in partnership with Beefeater Gin
To celebrate London’s venues bouncing back stronger than ever, THE FACE has teamed up with Beefeater Gin to create New Guard: a directory of people shaping the future of nightlife in the city. Together we’ve cherry-picked a mix of talented individuals – from DJs and musicians to venue owners and restaurateurs – who are as eclectic and intoxicating as London itself.
Each person or collective featured is responsible for empowering and inspiring their community, and who better to help us toast to The Spirit of London than Beefeater Gin, who have been fuelling the capital’s nights since 1820. So dive in, browse the faces of the present and the future and be sure to check out the spaces that make London, well, London through and through.
CO-FOUNDERS OF BIG DYKE ENERGY
Melody and Elliot founded South London queer rave Big Dyke Energy in May 2019, just a year before the pandemic shut down the party. Finally, London’s queer women, trans+ and non-binary communities had a place where they could rave in sweaty and safe-feeling harmony.
CO-FOUNDER OF RECESS & NO SIGNAL
The 29-year-old’s No Signal radio station – a platform for young DJs and presenters – flourished during lockdown. But to those in the know, Sonubi was already throwing his massively successful RECESS parties before last year, where he and his mates could play Black music to a Black crowd.
CO-FOUNDERS OF RITA'S
In 2012 Rita’s became the hottest property. The restaurant’s innovative menu gave its young clientele the chance to explore and develop their culinary palettes. Ten years on, Missy Flynn and Gabe Pryce are still serving comfort food with a twist, now from a brand new site in Soho.
OWNER OF TOLA
When TOLA opened back in 2017, in the midst of a visceral battle between old and new in a rapidly gentrifying Peckham, it acted as a stellar example of how to set up a new business the right way. Four years later, the venue is still putting its local community first at all costs.
