CAMP: A space to be yourself 🏳🌈
Ever wished you had a judgement-free space to truly be yourself, chat to like-minded people and groove out to pop music? CAMP is a Margate-based queer bar and community space, which ticks all the boxes. Ever since the grand opening in May 2022, CAMP's one-of-a-kind design and inclusive ethos has been magnetic.
Meet Jesse of @jessicadupreezdesign — the brains behind CAMP. A professional upholsterer and Interior Design Masters Series 5 contestant, Jesse's creative flair brought CAMP to life. Let's chat to Jesse and learn about the bar's beginnings, the design process and next steps.‘Dance like no one’s watching’
“It's an age-old saying and I think that's how I feel about having a space to be yourself – a judgement free zone where your differences aren't just tolerated but bloody-well celebrated. Dress how you want, love who you want, be who you want to be and a space will be held for you. That's everything we try to achieve in our little queer corner in the South-east coast of Kent....VIVA LA CAMP!”The night it all began 🥂
“Like all good ideas, this one also started as a drunk conversation. Before COVID hit, Derek (my brother) and I spent one of our last nights out at an inaugural gay night called 'CAMP' at Margate Arts Club – when I say it was one of the best nights of my life, I truly mean it. It was wall-to-wall bangers and we danced ‘til the bitter end. Little did we know just a few weeks later, we would be in a world pandemic, with not even a hint of sticky floor and vape-filled smoking area to be seen. RIP x""A lot happened in the space of COVID beginning and CAMP opening. I'd met a new partner, I'd opened my upholstery shop, I'd designed a holiday rental with my friends, Elouise and Amy. Lots of things were happening for me personally and professionally. So let's go back to the drunken night when Derek and my girlfriend at the time (Olivia) both were talking about opening a gay bar together – and they asked me if I wanted to be a part of it. I vehemently remember saying ‘there’s absolutely no way, it'll be too much work and we won't earn any money,’ then quickly u-turning and saying ‘but it'll be a great story.’ Both statements were true. Cut to a dinner with our friends Jesse and Soph – the owners of the best club night of my life, CAMP. Derek and Olivia told them of our plans and they said, ‘can we be a part of it and can we call it CAMP?’ And here we are, 2 years later with one of the best decisions we've all made.”Designing CAMP 👩🎨
"There is so much to talk about when it comes to the design of CAMP and I genuinely think I could write a whole book on the reasons behind certain decisions. So let's break it down into 3 sections – our goals, our thoughts during the process and the final results."The goal 🥅
"I've spent a lot of time in Queer spaces and they all offer something really different and unique – often they lean heavily into a certain sub-culture and if you look hard enough there truly is something for everyone.
When we were creating CAMP, we did want it to feel different and unique but also entirely inclusive – a non-gender specific, all-inclusive space for every race, age and sexuality. Ultimately, we wanted to cater for everyone (as best as we could!)."Thoughts mid-way 🤔
"When we first designed the space, we really tried our hardest to ensure the space was multifunctional. We wanted the space to be a cute little meet-up place for a quiet drink, the option to have talks, host catering and later in the evening, transform into a full-on dance floor haven. We had fold up tables, moveable stages, stackable furniture... you name it. We could push it to the side to have a good old camp knees up."Final results 🥇
“We quickly realised CAMP had a mind and heart of its own. We are truly led by what the community wants and needs, so we try our best to cater for that. We are proud to have an accessible toilet, more LEDs than necessary and a space that is held by the most amazing community we could ask for. Queer spaces often are a home away from home, or a home that people never had, where they can finally feel safe. My favourite tag line that someone said to me was, 'CAMP is like the Queer Cheers' and to be honest, I think that sums it up perfectly.”Eclectic inspiration 💭
“I love colour & I’m a huge sucker for LEDs. The design was very much led by me but was definitely a collaborative effort. My design inspiration is very much led by Palm Springs, mid-century modern and Memphis design. Plus, I like to think that CAMP gives you a hint of all of that when you go in, but at its core it’s definitely the gayest gay bar you've ever seen.”Creative rewards 🏆
“The people – we do what we do because of the people and because of our love for each other and our community. What other job can you have where you can design a poppers bauble for Christmas and then actually create it? We can be stupidly creative and absurd and that just never gets boring to me.”Next steps 👢
“In the future, I see a long lasting, local neighbourhood queer bar thriving and giving the community what it wants. We also want to expand into other cities – hopefully hosting parties and festivals so we can spread a little CAMP joy around the UK.”Tunes for Pride 🌈
Listen to Jesse's vibey playlist below, to celebrate Pride like CAMP.Now you see CAMP for all its glory, be sure to show your support at @campmargate . Whilst you're there, why not follow Jesse's design ventures at @jessicadupreezdesign 🛠