to one of the Tonys, setting up a gay bar in town is just like setting up a normal bar, with the exception of marketing. Because the target market is more focused, they rely on word of mouth. Reassuringly, the authorities now don’t give gay-bar owners much trouble, nor do they ask what type of bar is being opened. “Securing the licenses took a bit more than two months, but this is quite normal,” says Tony. “The gay scene is no longer underground, the market is bigger and people have more money to spend. They deserve something better–a better environment, better drinks and quality service. We are dedicated to providing all of these.”

According to the Tonys, what sets Q Bar apart from the scene is that it’s going for a lounge-like vibe. “We have martini nights every Thursday (all martinis two-for-one) and open bar for RMB100 during the winter opening season, which includes all mixed drinks,” says Tony. “Our wine list is small, but well selected and reasonably priced.”

Although this venue is at the edge of our concrete jungle, it is worth the schlep because of the quality of drinks and the chance to chill in a more upscale LGBT environment. Look out for events coming soon and help support the newest addition to the gayborhood.

What’s your favorite LGBT or LGBT-friendly bar in town? Tell us about it below.