38 Great Eastern Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
EC2A 3ES
0871 971 3927
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch is owned and managed by cult publication and all round cool kids Vice. The pub is a guaranteed safe haven for hipsters worried about scuffing their moccasins and provides a good selection of live bands and DJs seven days a week.
The Venue
Affectionately known as ‘The Vice Pub’ it’s perched on the corner of Curtain Road and Great Eastern Street, in the heartland of the Shoreditch Twat, and it has an old school Victorian front. Refurbished in 2010, the inside of the venue was dramatically changed from shabby walls and vile toilets, emerging with new lavvies, comfy leather chesterfield-style sofas and a more accessible bar in the lounge area. The upstairs live room is intimate and it has a small stage and bar area that becomes packed during busy nights.
The Atmosphere
Depending on what night you go, the atmosphere can switch from chilled and hazy to absolute carnage. The live band nights attract huge crowds and create gridlock on the pavement outside as the vibe gets energetic and hectic. In typical Vice style you may observe girl on girl action, girls getting topless for dirty old rockers and scenesters from, well, every denomination.
The Music
The music is the aorta of this venue and apart from trendy kudos, it is the reason why a lot of the clientele hang out at the O.B.L. Everyone from Florence and the Machine to The Drums have graced the stage at some point during their career. Last year Red Bull Music Academy presented a mixed showcase of bands and DJs during their London takeover, and cool club nights like Bounty, Musicalia and Keep It On The DL operate out of this venue.
The Drink
Drinks are reasonably priced with a good selection of draughts (Leffe, Staropramen, Stella, Guinness) and bottled beers. Gin and tonics start around the £3.50 mark.
The Last Word
If you are young, new in town or just fancy a bit of people watching, a trip to the Old Blue Last immerses you in a world of bizarre haircuts, future trends and germinating musical scenes.