People saw your feet first at the Jester
1985
“At that time (1985) there was a pub and a club but not much else. The
first time I went to The Jester as part of my tentative coming-out - I
must only just have turned 19, it was an incredibly busy, circular
basement bar. The first time you walk down the steps you think everyone
is looking at you. People saw your feet, then trousers, which was
incredibly daunting but once you felt comfortable it was a good place
to sit and cruise and watch who was coming in. It really was an
underground world, because if it had been a normal pub you’d have had
the windows put in, that was a real consideration. If you weren’t there
by 8 p.m. you wouldn’t get a seat. It was full by 9 and closed at
10.30 p.m. It was an epicentre for gay men, not many women used it. I
made friends with one of the bar staff who was just a little younger
than me (aged 19), and we formed a strong bond. I still see him. He’s
in Manchester now”.
Contributed by: Steve Bedser, 41