Gay London Life | Feb '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 4
Photo by D81Photos
Brew Hunter on
Power, Pleasure
and Building Kink
Spaces That Matter
Over the past decade, he’s become one of the most influential
figures in London’s fetish and Leather culture, not by chasing
trends, but by insisting on depth, history and intent. From the
infamous MASTERY nights at the late, great Backstreet to his
current work as a mentor, educator and scene-builder, not to
mention the smoking-hot HUNTER at Electrowerkz, Brew’s
contribution runs deeper than any one club night.
We sat down with Brew to talk kink, community, power and why
showing up, properly, still matters.
You’ve explored fetish, kink and desire from a lot of angles over the years.
What fascinates you most about it right now?
What really grabs me is the sheer variety of kinks guys are exploring and sharing
now. The internet makes discovery instant, but it doesn’t give you the courage to
walk into a fetish space for the first time, introduce yourself, and be present in the
flesh. That still takes bravery.
What I’m proudest of is seeing people make that leap. I meet a lot of firsttimers who’ve heard good things, turned up with friends, or very bravely on
their own. And it’s not always younger guys. I’ve met plenty of more mature men
who’ve waited years before feeling comfortable enough to gear up and join in.
Age doesn’t define when you’re ready. Curiosity does.
For me, the joy is watching people arrive unsure and leave glowing. That sense
of belonging, of finding your people, never gets old.
You’re known for creating spaces that feel both charged and considered.
What’s your guiding principle when it comes to kink and community?
I’ve always wanted to honour the energy of the classic Leather clubs,
places in San Francisco where protocol, power and sex all lived together
unapologetically. Those spaces were dark, sweaty, intense and absolutely alive.
But alongside that intensity, there was care. Rules existed for a reason.
Power had structure. Respect mattered. That’s something I’m deeply
What are you working on right now that feels especially you?
committed to. You can have savage, hardcore play and still have thoughtfulness,
I’ve got a few things bubbling. I’m developing new educational events that blend
consent and pride running through it.
talks, demonstrations and cultural history in a way that feels accessible without
I like things busy, smoky and visceral, but never soulless. Kink should feel
thrilling, not disposable.
How has the way queer people explore fetish and power shifted in recent
watering anything down. I’m also deep into writing my first book, Six of the Best!,
which brings together some of my favourite MasteryClasses.
It covers everything from ownership and protocol to smoke play, impact,
years, and what excites you about that change?
fear and care. And it has an excellent extra chapter, my A.B.C. of Fetish and
There’s a confidence now that I love. People are less apologetic about what
Fucking. I went digging, and trust me, I found dirt.
they’re into. They’re asking questions, learning history, and understanding that
What’s one fetish myth you’d happily retire forever?
power exchange isn’t just about sex, it’s about trust, responsibility and intention.
That you need permission or perfection to start something. Years ago,
What excites me most is seeing younger kinksters engage with protocol and
someone told me the scene lacked variety, but said they could never run a night
heritage, while older guys remain curious and open to new expressions. When
themselves. That thinking holds us back.
those worlds meet, something really special happens. It stops being about
If what you want doesn’t exist, build it. Start
trends and starts being about continuity.
small. Gather your people. Ask questions.
You’re also a fetish historian and educator. Why does that side of the work
Enthusiasm is contagious, and communities
matter so much to you?
grow because someone was brave enough to
Because none of this exists in a vacuum. Our kink culture didn’t appear
begin.
overnight. It was built by people who fought, fucked, organised and sometimes
died for the freedoms we now enjoy.
Education gives context. It deepens pleasure. When you understand
where something comes from, the play becomes richer. It stops being just
And on the flip side, if you’re looking for
kink spaces, support them. Show up. Engage.
These scenes survive because people
participate.
performance and starts being meaningful.
And honestly? People are hungry for that knowledge. They want to know
why things are done the way they are, not just how.
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Keep upto date with Brew via his website:
www.hunter.london