Recently, I attended an event at another SF nightclub, Manor West, that I’ve been meaning to check out based on the DJ names that I’ve seen on their flyers over time. Finally, the opportunity arrived for me to see one of my all time favorite artists, DJ Fabian from Vegas, put down his vibe on their decks. I know that his music is a guaranteed trip, so I thought I would combine a club review with a fun night out!!
Manor West is a multi-generation club space that has existed before under a different name and management. Apparently, it was previously known as THE BOSS and by a variety of other names. This club was harrowed in 2009 as being the next hot spot to hit SF in the SoMa District, down on Harrison. It offered space and elegance to it’s patrons with lavish leather booths in VIP, handmade chandeliers, partially nude ladies portraits throughout the club…it promised Vegas!!
“Sometimes you just need some space.” stated Urbandaddy.com in their grand opening review of the venue in 2009. Well space or no space, after having tasted the promised fruits of Manor West, I fear it’s left an after taste that’s not quite as sweet as I was led to believe it would be. Let’s just get one thing clear…this is NO Vegas club. Vegas clubs can not thrive in SF very well, in my opinion, as the average SF nightlife patron works and is not in SF on vacation like in Vegas…where money flows. I believe MANY new clubs like to promote the fact that they are similar to a Vegas club, so that it encourages a certain quality of clientele to attend. However, as Manor West demonstrates, the illusion never lasts for long. The essence of Vegas is present in the attempt to make the décor and VIP opulent and exotic. Yet, when the spaces starts to undergo a little scrutiny, it’s not long before wear and tear is noted. The moment a club owner stops putting money into a venue and stops investing in the clubs’ longevity, than it’s no different than trying to make a lady of the night into a super model!!!
The location itself is in a rather rough area, with a combined feel of nightclub alley with a splash of industrial…just to make it feel even more unsafe. When we arrived, we were made to wait outside despite informing the doorman that we were guests of the DJ. He wasn’t rude as many patrons have grumbled about on Yelp etc. However, it wasn’t exactly a red carpet greeting….even though I think they had red carpet on the ground!! As we continued to wait for DJ Fabian, we were approached by another doorman, who swiftly whisked us inside once we had our ID’s checked. We were actually surprised at how pleasant he was! Was it my faux fur coat?!! Perhaps he was worried I was going to get held up if I stood outside in my coat for much longer!! ODDLY enough, we discovered another interesting and rather disturbing fact out about Manor West, formerly known as Boss, during our research!! A homeless woman Robin Kent was beaten to death in March 2008, after a brutal altercation between several homeless people and was left outside the door of the nightclub. Apparently, they were known to squat in front of the venue during it’s closed times. Either way, this MUST have been one of the motivating reasons behind re-opening the club under a new name in ‘09! That’s not exactly great press when attempting to promote a “Vegas-style” club!!
The outside was certainly nothing fabulous and when you entered the venue, it felt initially spacious with a coat check, ATM, and bar right at the onset of the room. The place wasn’t at capacity when we arrived around 11pm. It was about 3/4’s full. We actually didn’t have too long of a wait at the biggest bar either for our drinks and we were served politely by the bartenders. I was enthralled with the grand reclining stretched nude over the bar. It’s a really striking focal point for all of Manor West and truly it’s greatest accent in my opinion. I think “she” keeps an eye on MW and is the Grand Dam!! She is a metaphor for the club in many ways. She promises great delights on the initial perusal, but her beauty has little depth and when examined closely, isn’t as glorious as initially thought! Beauty is skin deep!
Manor West has a local feel to it despite it’s efforts to appear worldly. I’m sure it has it’s regulars who frequent the club and enjoy the same patterns of entertainment. The dance floor is very long and narrow, crammed between two VIP sections. Dancing can be challenging when the club is maxed, as it feels like one is a sardine!! Moving from the bar to the DJ booth is almost impossible and there appears to be little or no VIP cocktail service or table security. I walked up and into the VIP area with no difficulty. Drunk patrons moved with ease into other people’s paid for VIP areas and I’m 100% certain issues arise due to this lack of space regulation. When a client is paying out $300+ for table service, that is what they should receive…service!! Manor West gets it’s customers through the door and the relationship seems to end there. I was fortunate I think in encountering several nice employees, but in my research about what other patrons have experienced, the reviews were horrendous. Many noted a severe lack of customer service and table service being non-existent despite the large price tag.
My experience and perception is also skewed because as a guest of the DJ, one receives certain VIP privileges that the average patron doesn’t, like receiving bottle service in the booth and access to the most exclusive VIP areas. I had a visible vantage point from the booth, so I could observe the club “ in action” and I could note the pros and cons of the venue. Space and the flow of the crowd within the venue were the biggest visible issues. I have encountered more nightclubs that simply fail horribly at space design and utilization. Owners are generally most concerned with VIP and bar space for selling alcohol. DJs are concerned with the booth, sound equipment, decks, bathroom access, site lines, patron access, and dance floor. The patron is concerned with the dance space, access to the bar and sufficient VIP areas for large parties. It’s tough to strike the perfect balance in club design, depending on the owners and investor’s agendas. Manor West works, but by the end of the night, patrons shouldn’t have high expectations for Vegas quality. Many claim the night generally ends in MW on a “ghetto note” and I have to agree…the ambiance goes to that feeling quickly. Even when veteran DJ’s such as Fabian try to weave in some contemporary House vibes, the clientele simply respond more enthusiastically to the Hip Hop and older music that they are familiar with!
Manor West dearly wants to be a swan, but a duckling it shall remain I believe. Thia night was fun, but I think it had MORE to do with the quality of music, the people I was with and the privileges that I had access to, than the actual space itself. Would I go back to Manor West? I would if I knew the DJ or had access to a table and it would depend on which table. MW needs to step up it’s game and MAKE it into an exclusive club with celebrities in the VIP. The table service needs to be more regulated and than the ‘FRAT HOUSE” phenomena might dissipate. The elite, money dropping clientele…will follow, if the ghetto feel is kept out. I’m sure the Grand Dam would approve of a more savory collection of admirers!
I also try to remain neutral, and I encourage you all to try Manor West and form your own opinion. I think it’s truly a hot and cold venue that one either leaves loving it, or moving on to the next party down the road in SoMa!
Keeping the Beat RED HAWT N FRESH!!
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