I went to see The Roots at The Forum this weekend and although most of my enjoyment was down to…read morethem being an incredible band, some of it had to do with the venue, which I rate highly. As a sprightly, young music fan, I used to get standing tickets for every concert because I wanted to be at the front, hugging the speaker and as close as possible to whoever was on stage. Now at the ripe old age of 24, I may be getting a bit old for this kind of behaviour and so for the first time ever, opted for seated balcony tickets. When we arrived and moved through the fast moving queue I started to worry that buying seats meant that you had to sit in them; I just wanted to be on the balcony for a better view. My fears turned out to be unfounded; the seating is comprised of tiered, cushioned benches that curve around the balcony. It was unreserved too so even though we arrived late, we still managed to squeeze in with another friend at the front. There are several bars at The Forum, so the queues for drinks were nothing like what I've seen in other large music venues and they are inside the auditorium so getting a beer doesn't mean missing half the gig. It's very grand inside with a huge chandelier hanging from the high ceiling and gold detailing on every available surface. The only complaint about this venue is the sound wasn't particularly good, especially after the gig, the DJ set was so quiet it sounded as though the speakers were in a different room.

I came to see Manu Chao here last night, which was an amazing concert with an electric atmosphere…read more Everyone was jumping up and about for most of the evening. It was sold out, but still not terribly crowded. A pint of beer was decent at 3.20 pounds, not extortionate but you're not allowed re-entry. Might as well have a drink before. It was not too small and not too big, perfect for an intimate concert. Its divided into two levels with lots of chairs upstairs, where you can sit with a great view of the stage. The cloakroom was terribly crowded at the end of the night, but the manager and security team managed the crowd really well (mini London mob... don't we know them well). Awesome concert, decent venue.

Wonderful place…read more They had good food and reasonably priced drinks. The live music was awesome (although not jazz the night we went). We found their events on eventful.com. They had some stuff listed at the vortex. It's also really close to a tube station so it's easy to get to without a car. Seating is a little bit cramped, but possible. We didn't really have to wait. They also have outdoor seating.

I am new to Jazz, being a convert after my wife's influence and listening to the various channels…read moreon Play. After reading about the various Jazz venues in London I was drawn to Vortex because it is affordable and run by volunteers. I was not dissapointed by the music and the venue was better than I expected. Me, I am not that particular so this is my view but others said that it was a bit run down. I suspect that if you are more high brow then Dalston and it's establishments are not for you. The drinks are a bit expensive. The staff are very friendly and casual. As this is the first time I have been to a Jazz venue it is hard to make a comparative review. However we had a good time listening to the music and I would recommend Vortex to anyone who wants to try out the Jazz scene.

Cool atmosphere and music. Many many tasty and unique drinks to pick from. I am no lush, but for…read morethe price of these pretty little fancy drinks I would suggest they include a little bit more alcohol. This place can get pricey, if you're looking for a buzz go somewhere else.

Another location of the cocktail bar chain BE AT ONE…read more The review of other locations will give you a pretty good idea of what this establishment is like, if my notes do not suffice. It's a very interesting take on the speakeasy formula. By use of social media and their own Bar at one app they're trying to build a community around their chain. The app has the full menu, which seems standard across all the outlets. You rate your drinks and take notes and you get promo info though this app and other internet stuff. Worth a look if you're interested in technology and marketing. This is relevant even if you're not interested in the social media angle because by signing up through their little app you get this happy hour promo which is 2 cocktails (the same kind, no mix and match) for ten quid. So our group paired up and did rounds. 5 pounds a cocktail here (using the promo) is a good deal. The normal 10ish pounds is not. I tried the BANDAQ (banana daquiri), their Oreo milkshake - (Toblerone-esque), and an old fashioned. The first two were very good drinks. The Oreo milkshake one was the best chocolate milkshakes I've had in a while. The old fashioned was ok but very thin. And I hazard that they are a bit tight on the boozy component of a cocktail. So you probably won't get the full dose you're expecting for 10 quid. But only alcoholics like me count drinks this way, if you're out with some gal-pals or boy-pals for the social fun, this does the trick. If you play by their rules with their apps and other tech whizbangs, you can have a pretty good time. I wouldnt recommend to hard-core cocktail snobs or functioning alcoholics. Otherwise Worth a try.

I went here for a first date and was a little wary when it was suggested as every time I had walked…read morepast it seemed a little 'un-chic'. I have to say though I was proved wrong and on entering from the manic crowds of Piccadilly, it is actually a gorgeous place. The lighting is dim and there is loads of seating - we had no problem at all finding a table on a Saturday evening. The area around the back is the best as it is a little less crowded. The decor is extremely glamorous - lots of velvet, draped curtains and chandeliers - almost tacky but not quite. Jewel is actually quite sophisticated and a great place for a date! The cocktails are brilliant - they make a fantastic cosmo and the bar staff are great fun.

Piccadilly is a no go for me - touristy, no soul and only considered in emergency. Now where would…read moreI go if I meet someone who does not know London that well: Jewel bar - it is central, piccadilly - easy to find - a good start! Entering the bar, I first was asked if I was over 21, any lady takes that as a compliment. Inside mystic atmosphere welcomed me: candles, chill out music and chandeliers hanging from the sealing. You know what - despite my entire preconception I liked it. It is not a place were locals go out as it is so central in London, but lots of people start their night there for some after work drinks. This is also more the clientele - people in suits and skirts. I ordered a red wine and some olives - but I guess this is more of a cocktail bar. I also did the toilet test - very clean and styled, another factor, which seemed exceptional. If you walk around the corner there will be a different area waiting for you which has even more the glamorous and oriental look - jewels all over!

I always moan about Soho post midnight. The bars tend to shut right about the time the prince turns…read moreinto a frog, however I was in for a pleasant surprise. Weirdly enough, Lo Profile isn't stationed underneath sister bar Profile on Frith Street, instead it's tucked away on Wardour Street although the queue peppers the late night streets on occasion. Formerly Camouflage, the club has been refurbished, currently owned by Vince Power and is a part of the Gaydar portfolio of W1 clubs. Each night is themed, the music ranging from classic, funky dance and electro-house to more progressive house. Good space, male dominated and fairly priced, but in a different league to G.A.Y Late or Candy Bar.

Good bar serving great spirits. Little pricey to get in but service is good. Open late, good…read morelooking staff. Fun atmosphere and mixed crowd, def my choice over say heaven as a late night venue.

214 E. 6th St. (512) 479-0474…read moreThis hip music venue in downtown Austin features beautiful hardwood floors and a great selection of beer at the bar. It is a very clean and well-kept venue with fantastic acoustics and lighting. The Parish Room chooses to be non-genre specific, though many of the artists who play here can be classified as some form of rock (many indie rock).

Nice pub with friendly staff and good fun if you like a sing along!read more

This venue is a ten-minute stroll from my front door, but its kerb appeal isn't that great. Coupled…read morewith the fact that it makes an appearance in Mark Billingham's crime novel 'In The Dark' as a location for gang members to do their dodgy dealings, I've never been that tempted to pay it a visit. But last night the prospect of DODGY (yes - DODGY!) playing there couldn't keep me away. It's actually a really cool music venue, with a big bar area at the front, which opens out at the back into a performance area with a stage and plenty of room for lots of people to get a good view. The acoustics were great too. But - and perhaps this is me just showing my age here - the headline band not coming on until 12.15am was a tad too late in my (square) opinion, especially when the clocks went forward an hour, which meant they didn't finish until about 2.30am! But a decent enough spot, and I'd definitely be interested in going to some more gigs there in the future.

This is a big venue/pub with lots of big comfy sofas, and live music at the back. The stage is big,…read morethe sound good, and the drinks reasonable. Run by members of Alabama 3, a well know Brixton based band, as well as the Brixton Jamm. It has a nice atmosphere, and Alabama 3 often DJ and play here! The only problem I had was the prices. You had to have ticket to get in, and there where around eight pounds. If you've got a ticket you're sorted! Its right near the bus stop, and I would definitely venture here again.