Opening this weekend .... ‘The Nest’ in Dalston

Claimed by some to be the most exciting and creative new area in London and by others as simply being 'Hoxton overspill' it can never be a bad thing that London has two new venues arriving on the scene in quick succession.

Perhaps more high profile is a complete overhaul of a venue much loved and often used by the most avant garde and underground of bands and promoters, Bardens Boudoir in Dalston.

The Nest is a new bar, club and live music venue opening in Dalston to the public on Friday 15th October 2010. Occupying the former site of Bardens Boudoir, behind The Nest are Fabric founder Steve Ball alongside Riz Shaikh, who already run many of London’s finest venues, including The Old Queens Head and Paradise By Way of Kensal Green.

The promoters, whose other venues are not primarily live music venues claim,
"The Nest will act as a figure head to a new breed of clubs that have the diversity and talent to embrace the new rather than hold on to the old, embracing Dalston’s fantastic creative scene, and supporting the best in live music, art and fashion, whilst also introducing worldwide new talent into an area which has fast become London’s hottest night spot.All of this will take place within a fantastic space, designed by Riz Shaikh, who has captured a dark and industrial feel using bare exposed concrete and neon lights. With bespoke lighting designed by award winning Alex Randell, The Nest will be full of intimate cubby holes and caged alcoves."

The Nest launches this weekend and it will be interesting to see ift he launch events reflect the balance of commitment at the venue between club acts and events and live music.

October 15th features DFA co founder Juan Maclean alongside Big in Japan resident Capita! and Jac the Disco.
October 16th lines up new comers Flight Facilities from Australia and remixers C90s and Kid Who
October 17th finally features some live music in the shape of Artrocker faves and soon to be Klaxons tour support, Fiction, alongside Phantom, Bones, EVRYONE.

These nights are free entry before 10pm on Friday and Saturday and 8pm on Sunday.

Meanwhile, just down the road another new venue opened in Dalston last weekend at The Victoria in Queensland Road. A pub with a "tragically un-used 150 capacity back room, decent stage and PA" kicked off with a 5 band lineup featuring Cowbell, Barringtone, Lot Lizards, Daddy LongLegs and the Loveburns.
With perhaps a more rough and ready approach, The Victoria shows its foward looking booking policy with a show on 22nd October featuring the very hip Youthless, Ghostcat and Rory Atwell.

It looks at least like there is a chance to 'take your pick' now in Dalston. With these new developments, the onus is now on you, dear reader, to get out there to some gigs !

Paul Artrocker