Arcadia England

By Melissa Anderson

If you’re interested in music venues that have a little extra to offer, check out these venues that have everything from a rooftop outdoor theatre to one of a kind cuisine to free events.

Queen of Hoxton

After you walk into the sports bar portion of the venue and can managed to make it to the stairs without getting hit by a stray ping pong, you will be able to find where the music is.

Located on the edge of the tall buildings that dominant the financial district of the City of London and the hipster district of Shoreditch, this three level venue has got something for everyone.

Sara Miller, a music journalist attending a gig, says:“This venue has so much to offer. They’ve got it all, sports, film, and of course music!”

All are welcome here, from those who wear firmly pressed suits to those who opt for the more casual look of jeans and a t-shirt. This cozy space houses music of all kinds on the small stage provided, anything from soul-soothing indie to fast-paced rock.

If you decided to take the stairs on the other side of the sports bar to the rooftop level, there is a film club that has a viewing party multiple times a week. A large projection screen is set up, allowing film lovers to sit and watch with the sounds of the city accompanying them.

Queen of Hoxton (www.queenofhoxton.com, 020 7422 0958) Tickets from £6. Open from 12pm —Midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and 12pm — 2am Thursday to Saturday.

Luna Lounge

If there is anything that college students enjoy hearing more than “cancelled” it would have to be “free”. This independent music venue provides that with their events that are no charge to the public.

Typically made up of an older crowd, the patrons look to have just gotten off work and are ready to enjoy themselves. Young faces still appear to be found in the mix at each show, though.

Each of the walls in the lounge are carefully decorated, they provide a backdrop for the musicians who perform. An out of place “US Route 66” sign hangs on the Leytonstone venue’s brick wall. Next to it sits a framed picture of Elvis Presley, almost judging those who perform.

Another wall is covered from floor to ceiling with the vinyl albums of famous musicians. Bob Marley and Johnny Cash are some of the artists included in the collection.

Musicians perform on the same level as the audience since there is no stage in the venue. The performers seemingly blend into the audience, as if their job is to be heard and not seen.

If you’re a singer or a musician, make sure to stop by on a Wednesday. Luna Lounge provides an Open Mic that takes place every week for you to show of your talent.

Luna Lounge (www.lunalounge.info, 020 8518 7463) Tickets are free. Open from Monday to Friday 4:00pm — 11:00pm,  Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm — 1:00am.

Green Note

It’s not a surprise that Green Note is as laid back and intimate as the performers who visit it. A few of the artists that have been included in their “Hall of Fame” are Ed Sheeran, Leonard Cohen, and Amy Winehouse.

Rooted in Camden, this vegetarian cafe and music venue offers a place to tune out the busyness of the city for the night. Meat-eaters need not be shy, all are welcome.

With a wildly known reputation as being London’s favorite for roots, world, and acoustic music, Green Note’s promise to have gigs every night makes the venue incredibly lively.

Go for the comfortable cushioned seats up against the wall. They provide a relaxing place to enjoy not only the music, but the food too.

Try not to show up on a completely empty stomach, since most of the food is vegetarian tapas. To satisfy your hunger order a platter of Thai vegetable spring rolls, green herb falafels, and edamame. Each of the tapas are simple, but filling.

The rest of the room is incredibly intimate. Tables are scattered closely together not to take up space, but to create an environment of togetherness. 

Green Note (www.greennote.co.uk, 020 7485 9899) Tickets cost from £7. Food costs from £2.50. Open from 7pm — 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and 7pm — Midnight Friday and Saturday.

The Water Rats

In 1962, when it was formerly known as The Pindar of Wakefield, Bob Dylan played his first UK gig here. Presently, The Water Rats now includes musicians who perform rock, folksy pop, or tech metal.

As far as accessibility goes, this venue is just a quick walk down Gray’s Inn Road. Hidden between small shops and restaurants is the quaint restaurant and music venue.

Decorated as if it holds nightly cabarets, the tiny back room is enhanced with a red curtain and chandeliers positioned elegantly on the ceilings. This style is unusual considering its listings, but somehow it all still works together.

The venue is filled with the aroma of a home cook meal. Roast beef and steamed vegetables cook in the kitchen. Whether you’re hungry or not, you’re almost forced to eat something just by the smell.

Although musicians don’t perform until 8:00pm, the venue is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re only feeling a bit peckish, they have plenty of small plates.

The Water Rats (http://www.thewaterrats.co.uk, 020 7833 3312) Tickets cost from £7. Food costs from £6.50. Open from 8am — Midnight Sunday to Thursday, and 8am — 1am Friday and Saturday.

Dingwalls

Like other buildings in the area, this industrial Victorian building was put to use in 1973 as a live music venue. The original owner, T. E. Dingwall, had his name painted on the building which is where the name came from. Although slightly faded the painted “Dingwall’s” can still be seen on the outside.

This venue sits in the Heart of Camden on the edge of the Regent’s Canal. It can be found in the middle of the Camden Lock Market. During the day it’s mostly vacant, while tourists and locals busy themselves at each of the food stalls. At night though, Dingwalls is the most lively part of Camden.

Through the double wooden doors that are covered in upcoming gigs, a stench that’s a mix between cigarettes and coffee invades your nostrils. Before you know it the smell will disappear, or it will be replaced by the strong perfume of the woman who’s standing next to you.

Well dressed teenagers and twenty-somethings stand eagerly around the venue. Their button ups and fancy shirts unaware of the sweat that will consume them as soon as the music starts.

On one side of the venue is a wall of windows that has a view of the calm water that flows through the canal. During the summertime, attendees can watch the dozens of ducks with their ducklings floating effortlessly towards Little Venice.

Dingwalls (http://dingwalls.com, 01920823098) Tickets cost from £10. Open from 12:00pm — 2:00am Monday to Sunday.