London Gig Venues
London is a big place where we are spoilt rotten over the amount of bands we get to see. Hence the venues often suffer from a lack of atmosphere. Actually there is atmosphere, an arms folded, 'impress me' type atmosphere. Nevertheless here are some good places that have good people and good bands.
1. Buffalo Bar
Highbury N5, not least coz its under the Famous Cock Pub (fnarr, fnaar), loud, unpretentious and friendly bar staff, plus we've played there. Gigs: Part Chimp, Kaito
2. 93 Ft. East
Brick Lane E1 if you can ignore the trendy crowd and listen to the amazing, so modern it hurts sound system. Gigs: Clinic, Noxaght, Liars
3. Arts Cafe
Commercial rd/st, Aldgate E1 bit like a slightly more rustic, old fashioned version of the Buffalo Bar with great pizzas to boot. Gigs: Animal Collective, Billy Mahonie
4. Spitz
Spitafields Market E1, within spitting (pun intended) distance of last two. Candle lit tables are very cosy although there are some inconveniently placed pillars. Gigs: Oxes, Themselves, Califone.
5. Forum
Kentish Town NW5, had to pick at least one big venue so this gets my vote on account of its good sound and feeling more intimate than other venues like it. It doesn't have gigs often but when it does the bands are exemplary. Gigs: Mogwai, Fugazi, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,
