It’s a London Thing!
We’re on the road a lot here at Defected; Miami, Ibiza, Amsterdam, Singapore, New York, Melbourne - rocking the crowds, meeting new talent and soaking up the local culture. But it’s London; our home, where the real hard work is done.
The Defected sound is shaped by the musical soundscapes of New York, Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia but it’s the influence of London’s Acid House, Rare Groove and Jazz Funk scenes that have made Defected the label it is today.
This is our guide to London. Not necessarily the most obvious destinations or the best things to do or see, but its our view on our city.
First up, arguably the most diverse and important resource the city has to offer...clubs
Ministry Of Sound
Simply an institution. Known all over the World, there’s little that hasn’t be said about this old bus garage. 18 years young and still going strong. We’re proud to be one of its residents.
A: Gaunt Street
T: Elephant & Castle
Ministry of Sound
East Village
An intimate East London venue with a casual laidback vibe upstairs in contrast to it’s basement; Small rectangular room, great sound system, DJ box at 1 end, bar – no messing.
A: Great Eastern St
T: Old Street
Fabric
Unlike anything else in the capital. No frills interior and an uber-cool music policy that has made it famous the world over. Impeccable.
A: Charterhouse Street
T: Farringdon
matter
The new kid on the block. From the same family as Fabric, this young upstart is arguably now the best club in London, and unarguably the most technologically advanced club in the world.
A: Peninsula Square
T: North Greenwich
matter
Pacha
Bringing a touch of glamour to Victoria, the London arm of the global clubbing franchise plays host to the beautiful people every weekend to the early hours.
A: Victoria Street
T: Victoria
EGG
An infamous venue just north of Kings Cross, this place is known for its after-hours debauchery. One of the few remaining decent clubs in north London.
A: 200 York Way
T: Kings Cross
Hearn Street Car Park
A disused car park, this large Shoreditch space has hosted the likes of Miss Kitten, Kevin Saunderson, Chateau Flight
A: Hearn Street
T: Liverpool Street
Public Life
Not for the fainthearted or lightweights. An underground venue (literally) that is the king of the carry on, which usually opens its doors at 6am and carries on well into the afternoon.
A: Commercial Street
T: Liverpool Street
Cable
Housed within 2 railway arches. 2 rooms of equal size connected by one long bar. Bare brickwork and phenomenal sound system.
A: Bermondsey St Tunnel
T: London Bridge
Cable
Daltson Superstore
A relatively new urban space with definite touches of Shoreditch chic - before it went down the commercial route, that is. A great venue and if it maintains the same friendly atmosphere, it should only increase in popularity.
A: Kingsland Road
Star of Bethnal Green
The epitome of scruffy East End cool, the Star of Bethnal Green attracts a young,
up-for-it crowd and blends a laid-back pub vibe with the edgy music policy of London's best clubs.
A: Bethnal Green Road
T: Bethnal Green
T Bar
Recently relocated from Shoreditch down into Aldgate, T Bar still maintains its vibe, its regulars and its forward thinking music policy.
A: Houndsditch
T: Aldgate
The Lightbox
Boasting three innovative rooms adored by DJs, promoters and party goers alike, with the lightbox at the heart of the mayhem and covering the walls. Lighbox has become a staple venue for clubbers south of the river.
A: South Lambeth Place
T: Vauxhall
The Lightbox
Queen of Hoxton
Intricate window etchings, graffiti murals and indoor ivy, giant pool cues, neon lights and Pollock-esque paintings make this one of the capital's more interesting venues. Live music pretty much every night of the week plus regular big name acts add to it's fast-growing popularity.
A: Curtain Road
T: Liverpool Street
Plan B
With a stripped back, warehouse-style interior that lends itself to a top of the range sound system and after-hours partying, Plan B heralds the beginning of Brixton’s long awaited renaissance.
A: 418 Brixton Road
T: Brixton
Notting Hill Arts Club
The home of those infamous Lazy Dog Sunday afternoon throw downs, now home to cooler than cool nights YoYo and Alan McGee’s Death Disco.
A: Notting Hill Gate
T: Notting Hill
Bloomsbury Bowling Alley
Far more than just a bowling, the venue has a large cocktail bar made from bowling lane wood, a full service diner serving classic American fare and plenty of lounge space to dance and party in.
A: Basement of Tavistock Hotel
T: Russell Square
Plastic People
Another Underground East London venue (literally) which is intimate to say the least, but which only enhances to the vibe once that sound system is in full effect. Home to some legendary Innervisions parties.
A: Curtain Road
T: Old Street
Check out the rest of Our Guide to...London:
ATFC In The House London '10 is out now - click to listen & buy
