Who would have thought it? Beneath the typical pub exterior of The Phoenix lies a pretty decent club space, where everything from live gigs to country and western nights are held.

The Venue
Located beneath The Phoenix pub - a traditional boozer - lies this club space. With its own entry point and located in what you may assume is a dark basement, this is a surprising find, which is fast becoming popular through word of mouth. It’s made up of a large room with its own small bar with space for a DJ or live band on a stage area, a few seats dotted around (apart from on the comedy nights when more seating is brought down), a cloakroom and a decent lighting and sound system - far beyond what you might expect. It’s no Pacha, granted, but it is a decent example of a pub getting a club area right.

A nice touch are the loos. The men’s toilet has an image of Superman and the girl’s has Wonder Woman - spray painted on in traditional graffiti comic book style that Banksy would be proud of. Inside, they are as plush as toilets get, with red decadent sofas to sit and wait on and beautiful wallpaper in purple and gold. It all adds to the allure and the feeling you’ve stumbled across something of a hidden gem.

The Atmosphere
Obviously, the atmosphere at The Phoenix Club depends upon what night it is and, therefore, the type of clientele. However, you can always expect in the know people out to have fun, not cause trouble. This place isn’t heavily advertised - there’s no big awareness campaign – most arrive having been told about it by their mates. Word of mouth is key to this club, and it shows in the laid back nature that emits itself from every facet of the venue.

The only down side is that you are always made to wait outside to get in. Even if you’ve spent all evening in the pub. Because of the way the money is taken at the bottom of the stairs, it’s a hazard for them to let everyone straight down. Instead, you’re led outside - no matter how cold it is or how hard it’s raining - and asked to wait to be allowed back in. This may be a 5 minute wait or it may be considerably longer. Just be prepared.

The Music
The music at The Phoenix, again, depends on the night. On its hugely popular country night - Sin City - you can expect everything from Sweet Home Alabama (expect the crowd to go nuts) to traditional Christian country tunes. However, they also host regular heavy rock nights, live gigs of various genres, plenty of Indie with various twists on the norm, motown, pop, rock ‘n’ roll, and even a monthly comedy night. Whatever you tastes, it’s worth checking out on a night that appeals to you.

The Drink
Unlike the incredibly well stocked bar upstairs, downstairs is all about the basics. The prices are the same as in the pub (making this a VERY cheap way to go clubbing), but beer is served in plastic cups and the vibe is more studenty. Drink your fill upstairs and top up on a vodka and coke, gin and tonic, or lager and don’t think too much about it. Downstairs is all about the music and the atmosphere.

The Last Word
The Phoenix is a great example of how a pub can go that extra mile and do it well. The basement club is well thought out and niche enough that it regularly pulls in a huge crowd. Check ahead to see what night they’re having, choose carefully and get there early - they are regularly filled to capacity.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (4) club listings