While London is known for its pub pints, it has always been home to a vibrant dance scene. Reggae, Dancehall and hip hop are as big as ever in this European capital which is home to a large Caribbean immigrant population. The vibrant club scene has only grown in recent years, as drinking laws once prohibiting alcoholic beverages being sold after 11PM, have been rescinded. Here are a few spots to check out to sweat it out on the dance floor into the late night hours.
PLAN B
Recently re-opened with a new personality, Plan B has improved sound, increased capacity and a license to jam 24 hours a day. Its warehouse style design is spacious and it continues to host an eclectic late night after hours offering of dance tunes in the heart of southern London with an emphasis on Caribbean experienced music. A coatroom is available on Friday and Saturday nights only. Plan B boasts of happy hour daily.
Address: 418 Brixton Road, Stockwell, London SW 9;+44 020 7733 0926
Hootananny Brixton
This venue opens at 8PM and closes at 2 AM on Thursdays and Sundays and 3 AM Fridays and Saturdays. London’s Time Out has called it one of the best nights out south of the River Thames. This is definitely the place to go for old school live reggae music. While you groove to the rasta rhythm you can enjoy a plate of thai food from the kitchen.
Address: 95 Effra Road, Brixton, London SW2 1DF(+44) 020 773 772 73
Cameo Nightclub
On Wednesday’s the Cameo has been hosting the only dancehall night in the West End for several years. Varied events happen throughout the week featuring hip hop, soca, ska and other sounds from the Caribbean. The bar is long, the dance floor large and comfortable leather chairs let you cool your heels with your date between bursts of boogeying in comfort. Expect a full house on Saturday nights.
Address: 48 Margaret Street Fitzrovia, London W1W 8SD (at Oxford Circus)
(+44) 020 7636-6787
SCALA
Scala is a four story venue fitting more than 1,000 people. While it’s a mixed music venue, the overwhelming emphasis is on hip hop. There are large projection screens, a stage for live performances and an oak main dance floor as well as tiered dance floors for better visibility. This is definitely the hot spot for hip hop in this metropolis.
Address: 275 Pentonville Road, King´s Cross, London N1 9NL
(+44) 020 7833 2022
ONE LOVE FESTIVAL
Mention must be made of this 3 day event in London's Hainault Forest Country Park each August. It’s the United Kingdom’s largest reggae festival held annually since 2008. It began to honor the Reggae prophet Bob Marley’s One Love Festival in 1978. Fair trade products, international musical artists, food and camping are some of the feature’s of this fast growing young tradition.
Address: Hainault Forest Country Park, Fox Burrow Rd, London, IG7 4QN| < Prev | Next > |
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