311 High Road,
Kilburn,
London,
NW6 7JR
0872 148 1305
The ViewLondon Review
Shut up and listen! As the writing on the wall suggests, The Luminaire is - first and foremost - a music venue showcasing an impressive schedule of top-quality diverse acts, ranging in sound and style.The VenueTucked tightly beside The Kilburn and with its black fascia, The Luminaire is almost hidden and is quite easy to miss from the outside. However, once inside the sympathetic modern decor and atmospheric lighting provide a warm and inviting welcoming.
Minimalist in appearance with blackened walls, mahogany floors and ruby-red curtains, the surroundings act as a blank canvas for the excellent sound and lighting systems to rebound off of. The large open space consists mainly of standing room but there is a small nestle of booths tucked into the far corner providing enough seating for approximately fifty people. The small, unobtrusive bar nestles on the back wall beside the technicians’ platform and there is a large flat screen monitor allowing those at the back - or the vertically challenged - to see the stage. The toilets are located backstage and are decorated floor-to-ceiling with thousands of flyers detailing past and future gigs, acting as a giant ad board and providing an interesting read.
The AtmosphereA jam-packed events schedule ensures there is something to suit a variety of tastes at The Luminaire. The state of the art sound and lighting systems transform the venue and provide selective ambiences to suit the individual acts. The varying acts bring different audiences and fan bases, but you can generally expect to see the usual collection of eclectically scruffy musos and arty-type twenty-to-thirtysomethings.
The DrinkThere’s no showing off at The Luminaire with San Miguel being the most exotic of beers on tap and trusty old Guinness holding its own on the ale front. It’s clear that this venue is more interested in the music it showcases rather than the beers it serves. Bottles follow suit with regulars such as Becks and Red Stripe, with Tiger being the most exotic. Bulmers provides the cider offer and wine comes in red, white or rose. The bar is well stocked with a wide selection of customary spirits - Malibu, JD, Baileys and so forth, so variation and cocktails are a possibility.
The Last WordA hidden gem tucked away on Kilburn’s high road; the open layout of The Luminaire along with its diverse showcase of eminent acts ensure it's one of North London’s best live music venues. Definitely worth a visit.