289 Kilburn High Road,
London,
NW6 7JR
0871 971 3834
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
It’s all about the music at the Good Ship, where you won’t find designer decor or stroppy staff getting in the way of a good tune.
The Venue
A musical haven on the bustling Kilburn High Road, The Good Ship is a pretty basic venue, with the main bar area as you walk in and a raised seating area above the dance floor and stage at the back. Exposed brickwork, stripped floor boards and wooden blinds on the large windows sit alongside purple leather-effect seats and sticky plastic tables. With its 4am licence at weekends and 2am during the week, an eclectic 100 CD juke box and good sized space, it successfully manages to be a great bar, club and live music venue in one.
The Atmosphere
It attracts a mainly young crowd who flock to hear the great mix of up-and-coming bands and DJs. It exudes a nice laid back, down to earth attitude, with friendly staff and the feeling that everyone is there to appreciate the music and have a good time. It’s available for free private hire, has big screens showing sport and all day music sessions that go down a storm. It holds 240 people and manages to maintain quite an exclusive atmosphere, which is probably because it’s not the most well known music venue around – but then that’s what makes it cool.
The music is a mix of indie, punk, Motown, funk, disco, rock, reggae, folk, dance, phew - pretty much anything goes as long as it’s good. You really get the feeling you’re seeing some raw talent and you can guarantee to hear fantastic new music whatever night you visit, which warrants the £3 - £7 entry fee. There are live bands and DJs most nights, and an intimate acoustic session on Sunday nights, which is the perfect end to the weekend, with a lovely chilled out vibe and newcomers invited to introduce themselves for future slots. The cracking juke box speaks for itself and is a rare find these days.
The Drink
There’s a reasonably priced and well stocked bar that serves beer bottled and on tap, as well as a good, modest selection of wines and your standard spirits. The drinks take a back seat to the music though, so you won’t find many intricate cocktails or posh wines on hand.
The Last Word
If you’re into your music, go to the Good Ship. You’ll be glad you did and it’s makes the walk down Kilburn High Road worthwhile.