It’s a generalisation, but a generalisation with some truth in it, that whilst East London and Hoxton are the spiritual homes of the electro beat and the bootleg record, Nathan Barley's less badly-dressed brother in West London is probably to be found digging soulful house at places such as Cherry Jam.

Housed in this western corner of the Big Smoke at the Notting Hill Arts Club is a rather distinctive monthly get-together. Uptown Safari is beginning to garner itself with the type of reputation that means every discerning music head is trying to squeeze into this cramped basement party.

Offering a welcome alternative to funky 4/4 beats or chart bound R'n'B syrup, Safari is a place to soak up a bumping hot mix of street soul, underground R'n'B, hip hop and disco. This is accessible, but inventive black music at its finest spun by producers/DJs Yam Who? and Blackbeard alongside percussion from Little Rico.

The crowd is a melting pot of old jazz cats, young fly girls and London's more daring party people. Expect it to be roadblocked by the witching hour.

You have been warned.