LondonNet Clubs Guide

LondonNet Clubs : Reviews Reviews of London Clubs Current Reviews Fabric Blow Up @ Metro Fabric Though the owners will probably object to this opinion, Fabric is a club almost custom-designed for ravers to make out in. There's plenty of seedy corners, dark stairwells and several bed-length coaches in the cavernous club. And the music, depending on which part of the club you venture to it will either randy hip-hop, thumping drum 'n bass or euphoric house, is perfect for setting a rhythm and convincing intoxicated people to get to know their fellow club goers. And cheap drink prices don't exactly encourage chastity, though there are times when the mixed-drinks feel watered-down. But Fabric is a diverting enough night out that even the chaste will probably enjoy themselves. The drum 'n bass floor is frantic, the beats hit the floor so fast that any attempt to shuffle your feet in time will leave you looking challenged. Which is just what hardcore drum 'n bass fans want; anyone else will probably find it repetitive. The house floor often draws well known DJs, and since the music is nowhere near as loud as the departing-airplane volume of drum and bass you might even be able to talk to your fellow club goers. Fabric's brand of house is especially dreamy and enveloping, if you're in the right mood it might make you feel like you're on another plane. Club-goers wanting to dance to something with a slower beat, and that they could conceivably sing along to, will want to stick to the hip-hop floor. Fabric has earned a reputation as a can't miss for dance fans. It's a reputation well-deserved. But people with only a mild-curiosity in the music, or who only go to clubs to see and bee seen, might want to go a more traditional route. -Michael Tedder Blow Up @ Metro : Blow up to get down (February 2002) The Blow up takes its name from a seminal 1960's art house film about a mod photographer, but most visitors to the club will probably find the decorations (mild psychedelic lighting, images of go-go dancers, men with Oasis haircuts) reminiscent of a basement version of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, with maybe just a pinch of the cult-hit Swingers. This Saturday night club has changed venues and themes throughout its history, but has now ditched all traces of Brit-pop in favor of early soul and pop and moved to the Club Metro on Oxford Street. Upon descending the staircases you may think you just heard Fatboy Slim, but in actuality it was the 1960's John Barry surf-rock song that Mr. Cook sampled for his hit "The Rockafeller Skank." Still, that's about as modern as it's going to get. Elvis, early soul and just a bit of jump-up blues is what's on the menu for the evening, as well as any selection you wish to make from the fully stocked bar. The odd thing about Blow up is that the club tries to bring you back to a time when Elvis songs were truly dangerous, but in the end the entire thing feels innocent and harmless. Which isn't a bad way to spend an evening, actually, as long as you enjoy the thought of slicking your hairback and dancing like a greaser. Period dress is not required for entrance but it may help convince other club-goers that you "get it." -Michael Tedder

Other Club Features

"Things you should know about London’s clubs... ...especially if you’re not from around here." by Michael Tedder (an American in exile for a semester) more.. It's Not all Whips And Chains You Know We get tied up in London's Fetish Scene. more..

Useful Links

Gig Tickets - online ticket ordering for latest gigs Cinema Listings - what's showing in all London cinemas Attractions - do London, see the sights, go on the eye Accomodation - from luxury hotels to bargain hostels

CLUB MENU club home venue index night index features competitions feedback NIGHTS monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday sunday

Advertise on LondonNet. Reach 250,000+ users per month. Click Here