The O2,
Peninsula Square,
Greenwich,
London,
SE10 0DY
(020) 8463 3070
The ViewLondon Review
After a reported £1 million refurb, the space formerly inhabited by superclub Matter has now reopened under the ownership of the highly-regarded Proud group. And with successful ventures including Proud Camden and Proud Cabaret, their latest and biggest site to date offers an explosive combination of live bands, big name DJs, burlesque and cabaret performers, as well as a healthy dose of the unexpected.
The Venue
Those who attended Matter won’t notice many structural changes but the whole venue has been re-branded and re-decorated in keeping with Proud’s arty roots and their cabaret and burlesque leanings. Gone are Matter's grey, industrial interiors - at least, they‘ve been newly painted with psychedelic patterns or speakeasy-themed art, and they‘ve added chandeliers to create a retro dancehall feel. The building remains a great place to explore, with a second room emblazoned with what looks like a twist on Damien Hirst’s spot prints, and numerous nooks and crannies to get lost in across all three floors in the main space. The live element is one that Proud are sure to be able to make the most of, and with balconies on the first and second floor affording views over the stage area, this is a great place to watch bands.
One of the most noticeable changes is that outside there’s now a bar and around 10 beds. Reminiscent of club terraces in Ibiza, this space is ideal for the warmer months where the views over the Thames to Canary Wharf make a big impression, although the heaters and ad hoc entertainment from the venue’s own cast of theatrical entertainers make it a viable space all year round.
Of course there’s always the question of how to get home from the 02. With transport issues blighting its predecessor, Proud are running their own shuttle bus service to and from central London (£2), and large queues of taxis outside will surely help make the trip home an easier one than was previously the case.
The Atmosphere
Reflective of the genre-mashing music and entertainment policy, you should expect a mixture of different crowds. The fashionable indie kids will come for the live bands, a slightly older and more dressed up crowd will be drawn by the burlesque entertainment, and there’ll also still be a contingent of hardcore clubbers ready to strut their stuff right up until the lights go up at the bigger events.
Staff, from the door team to the bar staff, are exceedingly friendly and the outfits for the girls – a showgirl look including stockings and suspenders – is a head turner if ever there was one.
The Music
Genre-crossing combinations of live bands, DJs, celebrities and entertainers, but with a healthy smattering of mainstream names and underground acts with serious respect. The opening night saw The Bees and Mystery Jets play live, fashion designer and TV personality Henry Holland manning the decks and the Cuban Brothers causing a riot on stage, while trapeze artists whirled away high above the dancefloor. The first month of bookings sees Radio 1 jocks like Nick Grimshaw and Zane Lowe sharing the decks with hip-hop man of the moment Mr Hudson, indie/electro darling Little Boots, soulful house hero Tom Middleton and veteran selectors like Danny Rampling.
The Drink
Expect to pay a price in keeping with a London club of this size; bottles of Tiger and Fosters cost around £4 for a small bottle. Spirits include Appleton or Havana Club rum and Eristoff vodka, while shots of Jagermeister and Sambuca are on hand to get the party started. Buckets for champagne and cava also seem popular amongst those sat in the booths on level two.
The Last Word
A space like this stunning 2,600 capacity venue needs to bring in a whole horde of different people and audiences, so Proud2’s mix and match approach, incorporating the best in bands, burlesque and beats, looks like the perfect one.
Proud2 has been reviewed by 33 users