Somewhere Under the Rainbow

“Have you ever been to Foam?”
My brand new friend came out to me as a young bisexual man and we discussed our shared sexuality. With intrigue for the mysterious ‘Foam’ he spoke of, I left with him and a couple of friends to explore.
Just off Liffey Street, we turned right onto Great Strand Street. I had been down this road many times, exploring the local tattoo parlour and enjoying the comforts of the Buddha bag store, but I’d never come across Foam.
As we approached I could see a shimmer of something above the door. This heightened my curiosity further. I looked up and saw metallic-like material hanging above, which sparkled and shimmered in red and gold, with the word ‘Foam’, emblazoned across.
As we entered the café, it was unlike anything I’d ever seen - like entering Disneyland for the first time. I couldn’t take it all in. Foam café was explosive with colour. The walls were covered from top to bottom in colourful wallpaper, bizarre in-your-face photographs, and party decorations from summer parties to Christmas.
The staff were friendly and understanding, seeing my excitement at this extraordinary place. My new friend asked if we could be seated upstairs, and I was overwhelmed. There was more to see?
On the wall beside us were old film posters, masks, festival bunting and Marilyn Monroe party lights. I was positively bombarded with festival and seasonal décor. It felt like we were at a party in Hawaii, except we were inside a supposed café in Dublin. We were seated on a black couch at a table with a vinyl floral cloth. My friend told me their chocolate fudge cake was a must have, so that’s what I ordered with a pot of Earl Grey. While waiting for our desert, I got up and spun around in awe. Where had this place been all my life? My friends sat watching with slight bemusement upon their faces at my new obsession, Foam.
On Saturday 23rd May 2015, Ireland, once known for being one of the most oppressive Catholic countries in the world, made headlines when it became the first country in history to legalise gay marriage by a popular vote.
Foam is a gay café. It isn’t for everyone, but that’s one of its charms. Foam pushes your boundaries with its incredible yet outrageous imagery. It excites and embarrasses you, especially if, like me, you bring your mum there. I’d highly recommend bringing your mum too. It’s worth it for the giggles and refreshing conversation over cake and pink lemonade.
Foam, a best kept secret for the queer and quirky folk of Dublin.