79CXR was opened in April 1994 by Robert & Graham, two gay guys who had been employed by the Bass Corporation, the main gay bar operators in London. They had previously spent four years building up the business of "Brief Encounter" for Bass, from a small operation to the most successful operation in the whole of the company's 4000 sites, gay or straight! Still in employment, they launched "Halfway to Heaven" as their second site. Once again it became an instant success. Eventually, becoming somewhat disillusioned by the attitude of Bass, they decided to cut out and start a bar that truly valued its customers.
So the concept of 79CXR was born in early 1993. (The name, in case you haven't realised, is simply short for 79 Charing Cross Road - well, some people don't get it, honest!)
The idea was that the bar would be 'friendly' and free of the posy and annoying 'attitude' that is so noticeable in so many gay venues (the owners and staff are cool, gorgeous, stylish and so much more important than you, the boring customer!) Well, in 1994, we actually made it - 79CXR opened with a bang! It had all the features we wanted - over 3000 square feet of space, a fantastic Mezzanine Level allowing customers to view the evening's "talent", the Main Ground Floor Bar with high ceilings providing a "buzzy" atmosphere, in addition to a quieter seated area and an Intermediate upper level providing a balance between the two.
79CXR serves a full range of Draft Beers, Spirits, Bottled and Canned Drinks, all at reasonable prices, served by efficient staff in a friendly "Attitude Free" ambience. Open from lunchtime till 3am Tuesday to Saturday, 2am on Monday and 10.30pm on Sunday.
A wide range of music from Juke Box to Tapes to DJ, dependent on day and time; small entry charge from 10.30pm; Free Evening Cloakroom, safe and secure with professional Door and Security Staff - that's 79CXR!

See you soon?