Notting Hill Arts Club

I'm not one to think too much about the formality of my footwear before a night out. In fact, the scruffier the comfier and the comfier the better so part of the reason that I love Notting Hill Arts Club (NHAC) so much, is that my holey, once white trainers are more than welcome. Contrary to many other London hotspots, NHAC attracts all sorts of weird and wonderful people and I can't think of anywhere better for tourists to see what London is really about. It's not full of the suited and booted, nor is it a public school hang out or a favourite of dodgy characters. In one recent night, I found myself samba-ing with Pablo from Peru and then making friends with a girl who was having weave problems in the Ladies. Don't expect a quiet place for a drink; NHAC is anything but a classy bar and instead offers a hugely varied selection of music depending on what night you go (check their website beforehand). The Pretty Reckless are a recent guest and the in-house favourite is the greying DJ Derek who must be nearing his 75th birthday. The drinks are inexpensive-ish but expect to wait your turn; the place is normally packed out resulting in a strict entry and exit system (although you are allowed out to smoke). For a good nightclub that doesn't make you feel under dressed and offers more than just Tattinger, you might consider the varied clientèle to be a daunting prospect but in years of going, I have never met anyone who wasn't good fun and genuinely nice. Forget your coat, grab a £20 and don your dirtiest disco boots, you will need all the energy you can get. Who knew you could twerk to the Rolling Stones?

Notting Hill Arts Club attracts a fun mix of locals, students, and the artist-strays that London attracts. As such it is not prey to crazy students in fancy dress descending en masse, nor is it so local that a new face can't slot right in. It's cool, relaxed and a welcome change from the more obviously commercial London clubs. The drinks are reasonably-ish priced, if you're on sprits and mixers here's an important bit of information- THEY SERVE DOUBLES! You have to ask if you want a single measure. Also, take cash, the bartenders do not appreciate people with debit cards at their bar. That said, the staff and fun and chatty if it isn't too busy. The club nights themselves are a strange mix of dubstep/electro, indie, and then whatever else takes the DJ’S fancy that particular evening, which means after Oasis you could be dancing to a remix of a Parisian folk song. It’s fun and almost everyone is happy to go with the eclectic flow. One a practical note, this is a small and very popular club, so plan ahead and get there before eleven or be prepared to endure the tedious queue operating on ‘one in, one out’ and make sure you look up the address properly- there’s no signage outside and you’ll be wandering around all night!

As you walk into Notting Hill Arts Club you may be initially underwhelmed by your surroundings however the upbeat musical acts are sure to transform this grungy, dark basement into a bumpin’ …cave? The club has two rooms, one with a stage and the other with wooden booths and a wrap-around bar. Notting Hill Arts Club is a comfortable atmosphere with relatively inexpensive drinks (hard to find in London…) and locals that are down to dance. I suggest that you check out the club’s website before arriving because the musical acts rotate each night.