Whether as a pre-club meeting zone or full blown riotous nightspot, walk in, kick back and slam-dunk the funk at Clerkenwell House.

The Venue
To say Hatton Gardens now has another kind of shimmering jewel hidden within its back alleys may be cack-handed if it was not so true. A brief hiatus, due to a mass refurbishment and a change of ownership, has seen Clerkenwell House return to form, and many say it’s better than ever. There is definitely a small club buzz across the three floors: an elevated and sizeable dancefloor directly next to the accessible DJ booth; the calming first floor chill out room; and booths, which never fail to exclude revellers from the action. Additionally, in the basement there are even pool tables for those in need of a change of pace.

The Atmosphere
Stylish, sophisticated, perhaps even chic, while the next person may have slashed jeans, a baggy t-shirt and bed hair. Either way, the crowd is beautifully mixed, and in the end that may rocket Clerkenwell House into the upper echelons of nightspots. This microcosm of East Central London nightlife will hopefully stay preserved, and one can only hope that management and a lassaiz-faire attitude to door policy can keep this fusion alive.

The Music
Funk rules the wheels of steel. Hands in the air big tunes are played beside lesser-known rare groove classics, and all and more besides exudes out with equal ferocity. The music (along with the atmosphere) at Clerkenwell House may shift to tougher house with tinges of electro-lite later in the evening, but the personalities of the DJs still shine through, which makes the transition from the social mobility of a bar to the carnage of the local clubs smoother.

The Drink
A rather extensive collection of wines at Clerkenwell House fits in line with the recent national favouring of grape over barley. Failing slightly, however, are the cocktails, which vary from staff to staff in both strength and quality. No doubt over time this will be rectified and this should only be put down to teething problems.

The Last Word
An outstanding music selection and a relaxed atmosphere all wrapped up in a stylish bar that deserves to shine.

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