333 Old Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
EC1V 9LE
0872 148 3679
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Heard Hoxton is no longer cool? Mother Bar would gladly argue otherwise.
The Venue
Neighbouring the 333 Club in Shoreditch and sitting at the same address, 333 Mother is really easy to find. It’s positioned just off Hoxton Square and takes about five minutes to walk from Old Street tube or ten minutes from Liverpool Street station. From the outside, it doesn't look great; the un-marked entrance practically sits on the road and the bouncers don't do much to encourage you inwards. However, once you've stepped up a dingy stairwell – hopefully without waiting for too long outside in an ungated area – and entered the first bar, it's likely you'll start to relax.
There are two large square rooms, one of which has a stage area for bands. A long, black padded bar is split with a wall and runs through the two rooms. Other features include plenty of vintage-looking – and arguably uncomfortable – sofas and black vinyl seats, a floor that looks like a chequer board and lots of mirrors all over the walls. The first room you enter will remind you of a rather cool living room. This is a veteran Hoxton venue, it's not a try-hard conversion or sleek, trendy bar by any means, and therein lies its appeal.
The Atmosphere
Despite what some people think about bars in this area, 333 Mother isn’t a pretentious place. And the bar isn’t solely crammed with twentysomething skinny-jean wearing Shoreditch students. A variety of people visit this bar to see the bands and DJs play, often travelling from outside of the area, so you'll find a scattering of non-Londoners here, too. You won't be judged on the way you move on the dancefloor or the amount of drinks you have at the bar in this venue, you will be judged on the time you choose to go home. This bar is often open until 1am and many people will be gathering people up to find a party once it's all over.
The Music
333 Mother hosts a huge variety of DJ acts and bands; everything from electro and nu-rave acts to alt-Americana bands. Most nights of the week there's a band or DJ in and it's probably a good idea to check the listings ahead of time – the range of acts is so great you could love or hate what's on. Entry is usually free and never more than a fiver if a band is on. What you won't be hearing, however, are commercial tunes, cheesy pop or RnB jams, so if that’s your thing this probably won't be your cup of tea.
The Drink
Don't come to 333 Mother expecting a detailed drink menu, cocktails or anything too specialist. Beer and cider are pretty basic - think Brothers, Strongbow, Red Stripe and Guinness, and there's a basic selection of wine. This is very much a spirit and mixer type of place.
Drinks aren't that cheap either, but this is no different to anywhere else in the area. A glass of wine or a pint costs around £4, a spirit and mixer £4-6, and shots are £3.50.
The Last Word
333 Mother is an eclectic and unpretentious place in terms of music, clientele and decor and is worth checking out if you want to catch the latest acts on the music scene.