The Times was extremely dour about the state of NYC nightlife in Sunday’s profile of 1 OAK, but there’s hope after all! David Baxley, the owner of fondly remembered house-music club CentroFly is teaming up with Brit D.J.-producer Terrey Casey to open Le Royale this Friday in what used to be Luke & Leroy. That space, we’ll remind you, is equipped with a precious cabaret license, and who better to put it to use than music directors GBH, the team that brings top-tier rock and electronic talents — like their current resident D.J., Moby — to Hiro’s weekly Cheeky Bastard party. Alejandro Torio of GBH says that in addition to live music acts five nights a week, the weekly Robot Rock party (previous at nearby, now-defunct Movida) will be revived on Thursdays. So what will the door policy be? “If you like rock or electronic music,” Torio tells us, “you’re welcome to come in. It’s not about how much money you have in your pocket.” Now that sounds egalitarian!

Earlier: RIP Luke & Leroy, Birthplace of MisShapes