267 The Broadway,
Wimbledon,
London,
SW19 1SD
0872 148 4816
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Wimbledon’s top independent venue offers students, bands, booze... and no Burberry!
The Venue
The Watershed is often overlooked by the drinkers of Wimbledon because of its long distance from the station. The twenty minute trek here is hefty, especially after a pint or two, but certainly worth the exercise. Inside, the spacious dancefloor and club can easily accommodate over three hundred people, whilst the chilled out bar room seating area offers a chance to relax and sit back on leather coaches, surrounded by creative lighting and rather artistic graphic murals on the walls.
The Atmosphere
The Watershed famously advertises itself with its door policy: ‘No kids, no chavs, no Burberry, no sleazy old men, no hoodies’ and consequently appeals to a predominantly student-based crowd from the local art college. Unusually for Wimbledon, groups of men are often turned away, especially later on in the evening, to ensure an equally mixed sex crowd and a lower level of teenage testosterone. If you want to make it in make sure you invite an equal share of guys and girls on your night out, as the bouncers have a reputation for their no nonsense policy.
The Music
Live bands play here until about 11pm every Friday whilst the bar serves drinks at reduced prices. On Friday this is followed by Furtive: a night of indie hits, classic Britpop and well known club tunes. On Saturday the venue turns in to a comedy club called Laughing Horse until 11pm, when it subsequently turns into a club night called Sauce: an over 20s student and locals' night featuring cheese, indie and alternative music.
The Drink
Prices at Watershed are kept in line with local pubs. However, some nights have great deals like pre-arranged group entry allowing you to have two drinks for the price of one on your first round at the bar (which means you should probably make it a big one). The bar serves the usual selection of bottled beers (Becks, Stella, Corona), alcopops, wine (a small selection of cheap plonk) and spirits (Jack Daniels, Smirnoff vodka, Bacardi rum) and is always rammed between 11pm and 12am, so get in there early.
The Last Word
The Watershed is a safe, raucous, student-friendly venue for a late night out in suburban London. Fans of laid back clubbing will love it, especially as the owners will be only too pleased if you turn up in jeans and a T-shirt - just not a Burberry one!
The Watershed has been reviewed by 4 users