When it comes to London’s music scene, we’re spoilt for choice: tech clubs, live venues, jazz speakeasies – but, save for the partying, where can you go to connect with musos, listen to tunes and possibly make some music? With the recent closures of record stores and gig spaces, it’s slim pickings, but lately, a few venues have been tuning in.
We start with the most unlikely of spots: Merchants Tavern. The civilised restaurant may not share the same DNA as the bars on Tin Pan Alley, but four nights a week, Spiritland moves in with its world-class vinyl collection, killer sound system and inspired DJ roster. As much attention is given to up-n-comers as it is to established musos. On its upcoming roll call, music journalist Joe Muggs is set to play his vinyl set on November 4, followed by Elle Andrews (of Boiler Room fame) on November 6.
Carrying on the civilised vinyl trend, Joyeux Bordel in Shoreditch, the sultry cocktail bar owned by the Experimental Cocktail Club, prides itself not only on expertly made cocktails but also its soundtrack. The strict, vinyl-only bar has its music curated by Daniel Willis (Clove Club founder and DJ) and his brother Sam Willis (of R&S Records). Names of DJs are never released; instead it’s all about impromptu sets. Case in point: we recently spied Hot Chip on decks without so much as a warning – so eyes peeled on the DJ booth.
And, of course, clubs. New to the scene is Tape, the new nightclub in collaboration with music producer Dallas Austin, with a dedicated membership area, Little Tape, for musicians to connect, collaborate and record thanks to its 150 capacity restaurant, bar and bookable recording studio. On the other side of town is The Pickle Factory. Billed as an “intimate new space for music lovers” it’s set to host live sets and an in-house music program by London’s top promoters – plus it, too, features a bookable recording studio.
Music to our ears.
