63b Clerkenwell Road,
London,
EC1M 5PT
0871 971 6514
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Turnmills is a messy place for messy people who love nothing better than stomping to house, trance and techno.
The Venue
Turnmills is a complex of subterranean rooms and with a few random areas at ground level. These rooms link up via a warren of staircases and tunnels. The popularity of the night will determine how much of this is open. There’s the top floor with gilt-edged mirrors, seating, light fittings and pictures with large tables, sofas and odd knick knacks to stare at when you’ve, ahem, consumed to much. Also at ground level is a Mediterranean-style bar with tiled floors (watch you step when it’s soaked with beer). Downstairs is a further four rooms in a much more basic style – arched ceilings and bare bricks, some with a couple of levels and entrances. It’s safe to say that once the lights are down and the place is packed you’ll get lost for at least the first three visits.
The Atmosphere
Turnmills is a place for ravers. The vast majority of revelers in here will be horrifically mashed and as the night wears on you’ll see some proper casualties. As a result the mood is high, if not a little twisted. The crowd is likely to be fashion conscious but not overly trendy. It’s not uncommon to see a few original house heads (clued-up peeps in their late thirties) having it, too. The bouncers are a mixed bunch, and the barstaff usually rushed, so don’t expect a cheery ‘hello’!
The Music
Turnmills excel at delivering the best in house, trance and electro. Practically every world class DJ has played here. Trade, a gay club night which begins at 5am on Sunday morning has made a welcome return to the club, and Justin Robertson’s Together is another highlight. Robertson not only brings together a vast range of cutting edge artists from pop, broken beats, house and electro, but he also arranges free haircuts and face painting at his dos!
The Drink
You’re looking at cans, bottles and spirits. A tad pricey too. Then again, you probably won’t be boozing anyway.
The Last Word
A clubbing institution for years, Turnmills first class music policy and confusing layout give it an otherworldly feeling. You’re not a proper Londoner until you’ve spent the night down here.