London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [164]
Rupert Street.
For smart boyz, this gay chic island among the sleaze has a lounge feel with brown-leather sofas and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s crowded and cruisey at night with preclubbers, civilized and cafélike by day: a good spot for brunch. Traditional British food is served until 10 pm. | 50 Rupert St., Soho | W1D 6DR | 020/7494–3059 | Mon.–Wed. noon–11, Thurs.–Sat. noon–11:30, Sun. noon–10:30 | Leicester Sq., Piccadilly Circus.
The Shadow Lounge.
This fabulous little lounge and dance club glitters with faux jewels and twinkling fiber-optic lights over its sunken dance floor, which comes complete with pole for those inclined to do their thing around it. It has a serious A-list celebrity factor, with the glamorous London glitterati camping out in the VIP booth. Members are given entrance priority when the place gets full, especially on weekends, so show up early or prepare to queue. Free entry on Monday. | 5 Brewer St., Soho | W1F 0RF | 020/7287–7988 | www.theshadowlounge.co.uk | £5–£10 | Mon.–Sat. 10 pm–3 am | Leicester Sq.
CAMDEN
Dance Clubs
KOKO.
This Victorian theater, formerly known as Camden Palace, has seen acts from Charlie Chaplin to Madonna, and genres from punk to rave. Updated with lush reds not unlike a cockney Moulin Rouge, this is still one of London’s most stunning venues. Sounds of live indie rock, cabaret, funky house, and club classics keep the big dance floor moving, even when it’s not heaving. | 1A Camden High St., Camden Town | NW1 7JE | 0870/432–5527 | www.koko.uk.com | £3–£20 | Opening hrs vary, depending on shows | Mornington Crescent.
Jazz and Blues
Jazz Café.
A palace of high-tech cool in bohemian Camden—it remains an essential hangout for fans of both the mainstream end of the repertoire and hip-hop, funk, rap, and Latin fusion. Book ahead if you want a prime table overlooking the stage, in the balcony restaurant. | 5 Pkwy., Camden Town | NW1 7PG | 020/7688–8899 restaurant reservations, 0870/060–3777 standing tickets | www.jazzcafe.co.uk | £10–£25 | Daily 7 pm–2 am | Camden Town.
Rock
Barfly Club.
At one of the finest small clubs in the capital, punk, indie guitar bands, and new metal rock attract a nonmainstream crowd. Weekend club nights upstairs host DJs (and live bands) who rock the decks. The Baryfly’s sister club, The Fly, is at 36/38 New Oxford Street. | 49 Chalk Farm Rd., Camden Town | NW1 8AN | 020/7688–8994 | www.barflyclub.com | £5–£8 | Mon. and Tues. 7–midnight, Wed. and Thurs. 7 pm–2 am, Fri. and Sat. 7 pm–3 am | Camden Town, Chalk Farm.
ISLINGTON
Eclectic
Union Chapel.
This beautiful old chapel has excellent acoustics and sublime architecture. The beauty of the space and its impressive multicultural programming have made it one of London’s best musical venues, especially for acoustic shows. Performers have included Björk, Beck, and Goldfrapp, though now you’re more likely to hear lower-key alternative country, world music, and jazz. | Compton Terr., Islington | N1 2UN | 020/7226–1686 | www.unionchapel.org.uk | Free–£25 | Opening hrs vary | Highbury & Islington.
KENTISH TOWN
Rock
The HMV Forum.
The best medium-to-big-name rock performers consistently play at the 2,000-capacity club. It’s a converted 1920 Art Deco cinema, with a balcony overlooking the dance floor. Consult the Web site for current listings. | 9–17 Highgate Rd., Kentish Town | NW5 1JY | 020/7428–4099 | www.kentishtownforum.com | £12–£25 | Opening hrs vary, depending on concert schedule | Kentish Town.
LITTLE VENICE
Comedy and Cabaret
Canal Café Theatre.
Famous comics and cabaret stars perform every night of the week in this intimate, canal-side venue. The long-running NewsRevue is a topical song-and-sketch show every night, Thursday–Sunday. | Bridge House, Delamere Terr., Little Venice | W2 6ND | 020/7289–6054 | www.canalcafetheatre.com | £5–£11 | Mon.–Sat. 7:30–11, Sun. 7–10:30 | Warwick Ave., Royal Oak, Paddington.
WESTMINSTER
CHARING CROSS