The grand opening of Bar Polari, the area's newest LGBTQ+ bar, will take place on Saturday, August 3rd at 4 pm in North Charleston. The concept was developed and created by owner Brent Compagni. The opening event will double as a fundraiser for AFFA (Alliance for Full Acceptance), a local nonprofit social justice organization dedicated to advocacy and education for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the Charleston area.
The owner says Bar Polari aims to "redefine the traditional gay bar experience by offering a unique blend of exceptional cocktails, an inviting ambiance, and a space conducive to meaningful conversations."
“My goal with Bar Polari was to create a space for the LGBTQ+ community that wasn’t the same old experience,” Compagni said. “I wanted a bar that had really good cocktails, an ambiance conducive to conversation, and one that could become a go-to place for dates, hanging with friends, or meeting new people.”
“I love all gay spaces and want all of them to succeed,” Compagni continued. “Which is part of why I wanted to branch out in a different direction, so Dudley’s could remain the drag bar that it is. We, as a community, deserve a variety of options, so I created Bar Polari to provide a different vibe.”
The name Bar Polari has a unique origin.
“Bar Polari came from a conversation with my friend," Compagni said. "I had a list of ideas that didn’t make the cut, but one that interested me was from a language called Polari, a secret language used by the gay community in the UK decades ago. The bar is tucked in the back of the building, a little secret of its own. My friend asked, ‘Why not Polari?’ and it clicked. A secret language for a secret bar.”
Compagni hopes that the community will embrace Bar Polari as intended – a space where they can enjoy drinks, and the friendly atmosphere and feel at ease.
“I want them to walk away thinking about how good their drinks were, how friendly the bartenders were, how comfortable they felt in the space, and how many people they met that they could actually talk to and get to know,” Compagni said.
Compagni was raised in a family of small business owners and has always aspired to create a business that truly serves the community. Having moved to Charleston three years ago, they found a welcoming home in the city and its people.
“Charleston welcomed me with open arms," Compagni said. "The people and the community here made me feel more at home than in any place I’ve previously lived. I love Charleston and the people and wanted to give back. So, why not be the one that opens the gay bar everyone wished would happen?”
Bar Polari is located at 1813 Reynolds Ave., Suite C, in North Charleston, adjacent to Macho Pichu. You can learn more on the bar's website and Instagram:
- Website: www.barpolari.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
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