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Arq (Closed Permanently)

(191 Ratings)
Lights fantastic
One of the largest clubs in Sydney. Huge dance floor, mesmerizing laser light shows. Mezzanine overlooks the floor, multiple party nights. Drag, costume shows, women's nights--and much, much more.


Address
16 Flinders Street
Sydney, NSW 2010

Near: Taylor Square NSW

Darlinghurst



GayCities Members report that Arq has closed

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Reviews

jase47
jase47
1 year ago

Losing a lot of its shine

Once the doyen of gay clubs in Sydney, ARQ has seriously let herself go. The interior has not been updated or renovated since I first started going there in 2004, the drinks are some of the most expensive on the strip, the music has gotten increasingly dissonant (the DJ's call it "variety"), and of course, the ubiquitous beard/straight girl quotient is making this club more straight than gay. Drag shows still have a prominent place downstairs, and they are better than the common Sydney fare, but that's not enough to drag ya in. Their recent day club, Eclipse, doesn't seem to be making much of a difference, either. With newer clubs like Slide, Never Mind and 169/Haus, ARQ just needs to step up its game or go the way of other perennial Sydney "where are they now" clubs.


Levi501
Levi501
Over a year ago

Terrible

An absolute disgrace to the LGBTQ community, which they falsely claim to support. At a time when our community needs to stand together to get the equal rights we deserve, ARQ seems to forget that it is our community that has helped keep them in business for 18 years. I, like other people who left reviews, was kicked out by an arrogant bouncer who wanted to get his quota of kicking people out - and yes, I was stone cold sober (who would want an overpriced drink served by drugged up bar staff?). Sat on the bottom of the stairs for a sec, and the security guard pinched my arm so hard it left a bruise and told me to "get the hell out". After repeatedly asking for an explanation, he wouldn't give one and told me to "step out". You guys are a complete disgrace to our community and should be ashamed of yourselves. Your false narrative of supporting and standing by the LGBTQ community in this time that requires solidarity is something to be ashamed of. Luckily, one look at the very average crowd size, it's not hard to see ARQ it's on it last legs. With the lock out laws, and the closure of Midnight Shift, and the decline of Sydney's nightlife, it's only a matter of time before this place closes (and rightly so). Judging by the amount of drug infected persons ARQ turns a blind eye to (and by turning a blind eye to, actually supports drug use), it's easy to see where ARQ makes their money - not through the sale of drinks. A true disgrace to the LGBTQ community. I wouldn't waste my money or time at this dying, has-been venue.


msparky69
msparky69
Over a year ago

Friendly & Fun

Had a great night the staff were really friendly and we all had a blast.


klaus418
klaus418
Over a year ago

Homophobic security

I guess the attitude of the security just reflects what the venue has become, an dull and straight Arq is not the gay venue it once was... In fact based on the weekend clientele it's not even gay any more. Security certainly made us feel uncomfortable when we were hassled when we were veging out on the side lines having a cuddle. With in seconds security are over telling us to sit up straight and not look like we're sleeping (no where near sleeping btw) Sydney is a great city! If you come don't spoil your visit/experience with Arq


richb
richb
Over a year ago

Great little club with very good drag show

Somewhat strange layout of chairs and tables that seem to be randomly placed and even a pool table but very popular in a Thursday night with a very mixed but fun crowd. Drag show was really good and a lot of fun.


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