James

Goose Green - I hear it's a bizarre mix of the underprivileged and pretentious middle-class bratty boys with long hair in Nirvana t-shirts (the sort who their parents educate in pop culture and don't discipline because it might hinder little Theo's creativity). Charter - a friend went for a job in their art department but was put off because the work was dire compared to his current inner-city comprehensive (albeit a good one). Have heard great things about Goodrich and Haberdashers. All hearsay I admit but worth considering.

Oh, what a surprise. Wonder if it's still closed... am so glad to no longer be a member. Is this the crappest gym in the world?

I've just had an idea. How about a bar for gay Kiwi cricketers?

I love it. It is totally pointless but for some reason I'm glad it's there.

Mark, is that a pen name for Richard Littlejohn?

Thanks for the gay dating tips Huguenot! I would just like to point out that firstly, I'm spoken for (hard luck!) Secondly, I still like to go to gay places now and again with friends. The sad fact is that gay people still have some way to go before being able to enjoy the same level of acceptance as straight couples, so gay bars can provide somewhere to relax and meet others without fear of being judged. The same is not true of race (e.g. your remark about "gypsy only bars") as it is socially unacceptable to be racist (note current furore about Celebrity Big Brother). If you were gay you'd understand this. You don't have to deal with homophobic or patronising remarks, dodgy stares or being verbally abused (as I have been on a bus in South-East London). Just for the record, most of my friends are straight, and I usually go out to straight places. PS Yes, let's get rid of Dog Kennel estate! Where do I sign for that?

Is there something I should know about Fulham supporters? Anyway, getting back to the point about segregation, this argument reminds me of the fuss about women-only sessions at Dulwich Pool. What is the problem? if there is a need/demand for them, let's have it. If not, let's not. What is bizarre is all these white, straight, middle-class men grumbling because something isn't tailor-made for them (for once). I'm gay and have a long-term boyfriend and sometimes it's nice to relax in a "safe" environment where you won't get nasty looks for holding each other's hands or being openly gay. This is something you wouldn't understand as you are not gay. Just like people may not understand why some women might want to swim without men present. I really don't see what people's sexual preference (or preference for organic sex shops, for that matter!) has got to do with segregation. Let's all just try to empathise a bit more, shall we?

Can Huguenot please explain why gay bars are elitist and contribute towards segregating society? And how gay men are supposed to meet each other if they don't have any? Are you endorsing cottaging?

Great news. I've already joined Fitness First in protest at how awful Fusion is so maybe this will give them a wake-up call.

I don't see the point of this place. Why anyone would want to have a drink in a dingy little room behind a spartan looking wine shop (whilst being stared at by snooty staff) is beyond me.

Make it a GAY BAR! YEAH!

"Architectural Delights of East Dulwich." A tour of Iceland & the police station, stopping for lunch at The Plough.

At the risk of sounding like a total snob you can recognise the people who have lived here for a long time near where I live. They have England flags in their windows, take no pride in the appearance of their houses and behave in anti-social ways. The Claphamites are a bit smug and lack imagination. However I know who I'd rather live next door to! Likewise the choice between a dirty old pub full of aggressive chavs and an (albeit cliched) gastropub.