Notting Hill Arts Club is a real charmer with an eclectic mix of music and faces. The casual and unpretentious atmosphere means that even if you’re not one of the city’s cool kids you can still have a good night.

The Venue
A two minute walk from Notting Hill Gate tube you should find the simple, wooden doors to the Notting Hill Arts Club - should because they’re easily missed.

Once inside, head down the stairs to little coves where graffiti-sprawled walls weave their way beneath Notting Hill’s streets. The interior is what you’d expect from an arts club - a little grimy with a certain panache and style. It has that just woken up look that's still beautiful. Due to its small size there’s not much in the way of seating, just a few sofas for lounging and some standard tables and chairs. In the middle of the space is a circular bar that keeps to the modern but messy style. There’s also a small stage that is just big enough for live bands and a shadowy little dancefloor.

The rest of the club is well lit, allowing you to appreciate the stylish, arty decor. In all, Notting Hill Arts Club is one of London’s truly original venues and is brimming with unrivalled character and charm.

The Atmosphere
Whilst it’s certainly a haven for London’s cool kids, a diverse crowd comes out in force at Notting Hill Arts Club, making the atmosphere friendly and welcoming. The wide range of nights and music results in a mixed bag of clubbers, with everyone there to have a good night and meet new people. It’s a very relaxed, fun atmosphere and you’ll never feel out of place despite the style icons that may surround you.

The club is at its finest when bands take to the stage, as the music and venue generate a real buzz of creativity. Be warned though, nights can get very busy and the little club quickly becomes packed. The bar staff are efficient and friendly; even when the place is full you’re served quickly and greeted with a smile. The door staff are surprisingly charming and the relaxed atmosphere means they rarely have to deal with trouble.

The Music
Music is where Notting Hill Arts Club really excels. Renowned as a platform for up and coming bands there’s top quality live music on most nights. In particular, Death Disco on Wednesdays run by indie king and resident DJ Alan McGee. Death Disco also attracts some indie royalty behind the decks with previous guest DJs including Courtney Love, Tim Burgess and Mick Jones. It can certainly be a night for star spotting.

Saturday afternoons and evenings also offer more great live music with Rough Trade’s band showcase. yOyO on Thursdays offers something a bit different with DJs Seb Chew and Leo Greenslade playing urban beats without the typical chavvy overlays. The huge range of music means there’s something for everyone, just don’t expect any chart cheese. Excellent tunes are the basis of this club.

The Drink
Drinks are reasonably priced for the area and although the menu isn’t huge, it does the job. There’s no draught beer, but bottles from Lapland and Peru keep it interesting and are priced from just £3. The wine (starting at £13 a bottle) is New World and Champagne is also available, along with a wide range of spirits. The bar staff make some mean cocktails (priced at the £7 mark) and they should definitely be sampled. Organic options are also available for beers, wines, selected cocktails and spirits. Keep an eye on their happy hours when there’s plenty of opportunity to grab some cheap drinks.

The Last Word
If you like your music and want to relax amongst a trendy yet welcoming crowd then this club is ideal. It’s one of the most original venues in London and the unrivalled character and charm of Notting Hill Arts Club should keep you smiling all night.

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