I've been to a fair few gigs here in my time and having experience of a lot of London gig venues, this is one of my favourites. The security are some of the nicest I've come across. At Scala the staff look through your bag, do a quick pat down search and if you look young ask for ID. Unlike other venues, where if you have food or drink you have to put it in the bin, Scala use a cloakroom system for items you can't take in. At the door they give you a ticket so you can collect your food on the way out - for free. Last time I went I didn't have my ID so they gave me a green wristband, but they were very lax and said it didn't matter because I had my friend to buy me drinks anyway. The venue itself is simple - walk up some stairs and there's the bar, cloakroom and merch area. Go through some doors and you're in the main stage area. Toilets are right at the top of the building and are impressively clean for a gig venue. What I love is that the stage area has a platform running round the edges and a lowered pit in the centre. This means that whether you're into moshing, dancing or just appreciating the sweet sound you can find an area to stand. Usually I go in the lowered floor and dance about but most recently I stood on one of the raised areas. Where I was stood just happened to be next to the stage door so I had the band standing right behind me watching the support acts. Such a friendly and intimate vibe. I haven't yet been to a club night here but for live music this venue is brilliant. read more

As an American tourist, I'd give it 4 stars. I would give it 5 stars for my own personal reasons. The club overall is incredible. The atmosphere fits the emo/goth/punk aesthetic. It's something that I will always admire about that night. The music was obviously my taste and they played so many great songs. The karaoke was an incredible addition to a party like this. People were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The drinks were great too! However despite that, I give it 4 stars because I went alone, and that's my problem in itself. I'm personally dealing with loneliness and depression, and going to these places is my escape in a way. I've met a few new people which is great! Gives me a bit of a step closer out of my comfort zone. People ask me if I'm okay, I tell them I am, had a few drinks, but I need to stop going to these by myself. It's not the kind of party to go alone in. I just have a hard time meeting new people, especially from personal trauma read more

Extremely rude staff at the door speaking condescendingly. We were told their hours on google are "office hours" not club hours... why is that even the case. Secondly, their website did not conspicuously state that there was no entry after 2am. We went all the way there just to be denied entry and spoken to extremely rudely. read more

Appalling racism and absurd self-justification from staff. My friend and a friend of his (both South Asian/Indian guys) got pulled aside from the queue and asked to leave and sober up. They had been very orderly and quiet the whole time there, while the groups in front and behind us were being loud, chanting, and acting visibly more drunk without them batting an eye...I know this does happen sometimes at club queues if you just happen to get picked on, but as I questioned them on why my friends were singled out without any viable reason, especially considering they were clearly not more drunk than anyone else there, the response from the woman who presumably was in charge was absolutely astonishing: she literally said - 'different' people react to alcohol differently, and they have take charge to prevent bad things from happening/she had to be responsible etc. From this statement, which I practically quoted here, it's plain to see the type of blatant discriminatory attitude that underlies the management of this establishment. She seemed beyond justified in implying that the reason why the ONLY two Indian men were singled out was because she had decided they were more threatening. This woman's role, along with the staff team's is to keep the venue safe for the paying customers, instead, she is using her position as an opportunity for personalized tyranny. It deeply saddens and angers me that this type of behaviour is normalized, and these staff members feel entitled with the little power they get to bully and humiliate people using their ill informed and racist logic. My friend had just moved to the city. London is known to be a diverse and welcoming metropolis, and this is now the impression being presented to its newcomers. This whole encounter was disgusting to say the least. I will never step foot in this rotted place and I will ensure the same thing is known for every single person I speak to. Clearly this was not an isolated incident based on reviews, and I doubt any persecution of the woman who made that revolting statement will change the fact that this general attitude is being tolerated by management, even by the people who frequent the place. This venue has an incredible history, and it's still meant to serve as a space for people to share love of music and community. If certain people are excluded from that, then what even is the fucking point? read more

The security on the door were absolutely disgusting. They were so rude, picking fights with others in the queue, man handling everyone and just being straight up disrespectful. What an awful start to the evening. The women in the cloakroom were also so rude. Bar staff were fine. Vomit all over the sinks and toilets. read more

(El Grande events at Scala)I have taken a basic salsa lesson in my twenties and exploring different latin theme events, the salsa instructors are really concise and very interactive with students at this venue. You get to meet new people, while salsa social dancing with opposite sex from international countries. read more

While I was living near King's Cross, Scala used to be one of my chosen venues for a night out, especially the Saturday Indie club night Chalk. The best thing about Scala is that it is set up for both DJs and live acts. It often hosts nights where you get a bit of both which is always fun. There is a big room downstairs with a main stage, and smaller room upstairs that is perfect for dancing your feet off and smaller live acts. The live schedule at Scala is very mixed, making it appeal to all types of crowds. One night they will host a hip hop act, the next an indie band, followed by a pop act. Scala is a great music venue, and you will be able to have fun there, whatever music you are after. read more

Scala - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

Scala is a really good gig venue, though it is terrifically expensive! I also met Carl Barat there once- I didn't realise it was him until he walked away, but still... pretty cool. There used to be a night on called Chalk which was actually quite bad, first few nights started off O.K... I think it was the crowd. The upstairs venue is really intimate, it has it's own bar and little seating booths. It's probably my favourite part. The downstairs stage is quite big, but not too big so makes a good dancefloor. There are also loads of little areas and corridors and stairways, so the drunker you get in there the more confusion is caused. It is great for a club night venue, depending on the people there- I think that is what used to annoy me about Chalk! read more

Scala - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

A stone's throw from Kings Cross, this is great, great venue to see a band doing the circuit. You would think the main chamber would be a bit bigger given the scale of the Scala, but as the other trusted reviewers have pointed out, it's just about the perfect size to create a unified atmosphere. The rabbit warren can be a little confusing, but is also very helpful for slipping yourself/friends into the VIP areas. Prospective bands get a wicked, if a little intimate, dressing room with good riders. I caught Dreadzone here last night and they were as cracking as ever. read more

Scala - Dub invasion stations! - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Scala, a former cinema, now a music venue/nightclub in Kings Cross is my favourite venue for seeing bands at. I've managed to see some of my favourite indie bands of recent years here; Manitoba/Caribou, Four Tet, Band of Horses, Built to Spill, Nada Surf, Modest Mouse, The Shins, Architecture in Helsinki etc., so I guess the venue has positive associations for me. It's a nicely laid out venue, aesthetically pleasing on the inside and looks quite pretty at night from the outside. There are multiple levels in the main gig floor/area and it goes up (iirc) 3 floors which means you usually can get a good view of the stage. A nice bit is the enclosed bar area above the main gig area (which is sometimes used as a VIP area), as it's air conditioned, which is pretty useful if you're seeing a gig in the middle of Summer and perhaps don't really fancy being up front moshing with the crowd. The view from this bar was decent, but it's been made a bit worse by the new roof of the sound desk which intrudes a bit into your line of vision, but I suppose that's a small price to pay for seeing a gig seated in air conditioning. The sound in this room is not the best I must admit, so I generally only come here for a drink before the main act starts. Pros - multiple tiering and floors (so usually a good view of stage can be gained somewhere despite sold-out gigs) - enclosed bar area - multiple bars and toilets - mostly cheap-ish - lots of great bands frequent the venue for some reason - good size for intimate gigs - good sound/acoustics Cons - can get rammed (but so does any venue) - bit confusing for non-regulars maybe - not the greatest view & sound from the enclosed/VIP bar - not in the greatest area, but there are some nice bars around read more

Scala - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

I love Scala for the same reason I love first dates: there's buzz when the doors first open, mystery around every corner, you're essentially in the dark and everything looks so damn sexy in low lighting... until you get frisked, which happens far too often in both cases. There's expensive booze, strange overpowering smells, and what could first be conceived as an illusion of smoke and mirrors, quickly morphs into a cozy and intimate evening. I must say, they are both fantastic for putting on a show! read more

Why can't all London venues be this awesome? It's so much smaller than your Brixton Academy or your HMV Forum... which is a big win in my book. The sound (handled by a technician inside a cage-like apparatus on the balcony area) is great in here. And I love the layout -- you never feel like you're cordoned off into one section if you're upstairs or down. I have one minor gripe with Scala and that is... a smoking section inside? Really? Get with the times, dudes, smoking is soooo lame now. Kinda smells like a dirty stale smoke-infested pub on the balcony. But if you're there for a great gig, chances are you won't even notice it. My tip to you: Try and snag a spot at the front of the railing in the upstairs area. The view is perfect, as is the sound. And (to use a phrase I think I've used in every venue review I've done in London) your face will be most certainly melted. read more

Yay! What a great venue! Tonight was my first visit to Scala, and I would definitely go back. Hopefully more acts I love will play there! Love the smaller feel. Scala is standing room only, but there are so many different levels at all sorts of angles that it's fairly easy to avoid the floor smushiness. The sound was excellent! Super easy to access from Kings Cross Underground. Quick and efficient coat check for £2, and the bar staff were lovely. read more

I went to a gig at Scala last night for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. The place appeared to have at least a hundred rooms and stairways, making me feel like I was entering the deepest pits of hell. This was a good thing, though, as I was there to see Italian horror movie soundtrack legends, Goblin. So the endless descent down red-walled stairways seemed appropriate. Despite a full house, wait at the bar was minimal. Sound was really good. Lina happy. One downside was the ridiculous queue system. 90 minutes after doors opened there was still an enormous queue outside--they could definitely streamline the process. read more

Last night was my first night at the Scala, I'd heard so much about it growing up in the UK. I went to see a youtube rapper. The sound system is pretty awesome and there's a sound/ lighting team pitched right in the middle of the hall in a massive cage! Not sure what its like on a normal club night but I think id like to check it out sometime for sure. read more

Came here to see WWPJ and was absolutely buzzing. Me and a friend had decided not to drink so we weren't spending lots of money. Went to the bar and asked for two pints of soda water thinking it would be free or £1 each at the very most. 6 pounds. 6 whole pounds. That's sextuple (6 times) the amount we assumed it would be. Are Scala trying to pay off their student loan? Take out a mortgage? Shocking behaviour. Bang out. Not coming back. Raging. read more

euff.. was I drunk here!!! I can't even remember the number of times I have been here, almost always to see fantastic live music. The last time it was Calvin Harris, yes sad I know, but it was before he was signed and he was actually quite cool! The great thing about this place is the space, even though it's smaller, there is always room to dance, never a too long queue at the bar and reasonable priced drinks. All in all a killer music venue. and club. read more

I love Scala it is quite different from other venues, there is an endless amount of corridors, stairs and rooms, everything is very dark & looks amazing in the low lighting they use. I been here for a couple of boxing events & one music venue and i have to say every time they did a great job with the sound & lights. The location makes it excellent for a night out as it is only 2 minutes from kings cross underground, so i am definitely going back to check out their normal nightclub nights. The only major issue is that you have to queue outside which is awful if it is cold. read more

Really fun venue! I went to Scala for Ladyhawke's first London gig and it was sold out, but you could still move, still go get drinks, dance around and get up close to the stage if you wanted, not like some of those claustrophobic clubs that pack everyone in like sardines.. I wish Scala was still the home of popstarz, because it was meant to be an alternative-to-soho club night, and now it's moved to the Den and it's kind of expensive.. Sadness aside, Scala does a diverse lineup so there's always something cool going on. The only thing I found tricky was the maze to get to the toilets, unless maybe there's another one that isn't up two flights of stairs and around a few corners... those are the last directions you want to hear when you really gotta go! read more

This place has a great vibe, but you need to know what you're getting yourself into. Went with a good mate of mine on a Saturday night to meet up with a girl he met online. Though we never ended up finding her, both of us had a blast. Scala is first and foremost a rock & roll club / venue. Never have I been in a place with more concentration of tattoos on both guys and girls outside of a tattoo parlor. I think I saw more girls with sleeve tattoos inside than all of London combined outside of the venue. I enjoyed it quite a bit. The place itself is a maze with lots of stairways and corridors and rooms with windows. I remember being at the standing area of the stage and seeing two rooms that I wanted to go to. I went for it, and after 4-5 flights of stairs, I was at another bar within the venue I had never seen before! It is a lot of fun running around getting lost in there, especially when you are a bit buzzed. The drinks are cheap and strong, a JD and coke setting you back less than half of what it would cost at any other club. Music was a bit heavy for me but still enjoyable. For me Scala is not going to be a reoccurring stomping ground, but when the stars align and I'm up for a night of rock & roll mischief, there is no substitute. read more

Based on my experience this place is poorly organised. Big event taking place at the Scala. You buy early bird tickets. You turn up an hour after doors open and wait an hour and a half in the coldest evening of the year to be let in. Even though you have tickets, you get man handled through the doors. You don't even get searched so you wonder what all the fuss was about. You see the queues for the cloakrooms and toilets so you carry your bag and coat around. The place packs up quickly and it's so busy and crammed you can't be bothered to go to the bar again after you've managed to get your first drink. It's soo busy, and you've been waiting so long for everything you leave never to return. Get better/more bouncers, bar staff, toilet cleaners, cloakroom attendance, everything. read more

Whenever I have been to the Scala, I have had the best time. It could be because of the gigs that I have seen, but it also could be because this place seems designed for hi jinks and naughtiness. I like that this place can be hired out to bands who aren't necessarily headliners. I have been here a couple of times to watch friends of mine who put a night together called White Mischief. They pack the floors with different bands, and stick burlesque performers into the nooks and corners of the building. Where ever you turned there was a performance. The only complaint that I have was that it gets ridiculously hot in the summer time. I'm not sure if there is air conditioning, but it certainly not on when I was there. Still, it meant everyone was stripping down, which always makes a crowd more friendly! It is also conveniently close to the station, and late night buses, so you are not stranded when you come here for a night. read more

Scala succeeds almost effortlessly. It has all one would want of a small venue in what is ultimately a mid-size space. Its location is awkward, and yet somewhat prescient. There's not much to look at at this juncture, but everyone who lives and/or parties in London north of the river passes by it rather regularly. They'd never know they were passing it, though, unless they'd been. Signage is minimal (if at all extant); and if you're headed there for the first time you'd best know where you're going and not expect to let the street tell you where to go. There are the trappings of large space - big, overpriced bars with epic queues, messy bathrooms - but for the most part seeing a show here is a relatively intimate experience. read more

Scala - courtesy http://www.scala-london.co.uk/scala/ - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Scala is a difficult venue to navigate. The main room is great for bands, however there is no bar in there, meaning if there's a gig and you're saving a space it's impossible to get a drink. If it's a club night it's irritating because you will lose your friends. It's a good place to host a multi room event though with 4 avaliable rooms. Bar prices aren't that cheap though, it kind of depends on what deals the promoter has negotiated. Location wise it's right next to Kings Cross Thameslink so very handy. N.B. Regular Friday night gay club Popstarz has now moved to Sin - http://www.qype.co.uk/place/74250-sin-London read more

I've been to see quite a few bands play at The Scala (Be Your Own Pet and the Crimea to name a couple) and attended the odd club night there in my uni days - it's a pretty nice place. It's one of those venues that seems really massive when it's rammed full of people but actually isn't all that big, though with separate club rooms and bars leading off a winding stone staircase that seems to go on forever it'd be pretty easy to get drunk and lose all your mates - I suppose that's as good a way as any to meet new people! As for getting shot there, Kings Cross has changed a lot even in the ten years I've been in London. I remember leaving in the early hours of a Sunday in 2001 and finding the streets barren, dark and a little bit frightening. This Saturday morning I happily rolled out of the place at 4am to find lights on everywhere, people in the streets and plentiful cabs. read more

As it's a club venue, whether or not you have a good time at Scala will depend hugely on who's night you attend, but I've found that there have been plenty of events worth attending at this venue over the years, including Torture Garden, White Mischief, the now defunct Popstars and many more! Based in once-seedy Kings Cross, it's in a fabulously old building with some interesting quirks. Great if you enjoy the sort of club that allows you to wander from room to room in search of something a bit different each time. read more

Scala is located near the heart of Kings Cross so there is a lot to do in the area, which is benefiting from all the regeneration work that is happening here. The venue itself is medium to small in size and hosts a variety of events. I went to a Tequila promotion here once and found the layout of the place somewhat confusing at the time, although it was a Tequila promotion which may have had something to do with my confusion. Generally a good place for a night out if something good is on. read more

What a lovely if odd venue the Scala is. Those staircases as you go in are confusing and then you think you're on the right level but end up in a different room. It's all good though - the balconies offer a great view of the stage and it is small and intimate enough that you are always going to be able to enjoy the band. Never been to a club night here so I can't comment on that but Laura Marling was lovely and I think I actually witnessed Mr Hudson disappearing up his own arse. read more

Not bad club to hear large phat tunes that were on display at the awesome DMC UK DJ finals. read more

Scala - Dance Clubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Scala is distinguished as a music venue only by its size, which is just right if an artist you want to see is playing there. This converted theatre is used as dance club, too, though I've not been here on those nights. The main music hall only holds a few hundred, most on the floor but there are some raised railed spots around the top which mean the view is better than many places with only a single level. There is an upstairs, but it's enclosed and possibly reserved for VIPs (I've never been up). Toilets are way upstairs. The layout can be a little confusing, to be honest. The air conditioning is often on full blast here, and it can be chilly if you're standing in the wrong spot. I've seen artists like Garbage, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Thomas Dolby, and Joan Osborne here. read more

Scala is a great gig venue! easy to get lost in but somehow end up back in the main gig room! the drinks are pricey but you dont need a drink to have a good time there! you can see the stage from almost anywhere and dont need to q for too long usually to get in! its a 2 minute walk from kingcross which is great for when you get tired feet after a great night! read more

This is a great venue, and the best of its size, far better than the Koko in my opinion. They host a range of music nights that usually err on the Rock and Indie side of things (or maybe thats just me). It has great sound, it's well programmed and creates a real buzz when the bands get it right. My only minor complaint would be that upon entry the security guards can be over dramatic. I had to put my items into a bowl and be thoroughly padded down. It felt momentarily like an airport! read more

This is a great live music venue. A spacious floor in front of the stage, raised areas towards the back if you don't want to get as involved, and a great sound for a venue of this size. I've been to numerous gigs here (Deerhoof, Les Savy Fav, Digitalism, The Walkmen) and it's my favourite mid-sized venue in London. There are other floors which open when this place turns into a club and it can be quite easy to get lost amongst them all, but then that's part of the charm of the place. There's even a weird glass area where you can watch the bands from behind the main standing area where all the sound comes from the PA as you wouldn't be able to hear it otherwise. Good for a few minutes for the novelty but far better to get up the front! read more

This is very centrally located which means it's ideal for getting the train to. I like this venue mainly because it's small. It makes the gig very intimate which is nice. I also like how it is layed out over the three floors, it means more people get to have a good view of the band without feeling pressured to stand right at the front in a massive crowd. The gigs I have seen at Scala have all been quite civilised. None of this mosh pit rubbish that you get at other venues. I love that the stage is at quite a low level and has no real security distance between the audience, it definitely makes it feel as if you're closer to the band! Love it! read more

Scala as a music venue is fab. it provides everyone in the audience with a intimacy with the performer that you don't find in bigger venues. i have been to a couple of gigs there and have enjoyed both thoroughly. The toilets are easily accessible and easy to find. You never have to cue too long at the bar and the prices are average compared to other venues. As it is such a small venues acts play here before they make it big so it seems to be packed full of their most hardcore fans. When i saw Robyn as Scala it was great to be around people who knew the whole album rather than just the one song she had released. over-all a top venue. Keep your eye out for your favourate up and coming bands playing at Scala read more

Scala is close to Kings Cross station, an area which has seen quite a lot of improvements and rehabilitation in the last few years. It used to be a cinema but was shut down for showing illegal prints of underground classics like A Clockwork Orange. As a music venue it is pretty good, being medium sized and normally showcasing bands which will go on to much bigger venues. Downstairs can get a bit packed, and I recommend headed upstairs to the balcony, where you can get a good view and a rail to lean on. The booking office is open during the day, so you can buy tickets in person and avoid nasty fees etc. read more

One of my most visited venues for gigs! Great acoustics and two balconies in the main space that it is great to watch the shows from. read more

this place is an absolute labyrinth of stairs, corridors and rooms, which is why I like it. I have only ever been to raves here, and it suits it down to the ground if you want to get messy, wander round getting lost, meeting new people and generally having a very fun time. it is very difficult to describe the layout if im being honest. you enter off the street and start climbing marble stairs in search of music and good times. this will be a familiar theme throughout the evening! Basically, where you will want to head is the main room, towards the back of the building, which is a big room/arena with a stage and a large dancefloor, where all the best DJs will be playing. how you get there is tricky, as there are several flights of stairs leading to it (I think you have to go up to go down if you catch my drift), which also branch off to 2 or 3 other rooms, behind and above the main room. Depending on the promotion the sound system will be nice and loud, with added décor and lights. down a load of stairs at the bottom left of the main room is a tiny courtyard where people smoke, but people generally smoke on the stairs as well, and careful of the munted punters chilling out on every available surface. Basically, its a bit of an adventure, you will get lost and you will laugh about it the next day, but all in all its a very good venue! read more

Meh! If they can get more toilets, better bars, with more barmen that are actually helpful then there's a possibility that a night out here would work well. There is an issue with the aircon in the top level room as at one point I thought I was in a sauna rather than a club. Sound system is good and love the many stairs leading to the rooms which can give you a break from the crowded dance floors. read more

I went for the first time ever to Scala for a club night this weekend. The venue in itself is nice, but the security staff is a disgrace. Several of the people attending this events were inappropriately touched during the body search (in intimate places) before entering the venue, and I experienced having my skirt lifted up during the search, something I found very offensive and unnecessary. Based on the unpleasant experience with the security staff I will never go back to this place unless they do something about their security staff. read more