Shift welcomes men in leather

The Midnight Shift will re-open upstairs on Thursday, November 12.

Builders have been working around the clock, installing new floorboards and beer taps, to create the new-look bar which will include pool tables.

Owner Tim Berry confirmed the bar will be a male-dominated, leather and fetish-friendly space, although there will be no strict restrictions on clientele.

“We’re going for more of a men’s bar feel, but we’re not discriminating against anyone and people pick where they’re comfortable anyway,” Berry told Sydney Star Observer.

“Women are welcome, but they’re not going to wear high heels — we like the ‘real women’. We’re promoting it as a leather, men’s bar, but we’re having fetish groups.”

Despite the recent closure of Manacle, Berry is sure there is real demand for a leather/ fetish space on Oxford St.

“Sydney’s really lacking a good, well run, proper leather bar. In the inner city people can wander from bar to bar. The Oxford’s started doing a Bear night, so after that they can wander down here.

“In Sydney, you can’t say ‘We’re going to do this only’. It’s too small. We’ve got to try and get denim and jeans, and boys who just want to come in who aren’t dressed in leather. Whether the groups want to have strictly leather nights, that’s up to them. We’ll see what other groups are out there, that want to utilise this space. Maybe some of the motorbike clubs?”

Next Thursday’s opening night will feature special promotions and surprise entertainers.

The bar will run Thursdays through Sundays. Cover charges may apply on Friday or Saturday nights in the event of special DJs or entertainment.