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OLLIE’S JERK SHACK & COCKTAILS
SAME-SEX DUO FOR STRICTLY
The new venture boasts a drinks menu featuring carefully crafted Caribbean cocktails alongside classics, Taste of the Islands Caribbean Specials, innovative CBDinfused drinks as well as the chance to craft your own. In addition to its cocktails, Ollie’s has partnered with brands for exclusive collaborations, including Gayle, the independent LGBTQ+ beverage company whose message is to champion the right for everyone to express themselves and to love who they want. As another special on the drinks menu, Ollie’s introduces El Bandarra, a cool Barcelona-based vermouth producer that shares in the ‘good vibes’ ethos.
Ollie’s says: “We aim to launch on Halloween and have a legendary event that will be remembered for years to come. No expense will be spared. Expect spookiness, glam, great food and, of course, tasty, Instagrammable cocktails.” Get your glad rags on for October 31 as we welcome Ollie’s to the Lanes and our Brighton nightlife scene.
E Ollie’s Jerk Shack & Cocktails, 5-20 Brighton Square, Brighton, BN1 1HD, N Tel: 01273 714877 E Email: info@olliesjerkshack.co.uk D www.olliesjerkshack.co.uk F @ /olliesjerkshack I @ /olliesjerkshakandcocktails
) Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, who won gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, and again in Rio in 2016, will make Strictly Come Dancing history by becoming the first contestant to be part of a same-sex pairing. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Adams, who is now retired from the sport, was asked whether the idea to have a female partner came from her or the show’s producers. She said: “I asked the show about it. They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it, but I want to dance with another female dance partner’.”
something good happens, it can be easy to comment on how it isn’t enough, or that we still have far to go, which distracts us from celebrating how far we have come. Champions are key allies in the fight for inclusion and celebrities such as Nicola Adams, who highlight what is needed for the LGBTQ+ community to feel present, raise the bar for representation, empowerment and engagement.
“Representation is key, especially natural representation. However, it isn’t merely a barrier for people to engage with a show and Strictly is already popular within the community so getting them to watch the show isn’t a Strictly has previously featured two male professionals dancing together in problem, but it offers points for relatability. Representation, especially a one-off routine, when Johannes in media, is vital and does more for Radebe and Graziano di Prima individuals than people realise. It performed to Emeli Sandé’s Shine removes loneliness, tackles mental health issues and builds confidence. OHANNES RADEBE & GRAZIANO DI PRIMA
There’s a passionate team behind the venture. Leanne Brand, general manager, is described as the powerhouse committed to making Ollie’s buzz with good vibes and a great time; Jevan R S Weekes, bar manager, is the mixology wizard, bringing his eclectic knowledge to the bar; Tom Boyland, team supervisor, is a proud Brightonian, taking the sea and the city and bringing it into one great place; while Melanin Monroe, drag & entertainment organiser, is a regular on the Brighton cabaret scene with access to the very best local cabaret, visual/ theatrical, horror, burlesque and lip-sync artists. JEVAN TRS WEEKS
MELANIN MONROE
Ollie’s also has a special story attached to its name. The owner’s best friends, Rodney and Sacha, have a 13-year-old son, Ollie, who was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer last year. After a successful crowdfunding campaign this brave young man is now receiving specialist treatment, and Ollie’s has been named after him to help bring good vibes to him, and every guest. If you would like to donate to Ollie’s battle, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/olliesfight-against-cancer
NICOLA ADAMS
) Ollie’s Jerk Shack & Cocktails is a new venture focused on bringing Caribbean food and good vibes to the city, with drag hosts and a diverse team of BAME and LGBTQ+ people and allies focused on providing amazing service, an electric night out, and giving back to charities that support all our community.
last year. Some applauded the routine, but the BBC received 189 complaints from viewers who found it offensive. Jack Mizel, founder of Inter Pride 365, which publicly certifies companies to bring an end to ‘pinkwashing’ and make companies more inclusive for the LGBTQ+ community, said: “It was Nicola Adams who suggested having a samesex partner on Strictly Come Dancing, stating that ‘it’s definitely time for a change’. And she was right. We’ve seen in the past and especially this year; if you don’t fight for something, nothing will change. “However, a lot of conversation in this space is about how even when
“This is why it’s important to have more positive and authentic LGBTQ+ representation in the mainstream media. I hate to use the word, but the more we ‘normalise’ same-sex couples and love, the more we’ll be able to see it highlighted. “Though it’s important to remember that negative backlash may happen, it is not the enemy. The enemy is people being stuck in their silos or bubbles, not willing to talk about ‘challenging’ subjects. Some people will be happy, some won’t, but what’s important is that this conversation creates engagement and engagement breaks down barriers. By Nicola asking for a same-sex partner, she has paved the way for this and set the tone for both the future of Strictly, and other reality shows.” The new series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on BBC One in October. D For more info on Inter Pride 365, visit: www.interpride365.com
