Cecil Sharp House,
2 Regent's Park Road,
Camden,
London,
NW1 7AY
0871 971 5987
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Get your dancing shoes out for a spot of dancing at one of the liveliest, friendliest venues in the capital.
The Venue
Cecil Sharp House is tucked away in Primrose Hill village, a stone's throw from bustling Camden town. This is a pretty area with fancy pubs and restaurants nearby.
On passing through the reception area, guests hit the dancefloor: a large, impressive wood-panelled hall with a mural directly in front. Wooden benches and some lino-covered steps stretch around the hall to allow spectators and anyone taking a break to sit down. The building also has a bar downstairs (and sometimes a second bar is open), and two rooms with chairs and tables to sit down between dances. Downstairs, there are further rooms in which other smaller classes like Baroque dancing takes place. In the summer, access is often allowed from the dance hall into the garden area, although this depends on noise levels.
The Atmosphere
Cecil Sharp House attracts a variety of clientele, from pensioners and older members who attend many of the smaller classes downstairs, to teenagers. The wide age range encourages everyone to dance with each other, and swapping partners gives nights here a friendly, relaxed family feel. Clientele dressed in kilts or tartan, girls often wear skirts, which adds to the atmosphere.
The Music
There are several different nights when Cecil Sharp House hosts ceilidh dancing, from Ceildh Club nights to Knees Up Cecil Sharp nights. At these events different bands play Ceildh music – Scottish country dancing - with set dances like the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow. On other nights, the bands and music is provided for other English folk dances, such as Barn Dances. In the ground floor rooms smaller, group classes are held in different English folk dancing.
The Drink
There are a variety of drinks at Cecil Sharp House, typical of an average pub - wine, beer and soft drinks are on sale at reasonable prices (about £3.50 for a glass of wine, or £9 for a bottle). Some snacks are also available, the cakes are very good (subject to availability). Guests even receive a complementary piece of shortbread at the end of the night.
The Last Word
A lively night out – the set dances promise plenty of exercise and laughs as you spin round the large hall.
Cecil Sharp House has been reviewed by 2 users