Poetry Cafe

LukeG

Bordering on the comical 25th August 2008

0 found this helpful

I have been here twice and both times was rather shocked by the genuine rudeness of the bar-staff. The first time we went we ordered snacks (bread and cheese, salad, soup etc), coffees and drinks. The service was horrendously slow and erratic and the waitress was rather tearful, but the food was good. However, at one point the waitress barked at us to be quiet because there was a reading on - even though we hadn't been pre-warned or even raised our voices.

Giving the venue the benefit of the doubt we returned. This time there was music playing downstairs so we assumed we could talk and ordered a bottle of wine. It arrived without glasses, they came 10 mins later and when we requested them the waitress became distressed and slightly aggressive. Then she told us we had to be very quiet. If we so much as spoke to each other she glared at us balefully. It was an impossible situation. We felt extremely uncomfortable and inhibited so didn't order food, downed our drinks and left. Surely if people aren't allowed to talk when there is a reading downstairs then the cafe should be closed? Or perhaps a door dividing the upstairs from the basement would be a good idea?

This is not a relaxed venue and the staff have an attitude problem, but if you like being told off for chatting with your friends then go ahead and brave it.

Mexter

3rd June 2007

6 found this helpful

Went once with an American blogging friend of mine who bravely did the open mike slot.

Compare had a great rapport with the audience and although there were clearly a number of old faces and regulars there, newbies like myself felt very welcome.

Seems to be bad form to read your poem and then just clear off - a form I heartening agree with.

Will definitely go back

sizemore

19th May 2007

3 found this helpful

Been ages since I've been here, but years back I used to take part in the open mic evenings. Great place that I must get back to.

Frankie

90% gut wrenching, hilarious and entrancing 18th March 2007

7 found this helpful

Went to the Poetry Café in Betterton Street Covent Garden this week to the African Writers Evening run by Nii Ayikwei Parkes

The Poetry Café is a special place. Before my first time there, I didn't expect much. Thought it would be a kind of dry and stuffy. It's only 10% dry and serious and 90% risk taking, gut wrenching, hilarious and entrancing. Ok and maybe 3% 'I want to cringe with embarrassment' (it's character building!).

On the ground floor is a small cafe and bar where people chat before the events start. Downstairs in the basement there are a few rows of seats and some sofas and a mike and this is where it all happens. You're right up close to some of the greatest voices in London (and the world). Imagine if John Lennon was doing a private gig and you were invited. That's what it's like.

African Writers Evening is a platform for established and emerging poets from Africa or with family or strong connections in Africa. I learnt what the word 'diaspora' meant. I like going to things where I leave a little less ignorant than I arrived. It's good to meet Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean and Nigerian writers, hear them speak and find real meaning and a connection with a continent that to me is normally far away (I don't mean only in miles).

Another good night is the Cellar on Saturdays hosted by Niall O'Sullivan - a funny and charming presenter (charming when he's not pissed off with the audience for not clapping enough). Mixture of established and aspiring, nuts and sane.

jennipenni at 12/02/08

Brilliant, thanks!

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