4 Denmark Street is an address steeped in music history. In the Sixties, it was home to Regent Sound Studios where the Rolling Stones made their first album, the Kinks recorded You Really Got Me Going and Black Sabbath laid down Paranoid. It seems fitting that Alley Cat should be in the basement of such a fabled building (in the space formerly known as Peter Parker’s), as it plays great music from a bygone era, music that you won’t hear in many other places around town.

The Venue
The walk down the steps to Alley Cat fills you with the anticipation that you’re entering an underground scene. Although it seems tucked away, it’s conveniently placed, just off Tottenham Court Road, but don’t expect the glitz of neighbouring Soho establishments - this crypt of 50s and 60s retro cool is for the unpretentious. The uncultivated surroundings are filled with furniture that has a custom worn-in look to create a laid back feel.

The long narrow one-room venue is a tight squeeze but it’s that close proximity to other drinkers that encourages the social vibe. The staff smile and serve, squished in behind the skinny bar, and the DJ booth can only accommodate the most svelte selectors. Small, but with heaps of character, what it lacks in space it makes up for in ambience.

There’s a raised platform tucked in the back that doubles as a stage for live gigs and a dance floor for the exhibitionists on DJ nights. Projections of black and white movies and period photos provide an appropriate backdrop to proceedings.

The Atmosphere
It’s cosy, dark and conducive to unreserved dancing and mingling. Somehow the crowd are both chilled-out and up for it in equal measure.

The daily happy hour from 5pm-8pm draws an after work crowd of predominantly trendy media types who work in the area. This makes it a welcome alternative hangout to boozy West End meat markets.

The Music
Regular nights showcase jazz, blues, ska, rock and roll, and garage rock. This music policy attracts aficionados and vintage fashion fans, who, almost like film extras, add to the nostalgic appeal of the place.

The Drink
The list of classic cocktails (£7) is adequate and bog standard bottled beers (£3.50) are fine, at a price point that’s reasonable for the pockets of the youngish punters. The cabernet sauvignon and pinot grigio house wines (£5) lack inspiration somewhat. But nights here are for fun music lovers not fussy wine connoisseurs.

The Last Word
It’s easy to get sucked in by the easy going atmosphere and hard to leave once the quality, hard to find tunes kick in.

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