FEATURE:
London’s Ten Best Music Venues
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AFTER the controversial and sad close of fabric in Farringdon: there have been many voices calling out for enquiry and justice – making sure it is not closed for good. Whatever happens – and whether it is ever reopened - it has got people thinking about the great clubs and venues in London and how important they are. We mustn’t forget how many great venues still remain, so in that spirit, I look at ten of the best music venues in London – and a little bit of information on each…
Starting off with one of the capital’s most-famous and notable venues: the grand and legendary Ronnie Scott’s. Few musicians worth their salt are ignorant of the venue – most want to play there and have that on their C.V. Hardly surprising when you step inside and let the music, magic and atmosphere wash over you. Just a little bit of history on Ronnie Scott’s (from Wikipedia):
“Zoot Sims was the club's first transatlantic visitor in 1962, and was succeeded by many others (often saxophonists whom Scott and King, tenor saxophonists themselves, admired, such as Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt) in the years that followed. Many UK jazz musicians were also regularly featured, including Tubby Hayes and Dick Morrissey who would both drop in for jam sessions with the visiting stars. In the mid-1960s, Ernest Ranglin was the house guitarist. The club's house pianist until 1967 was Stan Tracey. For nearly 30 years it was home of a Christmas residency to George Melly and John Chilton's Feetwarmers. In 1978, the club established the label Ronnie Scott's Jazz House, which issued both live performances from the club and new recordings.
Scott regularly acted as the club's Master of Ceremonies, and was (in)famous for his repertoire of jokes, asides and one-liners. After Scott's death in 1996, King continued to run the club for a further nine years, before selling the club to theatre impresario Sally Greene and philanthropist Michael Watt in June 2005. Managing Director Simon Cooke joined in April 2008.
In 2009 Ronnie Scott's was named by the Brecon Jazz Festival as one of 12 venues that had made the most important contributions to jazz music in the United Kingdom,[1] and finished third in the voting for the initial award”.
Upstairs @ Ronnie's is upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and is a 140-capacity bar and live music venue (separate to the main club). There is live music every night of the week ranging from Acoustic-Jazz to Cuban bands, Jazz/Funk D.J.s; Indie, Jive nights, poetry slams, Soul/R&B, jams, Samba - they cater to all tastes in the arts! We open at 6pm every evening until 3am most nights with bar, table service, fabulous food and an award winning cocktail list!
Who’s On?
Friday 16th:
Main Show
Incognito – SOLD OUT
Late Show
Carl Orr Quartet
Upstairs @ Ronnie’s
VIVA CUBA! (Live Cuban bands & DJs / £5 from 7pm, £12 after 8pm)
Saturday 17th:
Main Show
Incognito – SOLD OUT
Late Show
Carl Orr Quartet
Upstairs @ Ronnie’s
FUNKY NATION! (Live DJs- Jazz/Funk/Soul/House)
Sunday 18th:
Main Show
Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion
Upstairs @ Ronnie’s
SUNDAY LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS: ROY'S BIG SMOKE FAMILY
Sunday Lunch:
DEBBIE SLEDGE with the NIELS LAN DOKY TRIO
Address: 47 Frith St, London, W1D 4HT
Website: http://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/
Google Reviews:
3 weeks ago
7pm on a saturday night. That is how I know this place. Lovely atmosphere. One of the finest jazz entertainers in town. Great place to chill after a stressful week. Visit and fall in love with jazz.
3 months ago
Great jazz, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Drinks and food aren't cheap, but are good quality.
A week ago
Great atmosphere. Upstairs is relaxed but not scruffy, then lively when the music starts.Visually it's perfect for what it is. Speaking as a sound engineer and musician I'd say that the sound system is certainly good enough, and thankfully wasn't too loud.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR4WoXDTZa0&w=560&h=315]
100 Club
Photo credit: Andreia Lemos / http://sy-hm.tumblr.com/
One of those venues that is respected and celebrated among music fans but might be unknown to some – you can hardly miss it on Oxford Street. In the words of the venue itself:
“London’s iconic 100 Club has been trading under the same name since 1964 and has put on live music since 1942 as the Feldman Jazz Club amongst other names, earning it the title of the oldest independent venue world wide.
Through out the decades the venue has championed all manors of ground breaking scenes including the blues of Muddy Waters and BB King as well as mod stylings of The Who and The Kinks in the 60s; the birth of punk with the Sex Pistols, The Clash and Siouxsie & The Banshees plus regular reggae sessions from Eddie Grant and The Mighty Diamonds in the 70s; the first ever Northern Soul All Nighter in the 80s; the indie explosion with early shows from Oasis and Suede in the 90s as well as key shows for artists such as The Horrors, Gallows and Kings Of Leon in the 00s.
Despite its historic reputation the venue still continues to showcase some of the most exciting new music in London with recent shows from artists such as Blood Orange, The Fat White Family, Dean Blunt, Parquet Courts, Jake Bugg, Kindness, Joey Bada$$, Pulled Apart By Horses, The Smith Westerns, The Orwells, Radkey and A$AP Ferg across it’s programming of regular events and hosting of NME Awards Shows, Converse Gigs and other series”.
Who’s On?
Saturday 17th:
Anarchy! McLaren Westwood Gang
6.00pm - 8.30pm
£8.00 Adv + Bf
Tuesday 20th:
100 Club Punk Special 40th – Spizzenergi
7.30pm - 11.00pm
£15.00 adv + bf
Address: 100 Oxford St, London, W1D 1LL
Website:http://www.the100club.co.uk/
Google Reviews:
5 months ago
Been going to the 100 club for many years and saw a lot of the punk bands up there. Later on seen many rock acts and in general this is a totally brilliant venue, one of an increasingly disappearing "species' I am afraid. ...MoreBeen going to the 100 club for many years and saw a lot of the punk bands up there. Later on seen many rock acts and in general this is a totally brilliant venue, one of an increasingly disappearing "species' I am afraid.For me the most memorable occasion there was when a brilliant blues musician called Son House played there in 1970. Being a total out and out blues fanatic this was a bit of a serious moment in my life. Remember seeing John Peel there in the audience. Had the great fortune to talk to Al "blind owl" Wilson from the famed band Canned Heat. He was kind of a bit of an introverted chap but someone I had great respect for too. Really talented musician and a very humble person.If only I had a modern video camera, what a memorable occasion, but I had plenty of those during that era.
A month ago
A great wee venue. I saw The Amazing Darts play. Beers pricey but they have a good choice.
2 weeks ago
Iconic london venue. Might not be the cheapest inside but worth every penny.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR8KEHWqHEs&w=560&h=315]
Under the Bridge
One of the newest kids on the block: Under the Bridge’s building a reputation as one of London’s must-visit venues due to its warm staff welcome, unique location – right near Stamford Bridge – and the musicians flocking to play there. The venue’s official website sums up their history and appeal:
“Under the Bridge is a uniquely stylish west London music venue, purpose-built with the highest attention to detail, and featuring stunning, state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Designed in homage to the legendary venues in London’s rock history and the greats of British Isles music, it’s a new club that feels like it’s been around forever.
This inspiring venue, holding up to 550 people, is perfect for gigs, press calls, showcases, fashion shoots, live broadcasts, warm-ups, after-parties, comedy nights, corporate events and much more”.
Who’s On?
7:00 pm - Doors Open
29-09-2016
Under the Bridge presents MICHAEL ROTHER PLAYS NEU! & HARMONIA & SOLO WORKS with DJ Rusty Egan {Visage Blitz Club} DJ set Revered multi-instrumentalist Michael Rother returns to Under the Bridge
7:00 pm - Doors Open
30-09-2016
Сольный концерт Леонида Федорова — ни с чем не сравнимый опыт, который необходимо пережить каждому поклоннику «АукцЫона». Поэтому мы приглашаем всех друзей на единственное выступление музыканта в Лондоне 30 сентября.
7:00 pm - Doors Open
07-10-2016
AGMP.co.uk presents an evening with THE TUBES featuring Fee Waybill After opening up for Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop & the New York Dolls in the early 1970s,.
Address: Stamford Bridge, Fulham Rd, London, SW6 1HS
Website:http://underthebridge.co.uk/
Google Reviews:
5 months ago
Such a great gig venue! Not overcrowded, it's wide and shallow which i like and plenty of staff so no massive wait for drinks. Great view of the stage from all angles. p.s. Great toilets! You'll understand when you go!
3 months ago
Great venue!! I highly recommend checking it out a show here. It feels really intimate. ...MoreGreat venue!! I highly recommend checking it out a show here. It feels really intimate.
There are a couple of bars, and I barely had to wait for drinks which was fab. I'll be looking out for more shows here for sure.
3 months ago
Awesome venue so exclusive and great vibe saw Toyah and sat so close you could touch her great bar and photos too
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf7KzqZ6m5Y&w=560&h=315]
Roundhouse
There are few venues in the U.K. that hold the prestige and weight of Camden’s Roundhouse. Its honorifics, effusive reviews and solid legacy is built on a core of consistently brilliant music and wonderful hospitality – set in one of the most colourful and cosmopolitan parts of London. It is best to let Roundhouse themselves sum it all up:
Create to transform
“The Roundhouse is a hub of inspiration where artists and emerging talent create extraordinary work and where young people can grow creatively as individuals. We believe in the power of creativity to change lives. By giving young people the chance to engage with the arts through our music, media and performance projects, we inspire them to reach further, dream bigger, and achieve more.
We do this because we believe creativity gives us freedom, hope and has the power to transform.
So we’re here to transform. To create, agitate and excite. To shake things up
Each year, we give thousands of 11–25-year-olds the chance to develop their skills and confidence through creativity – in music, media or the performing arts. We help them find new perspectives and new directions. Whether it’s helping someone get into education, or out of a rut. Or supporting their early career in the arts. Whatever the spark, we nurture it into a flame that can change everything.
Creativity drives change drives creativity drives change drives…
The Roundhouse is one of the most incredible live performance spaces in the world where the biggest names in music, theatre, circus and spoken word take to the stage every day. A former railway engine repair shed, the Grade II* listed building was transformed into a groundbreaking performing arts venue 50 years ago, and we have welcomed legendary artists from all over the world to perform in our unique spaces”.
Who’s On?
Sunday 18th September
Monday 19th September
Tuesday 20th September
Address: Chalk Farm Rd, London, NW1 8EH
Website:http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/
Google Reviews:
A month ago
Great and unique venue with an interesting history. The layout lends itself perfectly to live perfomance, and they always have a great line up and exciting shows on offer. During the summertime they also host Camden Beach on their roof, which is a great spot for on sunny day.
3 months ago
Great venue for concerts. I've been a few times and have never left disappointed. Try and get standing and get into the center circle as this is where I've found the sound quality/atmosphere is the best. Queues for beers can be a little long but the same with most music venues these days.
A week ago
Amazing venue for life music, an absolute must visit place. Go to the 1st floor and see all the posters/art of the famous bands, acts and historic figures who have graced this original venue. Also in the summer they sometimes turn the roof into "Camden beach"...
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA0cz5rijT4&w=560&h=315]
XOYO
Image result for XOYO
Like 100 Club: one of those venues that does not instantly spring to mind when compiling a list of London’s finest music venues. There is not a lot of history and background on the venue’s website but plenty of information about upcoming acts and D.J.s playing there. Situated near Old Street, and with Shoreditch on its doorstep, it is right at the beating heart of London – fast gaining a reputation of excellence because of its club nights. It is, as you will see below, a nightclub but will expand and develop in years to come – its name and legacy will only grow larger with time.
"Live music and DJ club nights across 2 floors in refurbished nightclub in Shoreditch, East London, with street art aesthetic. XOYO is first and foremost a nightclub with focus set on a consistent music policy headed by global names (as well as upcomers), their ethos is locked into delivering London an unrivalled weekendsoundtrack".
Who’s On?
Bugged Out! with Julio Bashmore + Mosca + Guest tba
Friday 30 September 21:00 - 04:00
XOYO Loves: François K + Late Nite Tuff Guy + Red Greg
Saturday 01 October 21:00 - 04:00
Jackmaster & Numbers Present: Mastermix
Sunday 02 October 16:00 - 01:00
Website:http://xoyo.co.uk/
Address: 32-37 Cowper St, London, EC2A 4AP
Google Reviews:
2 weeks ago
This place is killing it with their line ups. £5 early bird tickets to see DJ Harvey, bloody fantastic. Drinks prices are pretty standard for London. Door staff are very friendly also, which makes a nice change from other bars in the area. ...MoreThis place is killing it with their line ups. £5 early bird tickets to see DJ Harvey, bloody fantastic. Drinks prices are pretty standard for London. Door staff are very friendly also, which makes a nice change from other bars in the area. Can get a bit busy but victim of it's own popularity I guess. Looking forward to Heidis Jackathon residency!
A week ago
Saw Harvey there who was great and there was a good atmosphere there too. Feel compelled to leave a review, however, as some of the security staff were rude and clearly on the classic bouncer power trip. The smoking area is a horrible ...MoreSaw Harvey there who was great and there was a good atmosphere there too. Feel compelled to leave a review, however, as some of the security staff were rude and clearly on the classic bouncer power trip. The smoking area is a horrible experience, you're basically put into a smoking queue and constantly harassed to keep moving along the queue. They really need to sort this out as for a lot of people (myself included), the smoking area is a chance to get a break from the mayhem of the dance floor, get some fresh air and actually have a conversation.
2 weeks ago
Great lineups, great music, hosting Mount Kimbie is not for everyone for exercise but there is more. Drinks are served both at ground floor and downstairs.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d9KuiwdrdU&w=560&h=315]
The Dublin Castle
It seems like, if you want to grab the crowds and put your name in the spotlight, a music venue needs to be situated within easy walking distance of Camden. The Dublin Castle has the vibrant borough a mere 2 miles away – one of the reasons it has garnered a terrific name and is incontestably one of the finest venues in the U.K. The guys say themselves:
“The Dublin Castle is a legendary pub and music venue located 2 minutes away from Camden Town tube station. It has been ran by the same family for over 28 years and features 4 live bands every night as well as a great selection of beers, ciders and wines. There’s DJs after the bands on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and a fabulous jukebox in the front bar if you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere. But what is it that makes the Dublin Castle the long-standing centre of the indie rock universe? Is it because it’s Madness’ birthplace? Because its stage has been graced by everyone from Blur, through Coldplay, Supergrass, The Killers, The Arctic Monkeys, Billy Bragg, etc? Is it because it was no surprise to see Amy Winehouse behind the bar serving costumers? Or Suggs? (who, mind you, tended to ignore costumers and serve himself) Or is it because far from being just another Camden venue it has established itself as an indie rock institution? The answer is that it’s not only because of its musical heritage that people come to the Dublin Castle, it’s because whilst you enjoy a pint, play some tunes on the jukebox, check out the live bands, get your dancing shoes on for our DJs, chat to our friendly staff or even stage-invade a little, you’re inadvertently being part of this movement the Dublin Castle leads, this cultural legacy. Expect no castle battlements. Just pure rock and roll royalty”.
Who’s On?
Fri, 16 Sep 2016
Little Green Men Lazy Pilgrims Pretty Visitors Tokyo SexWail The Second Sons
Doors 7.45 £7/£5 on the door
Sat, 17 Sep 2016
Reece Percudani Group Evyltyde
Website:http://thedublincastle.com/
Address: 94 Parkway, London, NW1 7AN
Google Reviews:
A month ago
Scruffy and original venue that I'm surprised still exists in London, long live Dublin Castle. Good prices for beer and a sweaty little venue out back of the pub. TV's for sports up on the walls too.
A month ago
Great staff really friendly and helpful defo coming back
A month ago
Bit spit and sawdust but had some good beer on for decent prices and great music.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvnnU-5T-cU&w=560&h=315]
KOKO
Newcomers like Izzy Bizu will pass through KOKO’s doors in the next few days: a natural stomping ground for the best and brightest musicians looking to get their sounds heard by the coolest and most discerning crowds. KOKO’s website is one of the most colourful, informative and eye-catching you can find – the venue is one of the greatest in London and another located in Camden. If you want a history on the venue; Wikipedia puts it best:
“By 2004 the Camden Palace was rundown and in a state of disuse. That year the theatre was purchased by Oliver Bengough and his company Mint Entertainment. Bengough saw the potential of the theatre and embarked on a multimillion-pound restoration process lasting more than six months.[2][12] The restoration process included all new technical facilities, enabling the scope of operations to be broadened to include live concert performances, club nights, corporate events and television production.[20]The Daily Telegraph described the modern interior amenities and the building's historic facade as "lend[ing] a sense of grandeur to any gig"
Since restoration, KOKO’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with an award for Environmental Excellence in Camden Organisations (EECO), for Innovation in Waste Management and Recycling.[22] The venue has been praised for ‘the continued exceptional effort by staff to achieve a 95% recycling rate in the difficult events and entertainment industry, and for the use of recycled materials within the building in order to close the recycling loop.’[23]
The key points in KOKO’s innovative recycling and waste management strategy include:
Recycling paper and cardboards (including flyers), as well as approximately 30,960 glass bottles, 20,088 aluminum cans and 77,166 plastic cups every month;
Replacing 982 light bulbs with GLOWB low energy light bulbs;
Reducing emissions, by working with ‘The Carbon Trust' and ‘Better Climate for Camden’: by switching to a green energy supplier, KOKO aims to prevent the release into the atmosphere of 520 tonnes of CO2 over the next 12 months;
as KOKO currently produces approximately 310.809 tonnes of CO2 per annum, they have teamed up with Solar Aid who supply Solar Lanterns to under-developed countries to help offset this.
Since restoration, the club has attracted well known musicians including Al Murray, Irfan Latif, Don Broco, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Prince, Coldplay, Tori Kelly, Katy B, My Chemical Romance, Emma Marrone, Oasis, Bruno Mars, Thom Yorke, Amy Winehouse, La Roux, Skrillex, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Lily Allen, Demi Lovato, Usher, Noel Gallagher, Swedish House Mafia and many others”.
Who’s On?
Friday 16 September 2016
WILEY - ON STAGE 8PM
Friday 16 September 2016
Club NME: KING NO-ONE
Saturday 17 September 2016
SANKEYS LOVES 338
Website:http://www.koko.uk.com/
Address: 1A Camden High St, London, NW1 7JE
Google Reviews:
In the last week
Huge disco of 4 floors with a balcony to smoke. The inside is pretty similar to a theatre or an opera so it's really impressive. The music is good and not too loud. It's very well located 1 minute walking from Mornington Crescent tube (Northern line). Before 22.30 is usually free but after that it costs 20 pounds.
In the last week
Very similar to Shepherd's Bush Empire with a very different feel to it and great balconies for those who can't hack the ground floor. Extremely stylish.
A month ago
Events are kind of pricey, but so much fun! Good dubby music the night we went. Getting a drink wasn't too difficult & drink prices are pretty average for a big club (6 euro for a jaegerbomb)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA3KQ6ZY6fU&w=560&h=315]
Union Chapel
Whereas a lot of London’s most-celebrated venues have a quirkiness and contemporary vibe: Union Chapel is lovingly pure and historic. It does not need a paint job or conform with other venues – its strengths and character are all there and does not need to change an iota. Because of this, and the fact it is such a wonderful setting, so many artists and fans flock there. Their calendar is packed up until the end of the year and you need to get yourself down there. Union Chapel in their own words:
“Union Chapel is an amazing space. It is an architectural treasure that’s home to a working church, an award winning venue, a unique organ and The Margins Project for those homeless and in crisis in London.
It’s a rich community where people come to revel, to worship, to listen to wonderful music, to volunteer and to find help when they need it most.
Over the past 25 years the Chapel has gone from facing demolition to being Grade 1 listed and from being virtually abandoned to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors a year.
Union Chapel is now a vibrant hub of activity with a huge amount going on. There are six main groups based here all united by a love for this space and our desire to welcome people to it – we hope to see you here soon.
Since 1991, Union Chapel has been hosting concerts and events – this has grown over the years and we now have hundreds of events a year. Readers of Time Out have voted us London’s Favourite Venue an amazing three times.
London’s Favourite Music Venue 2002, 2012 & 2014!
Runners up 2015
We are proud to say that our venue is a little bit different. We have pews, amazing acoustics, sublime Victorian Gothic architecture and some really great gigs.
Our busy Bar and Kiosk serve thirsty gig goers at most events – so you can enjoy the show with a mug of tea in hand or head up to the Bar and have a beer. And all the money raised goes to the restoration of the building.
We also have a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who work at all the gigs and events so say hello when you come along!”
Who’s On?
Saturday 17th:
10am: Open House, London
12pm: Daylight Music 232: Michele Stodart + Alright Gandi + Alev Lenz + Joli Blon
Sunday 18th:
Sunday Service – Guest Speaker
Website:http://www.unionchapel.org.uk/
Address: Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN
Google Reviews:
2 months ago
It's a church... it's a gig venue... it's a community space. The Union Chapel is a fantastic resource for Islington, it's not full of stuffy "Church People". There are a lot of well known acts, as well as some great up and coming bands ...MoreIt's a church... it's a gig venue... it's a community space. The Union Chapel is a fantastic resource for Islington, it's not full of stuffy "Church People". There are a lot of well known acts, as well as some great up and coming bands that play here... so I can only suggest that you check our their calendar and head over to the Chapel.
4 months ago
London has plenty of great concert venues though few, if any, match The Union Chapel. The audience sits on pews (first in grabs the best) all focussed in the alter/stage so there's no bad seats, really, other than those front and side. The ...MoreLondon has plenty of great concert venues though few, if any, match The Union Chapel. The audience sits on pews (first in grabs the best) all focussed in the alter/stage so there's no bad seats, really, other than those front and side. The acoustics are great so rock sounds as good as acoustic. The bar is in the back, a pretty cool place to relax before & after the gig, though drinks aren't allowed in the chapel, other than tea...go figure, but go there.
2 months ago
Great venue, with superb acoustics. Come a bit early for food. There is also a bar. Profits support the church.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8vU2D67So&w=560&h=315]
The Lexington
A multi-level venue that blends a flavour of the U.S. with the comforts of Britain. There are scant few venues where one can enjoy some good beer and grub downstairs before heading up to a gig – you are usually restricted to a single floor or have to bustle and shove your way through crowds. The Lexington has an easy-going charm and is one of the most welcoming joints in London. As they say themselves:
“The Lexington is a classic London boozer turned lounge bar, with a hint of Kentucky charm and lashings of rock & roll excess. Enjoy award winning food served up with our favourite American craft beers or just lounge around in our baroque mezzanine exploring the best bourbon selection in London. If you like it a little bit louder, head upstairs for the latest and greatest bands in our live venue. Then dance the night away with our family of music loving DJs, playing everything from ‘20s jazz to the newest indie through the sea of counter-cultural sounds into the wee small hours”.
Who’s On?
16th:
8:00 pm- 11:00 pm Lawrence Arabia, James Canty - White Heat presents
11:00 pm - 4:00 am White Heat
17th:
8:00 pm- 11:00 pm Louis Barabbas And The Bedlam Six
11:00 pm - 4:00 Dumb Disco Ideas: A party is a statistical inevitability
Website:http://thelexington.co.uk/
Address: 96-98 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9JB
Google Reviews:
A month ago
Old pub with cool decor, good music, good beer and table footie. Only downside is the surprising lack of a good cider. Strongbow? Come on Lex, sort it out.
3 months ago
Amazing venue with excellent acoustics. Up stairs is a great venue, which always has a wide selection of acts. Downstairs bar has a great selection of beers with a real chilled out indie atmosphere. Rough Trade host a quiz night on Mondays.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Mhnp8du7w&w=560&h=315]
Scala
“Scala is a beautiful multi-purpose venue in the regenerated King’s Cross area, on the north side of central London. The building incorporates four main floors and accommodates events for just over 1000 people.
There are three bars, two dance floors and a large stage for live performances. We do not assign seats to tickets. There is limited seating on each floor.
Main Room & Stage
The main room is spread across a series of terraces with a low dancefloor and low stage. There’s a long balcony on one side of the room accessed from the mezzanine level. This balcony can function as a VIP space when needed. As there is no bar in this space it works well for more acoustic performances.
Foyer Bar
The Foyer Bar is a large room with a beautiful terrazzo floor and a high vaulted ceiling. It has two staircases on either side leading into to the main room. You’ll also find a small lounge with a low ceiling called the Foyer Den. There’s a DJ booth which functions as a merchandising booth too.
Glass Bar
The Glass Bar is on our mezzanine level. We have a number of comfy sofas beside large windows overlooking the main room. You can get to this bar from the main room or Balcony Bar. The Glass Bar sometimes functions as a VIP bar.
Balcony Bar
The balcony bar is a large square shaped room on the top floor, with a wide balcony overlooking the main floor. There are a number of booths with seats and a DJ Booth. We have a temporary wall and stage system we install when there is a DJ or live performance in this space. The kitchen is also on this level behind the bar”.
Fri 16th September
Salsa, Latin and Afro-Latin
Sat 17th September
Tue 20th September
Yuna plus Mahalia & Jarell Perry
Website:http://scala.co.uk/
Address: 275 Pentonville Rd, London, N1 9NL
Google Review:
5 months ago
The venue has a nice distinctive look but the layout is not the best - some parts have a poor view and leaving the main room to get to the bar and having to climb a couple flights of stairs to get to the toilets is annoying. Question marks ...MoreThe venue has a nice distinctive look but the layout is not the best - some parts have a poor view and leaving the main room to get to the bar and having to climb a couple flights of stairs to get to the toilets is annoying. Question marks over the security too. I have been to some good gigs here but the sound is sometimes not as good as some of its rivals - I damaged my hearing for a few days after one particularly distorted reggae set.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM6qvmkkC_c&w=560&h=315]
