Queer hipness in East London
Concrete walls, saleable wall art and a certain self-conscious European dive-bar sensibility define this spirited operation that serves food during the day and goes into club mode when the sun goes down. The basement opens at 10pm and by 11pm/midnight it's rather gay, especially at the weekend. Credited with taking the East End's gay sensibility out of the closet and into the stratosphere, Matt Tucker (Trailer Trash) and Dan Beaumont (ex-Disco Bloodbath) opened this club in 2009, having converted a derelict space that had served as a supermarket, a restaurant and a mini-cab office. Tucked behind corrugated iron, the place is fashionably 'alternative' (borderline-underground), with music to match. Very buzzy and kinda dirty-arty. The low-ceilinged basement makes for an intimate and sweaty dance space. Check website for specialist nights such as Tutti Frutti (Sunday soul, disco and house). DJs include Serverino (of Horse Meat Disco fame). Certainly not for the sober. Overground stations: Dalston Kingsland [formerly called North London Line] and Dalston Junction [modern extenstion of what used to be called East London Line]. Tube stations: Angel or Highbury & Islington, plus bus ride.

Tags: Mixed Gay/Straight , Dancing , Lounge