The Clapham Grand

31-12-2008
Greg Cristal  0 

I wholly endorous the Clapham grand. This venue has excellent proximity to transport links to tune of the large Clapham Junction mainline rail station and is only a short bus ride from links to the tube. The layout is similar to that of the old Camden palace - a multi-tiered affair with backstairs on which you can get lost ( it appears two identical staircases run parallel to each other but take you to alternate floors and they aren’t connected yet in the same place). However the entrance is little more than a small hall and a box office where upon the next set of doors lead you into a large pit with a medium sized stage and a bar to the back of the room. The acoustics for the main room are sufficient for a band but the recommendation for visiting this venue is for a dance or drum and bass club night or to what a diverse band where as much dancing is done as sitting and just standing around (such as Radiohead). The upstairs offers a theatre-type tiring system of seats, with mixed grades of upholstery and a bar at the back. The unfixed positioning of the occupants of the first floor allow you to freely dance on the ground floor then return to the rafters for a break where you can still hear and watch a band but always find a seat and come and go freely as you choose. The drinks process as also very reasonable but the vibe is very friendly and completely old-school, something of a dirty rugged 80s feel about it, like a clubbing experience people in London are missing out on.

Overall this is a bit of a gem of a venue and getting in on a club night is also relatively low costs compared to other spots in London that might be within armsreach of Westminster so I pass a cool 8/10onto this place with the hopes that seating upstairs is improved slightly for further comfort and the designated smoking area is both uncomfortable and dangerous.

Greg's profile      Other reviews by Greg      Places Greg likes     

26-04-2007
charlotte moore

I attended a burlesque night at The Grand back in November and it was the best night i've had in a long time! I think it was a company called Caburlesque and they put on the most amazing sexy show you've ever seen! For something to do midweek I'd certainly suggest it as burlesque seems to be the new trend and its really reasonably priced. The Grand is such a beautiful building and it was brilliant to see it being used for its original intention. I think they have another one coming up on June 19th. I'd certainly suggest checking it out. Thank you organisers of The Grand! You have made your landmark club a place of style and sophistication!

30-08-2006
sarah

I've been to the grand on a Thursday and am still singing! Loads of 80s hits to go with the fantastic flashing dancefloor. They have some cheap drinks as well but get there before 10:30 and save �6

27-04-2006
claire pursglove

I tend to agree this club is absolutely wicked!! Music is class. The last time, I went with my friend Hannah Smith she was got so drunk it was embarrassing!! She started doing this striptease in the middle of the dance floor!! She ended up puking in the loos and then after that she pulled 10 guys. They were all minging though. When it got to 11.00pm the bouncers kicked us out because we too drunk. It was a fantastic night and definitely want to go back!!

27-04-2006
Daron

Ashy of course you can borrow my PVC trouseurs, but I feel that I should tell you that you should get checked out at the clinic. You left so early in the morning and never gave me your number, so I haven't had a chance to tell you yet.