The Inquirer’s top ten venues
Fed up with the R’n’B and funky house feast that was freshers’ week? If you’re craving a live music fix this year, you’ve come to the right place. From the down and dirty bars of Camden through to the palatial art deco music halls of the West End, London has every base covered. Here in Islington we don’t do too badly either, so here’s our guide of where to catch all the action:
The Buffalo Bar – 259 Upper Street
The crimson coated “hole under pub” is where you need to be to catch bands you’ve never heard of, and very possibly never will again. However that’s not to say the quality is poor, and it’s given a fair few big names a leg up (Bloc Party, Foals, The Subways etc). Oh, and if you’ve got nothing to do on Tuesdays, head down for Artrocker’s night , when entry is free.
Electrowerkz – 7 Torrens Street
Paintball centre by day, club/venue/whatever it feels like at night. Tucked away round the corner from Angel station, although Electrowerkz’s gigs are few and far between, it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled. The Mystery Jets and The Ting Tings have rocked up in recent times.
Union Chapel – Compton Terrace
Forget hymns on a Sunday morning, this is one church that knows how to rock. Home to Mencap’s annual ‘Little Noise Sessions’, the chapel has seen the likes of U2, Noel Gallacher, Snow Patrol, The Kooks, Kate Nash, Amy Winehouse, and Biffy Clyro strut their stuff on stage. At around £35 a ticket it’s not cheap (and they sell out fast) but hey, it’s for charity.
Carling Academy/Bar Academy Islington
N1 Centre 16 Parkfield Street
Don’t be put off because it’s technically in a shopping centre. The Academy is a great place to catch up and coming bands and cherished favourites that are on their way down. It doubles up as a club on the weekend with the hilarious Club De Fromage/ Feeling Gloomy every Saturday night and other favourites such as Headphone Disco and I love the 90’s.
Don’t miss: I love the 80’s and 90’s 10th October £5 advanced.
Jaguar Shoes
32 Kingsland Road, London, E2
The sign outside says it’s a shoe shop, but it’s a bar, and apparently they are involved in all kinds of local arts and culture more of which is on the site. The best thing about Jaguar Shoes is the sheer buzz of the place when it gets busy, and it does get busy. Eclectic patrons and music means it’s a great place to meet interesting people and should be a regular pit stop on a night out.
Don’t miss: Friday or Saturday night, simple. Free
Coast to Coast @ On The Rocks
25 Kingsland Road
Every Saturday night On The Rocks plays host to it’s resident 1960’s Ska night, Coast To Coast. If you are familiar with Ska it is a must and if your curious now you’ll soon be a convert, dank and dirty it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a real dancehall atmosphere in the local area. One rule, look sharp. Shiny boots, Levi jeans and a gingham check shirt are the typical uniform.
Free before 11pm with a flyer, £3-£5 otherwise.
93 Feet East
150 Brick Lane
Situated amongst the curry houses and hipster hangouts of Brick Lane, 93 Feet East has earned a reputation for hosting some of the best underground bands and electronic DJ’s in London. Their monthly dubstep night is a regular favourite bringing you the best brooding basslines from around the UK.
Don’t miss: 90 Free Fridays: Heavyfeet + Oli D.A.B. + Robin + Louis La Roche. – 26th September – Free
The Foundry
86 Great Eastern Street
Half pub half art gallery, the Foundry is one of London’s most eccentric venues. The decor is a mish mash of antique furniture and electronic junk. The beer is cheap and there’s a great gallery downstairs showcasing a ecclectic variety of art.
The Old Blue Last
38 Great Eastern St
The Old Blue Last is probably the absolute epicenter of Shoreditch hipsterdom. Run by the obnoxiously cool Vice magazine, some pretty epic acts have played its tiny stage including Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen. Gigs are usually free or at the most six or seven quid.
Don’t miss: Belakiss + Jonny Taylor + The Recovery – 25th September – £3
Barbican
Barbican Centre
Silk Street
London EC2Y 8DS
A real bastion of art and culture in the city, there’s always something going on at the Barbican. From world renowned classical orchestras to underground european cinema, the Barbican complex in the City has it all.
Don’t miss: AfroReggae Favelization – 25th – 27th September – £7 – 26
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