4th September 2008
Great live music venue
Last night a friend and I went along to Wednesday's 'acoustic night' held in The Regal Room on the top floor of this attractive Hammersmith pub. I didn't get much of a look at the busy ground floor bar as we passed through it, but The Regal Room upstairs was a cosy function space with dark wood panelling, groovy flock wallpaper, candles, and chairs and tables which appear to be reservable in advance - though we're not sure how one goes about doing this. Getting there shortly after the doors opened at 7.30pm, and intending to eat before the music started circa. 9pm, we both ordered beef burger and chips with salad - delicious, although it was so dark in there we could barely see what we were eating, and it took a wee while to arrive. Drinks were reasonably priced too.
The music started earlier than expected, with an extra act squeezed in before the usual start time. Four other performers followed, each playing three songs each before an interval. After the interval, the idea is that they all come back on again and play three more songs. This proved a brilliant way of doing things, as it allows those with a long journey home or an early start the next day to enjoy all the acts before slipping off prior to the second half. All too often I've been to these kinds of music nights and, as a commuter, have had to leave without ever catching sight or sound of the lead act.
I was glad I got to see all the acts, too, because on the whole they were very, very good. In view of this it's amazing that entry is free. Yes, FREE! Presumably the attraction for these well-above-average acts to perform in front of a non-paying audience must be because it's filmed live as a webcast and beamed around the planet. We especially enjoyed Lizzie Dean and her amazing band. With a huge voice and a disarmingly modest manner, she sounded like a cross between Lisa Stansfield, Annie Lennox, and The Brand New Heavies - not at all what one expects at a free gig.
I see from their website that other music and comedy events are held throughout the week at this venue, and I'll definitely be going again. The only fly in the ointment was an inconsiderate couple that we had graciously allowed to share our table (all big bones, big hair, big beers, sappy smiles and smooching lips) who didn't pause to wonder if they might be both crowding our dinners and blocking our view. But hopefully you won't encounter them.
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