Ain't Nothin' But...

Music lovers, here we are! If you are looking for something not too expensive but worth a visit in central... ain't no doubt, that's the place! Good vibe, perfect atmosphere and outstanding service (the guys are so fast even if crazy busy) Great bands exhibitions, I particularly loved the Thursdays, lighted by talented jazz sessions. People are cool, mostly old-school hipsters and musicians. It's the ideal place for a night out with someone who shares the music passion with you or a preparation for a night of fire with your friends. The only "flaw" was the card payment, they charge 1 pound or so for every transaction. If you are planning to go to Soho, you can't absolutely miss it.

Week got off to a bad start? Already counting down the hours till the weekend? Then 'Ain't Nothing But...' is the place to go. Monday's "Jam Night" has become something of a ritual for my friends and I whenever we've all congregated back in London. Drinks are cheap, the atmosphere relaxed and fun, and the rotating musicians on the stage provide a great selection of tunes to get up and dance to. Although be warned, its a pretty small venue and by getting up and by dancing I would suggest more of a up and down bop.

Aint nothing but... Right! Don't you remember Mr big in "sex and the city" making Carrie listening to blues. It's romantic and it's also very easy to be social in the enviroment of blues! We all know that times where better before since we keep on saying "the good old days". Bring yourself back in time and visit "Ain't nothing but.." to enjoy "good old times". It's not to expensive, actually it's the other way around, kind of cheap. Enjoy a burger, chat with your friends OR meat a new one. There will be others who also enjoy blues, a great burger and hanging out with friends. See, already have something in commen with the others!

This is the place to go for anyone who loves live music. While blues purists frequent its lowly lit interior, the Ain't Nothing But is more than welcoming to the causal listener or if you are just up for a fun night. Located in Soho, the small dark entrance promises little, but venture inside and you will be greeted with a wealth of good music, free-flowing drink and rocking crowd. Musicians hail from all across the globe, with frequent imports from the US adding to a strong stable of local performers. If you are lucky enough to claim a seat early on, the intimate surroundings quickly become a strength, with musicians literally on top of the crowd at times. Sunday open-mic days provide a chance to see a sorts of established and amateur performers, while during the week and on Saturday nights quality headline acts never disappoint. A good strategy is get in before the 8.30pm cover charge comes into effect. But be warned, once inside it is easy to lose track of time. Posters on the walls hark back to the glory days of blues music and after a couple of pints it is easy to feel at home. With a bar this size, conversation between strangers flows easily, only quieting down when Phil stands up to wale on his harmonicas. As the night progresses, expect the music and patrons to get more raucous, until you all spill out onto Kingly street in the wee hours of the morning wondering how exactly you managed to spend 8 hours in the same spot.

Homesick for some American style tunes and grub? This is the place to go. I went to Ain't Nothin' But... alone on a nippy autumn evening. When I entered I was a little peeved. I'd been told this was an honest to goodness blues bar, but it didn't seem like it at first glance. For one thing, everyone was British. Even the band. But when the vocalist suddenly put on a twang, I had to laugh. But everybody got up from their tables and truly started to dance--not tap their toes and nod approvingly (the traditional London dance) but actually dance. Even the older couples started swinging each other. It was a sight to behold and I was a little sad to have to leave and catch the last tube back.

This kind of bar is my idea of a good time. This place seems like a hole in the wall but it is actually pretty big inside and you definitely get the feeling you are in 1940's-50's Chicago right in the heart of the blues scene. This bar is loud and crowded but not so bad that you can't get yourself a cocktail. There is so much incredible music history in London. Although they weren't really at the heart of the jazz/blues movement, they know how to do a music bar. The food is nothing to write home about, but this is the kind of place that you go to drink, hang out, and listen to music. Would recommend!