The Social

Sample Photos 1

carl — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:19:03 +0000

Madd Raff Launch Party

seb_bleepsandblops — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:49:02 +0000

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LTD update

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Stolichnaya vodka. 40% abv Stolichnaya - or more popularly "Stoli" - is one of the most popular vodka brands on the market today. Taste, price and availability considered, Stolichnaya is one of the best everyday vodkas available - a gentle sipper and a wonderful cocktail base all in one. The red label is the flagship, or the foundation, of the brand as a whole and is available almost anywhere. This Russian vodka is distilled four times from wheat and rye, mixed with artesial water from the Kalingrad region. Beefeater London Dry gin. 40% abv One of the first names in gin everyone thinks of is Beefeater. This London Dry gin has become nearly synonymous with this particular category of spirits and has been a favourite of generations of Martini and G & T lovers. Its classic styling, unchanging bottle and taste, and availability have made Beefeater one of the best-known (and best tasting) gins available and it is one that you can rely on. Havana Club 7 year old rum. 40% abv Havana Club 7 Year Old Rum is the epitome of Cuban rum. It is legendary rum, which reinforces Cuba's standing as a birthplace of the finest rums. Within the Havana Club range, Havana Club 7 Year Old Rum embodies all the distinctive flavours, richness and knowhow for which Havana Club 7 Year Old Rum is renowned. The lengthy and natural aging process in white oak barrels infuses the rum with its powerful and complex flavours. Jameson Irish whiskey. 40% abv Jameson is a single distillery Irish whiskey. Jameson is similar in its adherence to the single distillery principle to the single malt tradition, but Jameson combines malted barley with unmalted or "green" barley. The most famous component within Jameson is the "Pure Pot Still" distilling tradition. The company was established in 1780 when John Jameson established the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin. Triple distilled and very easy to drink and mix. Ocho Blanco vintage tequila. 40% abv An estate-grown, 100% Blue Agave Tequila, OCHO is produced by renowned distillers, the Camarena family who are well respected within the tequila world. Unique to tequila, Ocho is experimenting with the terroir concept that is typically reserved for wines by producing vintages of their tequila each year using agave plants grown in different "microclimates." Courvoisier VS Cognac. 40% abv Everyone knows the name Courvoisier. Unlike some other famous brands, Courvoisier deserves its name and reputation. Priced extremely reasonably, Courvoisier VS is one of the few VS-level cognacs out there that’s really worth drinking on its own and is a fantastic cocktail ingredient too. It has a smoothness and flavour on level with the VSOP’s of a number of other makers. Subtle flavours are subdued, unsurprising for a VS, but the smooth delivery and delightful finish makes this one of the best buys for the price.

Christmas Market

carl — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:20:52 +0000

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Player Ball Central

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

IT’S OFFICIAL, PLAYERS BALL IS COMING TO CENTRAL LONDON!! For over a year now, PLAYERS BALL has been the highlight of everyone’s month at its birthplace at The CAMP in East London… …and now, due to popular demand you can experience London’s Crunkest Club Night™ right in the centre of the capital at The Social – on the FIRST FRIDAY EVERY MONTH!!! Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the CRUNKEST, BUCKEST, WILDEST clubbing experience in London. www.southernhospitality.co.uk

Madd Raff Wednesdays // Gabriel Heatwave's Birthday Bash

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:36:39 +0000

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Hip Hop Karaoke

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:18:54 +0000

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Madd Raff Wednesdays // Joe Grimes

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:31:06 +0000

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Madd Raff Wednesdays // Million Vibes and Smutlee

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:28:54 +0000

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Madd Raff Wednesdays // Champion

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:29:12 +0000

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Madd Raff Wednesdays // Silver Star

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:20:15 +0000

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Madd Raff Wednesdays // The Popcaan Party

carl — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 13:10:04 +0000

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Faber News

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Winter Cocktails

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

More Good Blocking

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Record Exchange Live

carl — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:49:38 +0000

Join BBC Radio 6 Music's Nemone in conversation with Dan Croll about the music they love - Sunday 9th June

The tickets for our very first RECORD EXCHANGE LIVE are now available.Come join Nemone in conversation with the amazing Dan Croll as they discuss the music that best embodies ANXIETY...what's more YOU get to be part of the conversation!For more info & tickets go here: http://bit.ly/11RL0Zx And for the latest updates follow @RecExLive on Twitter

Once you've bought your ticket, go to our shared Spotify playlist http://spoti.fi/12Pcnik make your suggestion and you could be part of the exchange too! All this fun for just £5, what more could you want!? Sunday 9th June. The Social - London. BE THERE!

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

World Cup - Eng vs Costa Rica

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Free entry from early doors - reserve a table by emailing carl@thesocial.com

Social Meltdown is one!

carl — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:18:19 +0000

Ross's weekly meltdown is 12 months old already! It has been host to countless brilliant guests over the last 52 weeks, from the truly legendary to the newest kids on the block. We're honoured and delighted to be joined by Mr Andrew Weatherall for the big birthday celebration! He is obviously one of our favourite DJs ever and is no stranger to The Social (see below), although it has actually been a really long time since he has come and played for us. We couldn't be happier to welcome him back behind the decks, a large brandy awaits. Friday 30th September: With special very guest: ANDREW WEATHERALL and Live: GYRATORY SYSTEM and residents: ROSS ALLEN + BRIAN MORRISON Check out this rather good live mix from '94 at The Albany. http://www.mixcloud.com/TheSocial/andrew-weatherall-live-at-the-albany-august-1994/ Each and every Friday Ross Allen and The Meltdown crew present the best in music to heat you up and melt you down. There is a proper warm up and a gauranteed riot on the dancefloor. The music is whatever takes their fancy. One week the floor will be packed and rocking to the latest bass line monsters from dons, and family friends, like Silkie and Loefah and the next it's going off to Nina Simone, James Brown and whatever else is funky. Its all about a beat, a bassline and a tune all mixed with love whatever the genre !! Come and join us weekly as we melt it down. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 9pm, £5/£3 members FACEBOOK

LTD At The Social

carl — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:18:47 +0000

Twelve years on and maybe its time for a rethink. The Social has been serving music, food and drink to Londoners since 1999, even going on to win a handful of awards in the process. But on the verge of becoming a teenager, the people behind the bar decided that maybe a change was as good as a rest. So, the autumn of 2011 will see the upstairs bar radically shaken down, though not in any visible way. The change will come in the drinks served as the bar adopts a unique concept – just sell the best of the best. Alco-mist Dre Masso will take up residence behind the bar for a limited time to set the ball rolling whilst working alongside a committee of industry experts to select which drinks we'll be serving. Simplicity and quality are the only factors – why have fifteen vodkas and ten rums if you can do all you want to do with just one? The same applies with the beers served. Just a few of the very best London breweries will be represented as – in our humble opinion – you don’t have to look too far at the moment for the country’s very best beers. Other than the drinks served, the upstairs bar will retain all the elements that have made it successful over the years. Normal service resumes – just with much, much better booze. A rebuild and clean up of the downstairs bar will also take place in the coming months – but that’s another story all together. Read more about it HERE

Lomography photographic competition

danny — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:55:20 +0000

We are calling on all aspiring photographers to create the best analogue snaps of cocktail culture for London Cocktail Week. Submit your shots now, for the chance to win an awesome party at legendary London venue The Social! From October 2011 for 3 months only – London drinking institution The Social will become the home of bar experiment ‘L.T.D. @ The Social’. Masterminded by taste-maker Dre Masso, and hoping to re-define the concept of making the best drinks, L.T.D @ The Social will offer drinkers ‘the choice’ of just one gin, one vodka, one rum, one whisky, one tequila etc. Luckily Dre’s independent tasting committee has spent the past few months diligently drinking and debating its way to a decision, as to which brand from each spirit category is the best of the best available. So, how can you get involved? Well, you could join our LomoWalk on the 17th October – ‘Make your drink & drink it too’, or you can head down by yourself or with your mates, or you can submit your best cocktail hour shots to this rumble for VIP treatment! First Prize Booth and a tab for four people @ The Social. One year membership card at the Social A place at the ‘Make your drink & drink it too’ LomoWalk Your photo on display at The Social in December A Sprocket Rocket Superpop! Edition; http://uk.shop.lomography.com/cameras/sprocket-rocket-cameras/sprocket-rocket-superpop-green Three Runners Up A place each at the ‘Make your drink & drink it too’ LomoWalk Your photo on display at The Social in December One year membership card each at the Social The Rules Film/Camera Type: Any analogue photo not digitally enhanced or manipulated. Please keep in mind of our cocktail theme.Upload Limit: 10 photos Deadline: October 7, 2011 Minimum Photo Dimensions: Submissions must be at least 768px in either width or height. Meta data must be completed (camera, film, location & 3 tags)

Jarvis Cocker at The Faber Social

carl — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:25:42 +0000

The Faber Social night was back last Monday with an all start cast of literary big guns including Hanif Kureishi, Edna O’Brien, Stuart Evers + Sarah Hall. That line up was obviously enough for a packed house but Faber decided to surprise us all with an extra guest, none other than Jarvis Cocker. The night was predictably brilliant from start to finish, capped off by a song from Jarvis. Read more about the night on the Faber Thought Fox blog review www.thethoughtfox.co.uk Faber have just released Jarvis Cocker's book 'Mother, Brother, Lover' a selection of sixty-six lyrics, presented with commentary and an introduction by the man himself.

Masks!

carl — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:18:11 +0000

The very talented Ben Newman is the man behind our brilliant flyer image for October. Ben has a new exhibition called 'Masks' on now at the Nobrow Gallery. We recommend you get down to Great Eastern Street and take a look. More info here www.bennewman.co.uk Keep an eye out for the next mask in the Social series which will be in shops, flyer packs and of course The Social from early November.

New beers are here / LTD At The Social

carl — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:04:40 +0000

New beers How to decide on the best beers in Britain? Clearly a mountainous task yet one we attacked with some relish. While the LTD committee were tirelessly supping spirits and muddling cocktails, we at the Heavenly office set about touring the country by pint glass to see if we could find the best complimentary beers to stock in the Social. As usually happens with these things, the perfect solution was just under our nose. As the crow flies, the Camden Brewery is probably the nearest set up to The Social. Hiding away in a railway arch under the London Overground line, the brewery has been producing beers in that site for a relatively short time. Their pedigree is flawless though. Jasper, the brewery owner, is the man behind Hampstead's brew pub The Three Horseshoes, an alco-Mecca for those in the know for some time. Setting up Camden, he took the knowledge of years of experimentation at the Horseshoes and took it public. The beers - well, we're stocking two that we truly love. Hells is a clean, crisp lager - the best we've ever stocked in the bar in our humble opinion. The Pale Ale is our current favourite pint anywhere in the country - in layman's terms, it bridges the gap between a lager and a real ale - the perfect session beer. Extremely moreish. Camden's success has coincided with a renewed interest in London breweries. All over the city, breweries are popping up - names like Sambrooks, Brodies, The Kernel and Redemption cropping up in discerning bars and in fridges. It's localism at it's very finest - the true taste of 21st century London. We're hoping to be adding more bottles over the coming weeks. Hopefully we won't have to look too far afield to find them. LTD At The Social For those that haven't heard what we're up to head to the link below and find out why we only have 6 bottles in the upstairs bar www.ltdatthesocial.wordpress.com Thanks to all Social-ites for embracing the LTD concept so instantly and with such enthusiasm, your smiling faces (and empty glasses) say it all. And great to see so many new faces in our beloved bar too. Ever since chairman Eric came up with the LTD concept and brought Dre Masso into the equation we’ve been enjoying thinking differently and looking forward to the changes. We like it, and like that you are liking it too. Now seems a good time to ‘out’ the thus far nameless ones on the committee, those previously only known as ‘industry experts’ (see the intro above), but before we do that, here’s a reminder of what the concept of LTD actually is: The Best of the Best! The first stage saw The Social Drinks Committee vote for their top five brands from each of the six major spirit categories (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, agave and brandy). The committee were asked to select spirits that they considered were “All-rounders” from each section and good value for money (under £20 wholesale price). The best of the best! The second stage was a blind tasting and comparison of the 3 finalists of each section. All spirits were sampled neat and in a cocktail. The overall winners from each category were selected for LTD’s very unique product range. All of the brands below have something in common. They are linked to heritage and authenticity. They are respected brands and popular within their country of origin. There is also strong brand loyalty from the bartenders and all of these spirits have played an important role within the cocktail community. All are made to a very high standard. Time to raise your glass to the committee: Dre Masso Eric YuHenry Besant from Strangehill Ago Perrone from the Connaught Gaby Moncada Pena from the Savoy Tobias Blazques Garcia from Pinchitos Jason Fendick from Pinchitos Peter Dorelli formerly of the Savoy Salvatore Calabrese of the Playboy Club Paul Mant formerly of Quo Vadis Jared Brown Anistatia Miller Dick Bradsell Dave Broom Spirits expert Mark Ridgewell Spirits expert Ian Wivsnieski Spirits expert Nick Strangeway of Hix and Strangehill Journalists: Nushi Wijewardena Ben McFarland Tom Sandham

An Antidote To Indifference

carl — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:08:02 +0000

Jeff, Robin and Andrew from Caught By The River launched their new fanzine last night at Rough Trade East. It's a great read but wont be around for long so go and grab one from their shop while you can. Robin explains more about it all below. 'An Antidote To Indifference is our first fanzine, although not our first venture into print (we’ve previously published two collections of essays – Words On Water and On Nature), and it’s the first time we’ve tried to properly put the site onto paper. Copied, stapled, dropped into shops and sold for less than the price of a pint. Some of the pieces have appeared on the site before, a few are previously unpublished and any mistakes are unintentional – the budget didn’t stretch to a subeditor. As with here on the site, An Antidote To Indifference is all about the writing. Many of the writers who’ve contributed in the years since we started came to us with what they worried were bonkers ideas. In the vast majority of cases, we encouraged them to explore them fully. Whether those writers are old friends with new passions – like Nina Walsh, the girl we met back on the dancefloor at Shoom who now writes our allotment column – or new friends who approach us with brilliant ideas – like Guardian writer Jude Rogers who came to us with the idea of documenting her budding walking habit – didn’t matter. If they sounded feverish with excitement, 99 times out of 100 we were sold. In future, we’re hoping to give the fanzine over to the writers, letting some of our favourite contributors piece together their own best-ofs. Limited quantities of the fanzine will be available through the Caught By The River webshop. This is a one off print-run, once it’s gone, it’s gone!' www.caughtbytheriver.net

New Richard Buckner London Show Added

carl — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 09:54:29 +0000

Trash Aesthetics presents RICHARD BUCKNER + guests Will Burns (Treecreeper) and Sacri Cuori With Richard Buckner’s first London show in six years already sold out, we’ve responded to demand from fans, and decided to add another performance. This special event at The Social, is strictly limited to 60 tickets. “A gruff yet honeyed voice so enveloping that it feels more like a place you go than a sound you hear… Buckner remains one of the most intriguing songwriters working” – Pitchfork 8.0 / 10 Despite sharing labels with the likes of ARCADE FIRE, DINOSAUR JR and RICHMOND FONTAINE, and boasting a back catalogue of albums with contributions from members of GIANT SAND/CALEXICO, YO LA TENGO, GUIDED BY VOICES, THE MEKONS, TORTOISE & SONIC YOUTH, Richard Buckner remains something of a cult treasure. It’s most likely because he’s the real deal; a classic troubadour in the mould of TOWNES VAN ZANDT, Buckner’s rustic poetry and dreamlike imagery is delivered by a voice that defines the sound of rural America. “The Richard Buckner vibe– and that is a big influence for me. His words are just about a sound and barely about meaning, but I could find all these crazy meanings in there.. .there are lyrics that are totally heartbreaking and beautiful and heavy” – Justin Vernon of BON IVER “An Austere Beauty” – UNCUT 4 stars Tickets

Stealing Sheep

carl — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:07:45 +0000

On Nov 8th, Huw Stephens welcomes new Heavenly signings Stealing Sheep to his monthly night at The Social. It's a free event and Heavenly get together in honour of their e.p release. Please come and join us in a toast or 2! Doors 7pm.

Introducing Liverpool’s hotly-tipped psych-folk darlings and new Heavenly signings… Stealing Sheep. They create lo-fi, DIY pop in the shape of harmony drenched old time vocals, spiralling psychedelic guitars, hypnotic beats and sixties style drone synths. They started writing together in the summer of 2010 and by the end of the year were already touring the UK’s folk clubs and cafés.

Stealing Sheep began recording on cassettes and 4 tracking their first EP’s in an abandoned school in Liverpool with first time producer Joe Wills, who inspired in them experimental recording techniques in unusual locations. In February 2011 they released their first single “The Mountain Dogs” on limited 7″ vinyl with Manchester’s hug-step pop label Red Deer Club. Parallel to their single launch they toured the UK and Ireland supporting the likes of Olaf Arnalds, Silje Nes, Mice Parade and Efterklang befitting of their Scandinavian-influenced sounds. During these tours they made a midnight pit stop at Abbey Road Studios to record their second single “I am the Rain”, which they released in May with London label Idle Fret. This won them peak time radio play from many 6music DJ’s including Lauren Laverne, Jarvis Cocker, Tom Ravenscroft and Nemone. During the summer they toured Europe and recorded an off the cuff live session with Rob De Bank at Maida Vale Live Lounge for Radio 1. They played a number of summer of festivals including Secret Garden Party and Standon Calling, as well as industry events Sound City and The Great Escape. With continuing airplay from BBC2’s Steve Lamacq, Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson, Rob Da Bank, 6music and XFM, the band are being hotly-tipped by both radio and press. This winter Stealing Sheep will begin recording their debut album, due for release in Spring 2012. This will be preceded by the taster EP, “Noah & The Paper Moon”, on Heavenly Records. The girls have recently supported Emmy the Great and Summer Camp, Alessi’s Ark, Tune-Yards, Beth Jeans Houghton and Slow Club. We’ve also put together this rather wonderful 3 track sampler which includes the previously un-released track ‘Paper Moon’, a beautiful live rendition of ‘Your Saddest Song’ from the BBC’s Maida Vale studio and the Colo remix of ‘Noah’s Days. 3 for free! Stealing Sheep - free 3 track download by heavenlyrecordings

Who is Madd Raff ?

carl — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:33:28 +0000

Madd Raff Wednesdays is our new weekly dance party that has been going from strength to strength over the last few weeks. For the month of November The Heatwave and crew will be joined by an amazing cast of special guests: November Guests: 2nd - Lixo (Get Me) 9th - Thom White 16th - LionDub (NYC) 23rd - Jillionaire (Mad Decent) 30th - King Erruption The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. If you love dancing to bashment you can't miss the hyped up dance session run by Safwaan from Pineapple Dance Studios. Beginners and experts welcome. Arrive before 10pm to get your nails done for FREE, practise your wining and then rave the night away with the hypest dancehall crew outside Jamaica. It's literally the funnest thing you can do all week. To join the dance session and make birthday bookings, email maddraff@theheatwave.co.uk. Every Wednesday at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JD. £3 before 10pm / £5 thereafter. 7pm-1am www.facebook.com/maddraff www.twitter.com/MADD_RAFF

Lianne La Havas

carl — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:43:21 +0000

THESE DATES ARE NOW SOLD OUT IM AFRAID. We are delighted to announce a four date residency early in the new year from Lianne La Havas. She will be joined by special guests on four consecutive Tuesdays, dates are the 17th, 24th, 31st January and finally on the 7th Feb. We anticipate these tickets will sell quite quickly. Tickets www.liannelahavas.com Lianne La Havas first began to make music at the age of 7. Rather than being pushed into lessons by over-zealous parents, Lianne was given her first keyboard by her father and was allowed the pleasure of being left to her own devices. She began to sing not long after, but under less happy circumstances. Still just seven years old, Lianne, like most children, wanted to be part of the popular clique at school. Unlike most children, Lianne's initiation was more like an audition – the cool gang at Lianne's school was open only to those that could sing! Double-crossed by the friend she was going to audition with, Lianne sang to herself anyway, and found something much more than a means to an end; she discovered her passion. Lianne nurtured her talent singing in school choir’s and musicals; all the while feeding her voracious musical appetite with a broad range of influences. Far from turning her into an imitation, Lianne’s influences helped her find her own voice. From heroines of relative antiquity like Nina Simone, to contemporary Neo-Soul pioneers like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu; great voices inspired Lianne to use her own, ever growing in skill and confidence. It was during her foundation year at art school that Lianne made the leap into a full-time music career. Already working part-time as a backing singer, she decided to leave her course and concentrate solely on music. Another backing vocalist gig, this time with Paloma Faith, brought her into contact with future musical collaborators and led to her decision to launch a career of her own. In the two years since then, Lianne has gone from strength to strength. Spending time on both sides of the Atlantic working with a select number of producers and playing shows to captivated audiences in London, Paris, and New York. Having signed to Warner Bros Records earlier this year, Lianne has an EP due for release later this year and a full album next year. The future looks very bright indeed for this remarkable talent.

Deep Hum - Drinks Special

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Deep Hummers can now get cheaper drinks every week on Wednesdays £1 off bottled beer and house spirit mixers in the basement bar all night A special three month festival of events every Wednesday in July, August and September at The Social in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia. Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best psych and fuzzed up bands around. With special guest DJs spinning everything from vintage to brand new garage, rock n roll and kosmische sounds for the dance floor.

New Heavenly signing Fever The Ghost confirmed for The Deep Hum

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Caught by the River Presents: On The Snap

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Author Brian Case in conversation with Richard Williams + Impulse Club revival night featuring Music from James "saxophone colossus" Endeacott and James "this is our music” Oldham Tickets £5 in advance from We Got Tickets redeemable against the purchase of a book on the night. caughtbyhtheriver.net

Fundraiser Raffle

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Subways 10s Nat Davies - industrial clock and brandy glasses Matt Sewell Pete Fowler 2 x SWN festival tickets - john r A day recordings at Crow’s Nest Studio - olly A day being managed by Claire Kilcourse - supplied by Zibra Jeremy Deller Emma Wood 2 x Y Not Festival or Truck Festival Glastonbury print Cake! www.cakeofdreams.co.uk Pete Brown and Robin Turner - an afternoon social + Ben Mccormick brew Underworld x 2 Empress meal for 2 Tomo Heavenly Beer brew with Camden CBTR bag of goodies Subscription Moine Dubh 6 months Vaccines - ts and vinyl + tickets to any gig on the tour dinner for 4 at craft Borough Wines Mathew Clayton print hot chip (22nd or 23rd october) chems at roundhouse thurs 24 Sept Record from Rob Tickets horsebeach a made to measure Oxford button down shirt shirt by The Social’s very own Barman/Tailor Jake Wigham!

The Fix

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Social Christmas Market 2016

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sonic Sandwich

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Huw Stephens Presents

carl — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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The Christmas Market Is Back

carl — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:37:37 +0000

Once again this December, The Social presents a weekly market in the upstairs bar each and every Saturday daytime There will be badges, books, birds, music and maps from Caught By The River, stocking fillers from Pedlars, Andrews of Arcadia and his vintage fishing tackle for the soul and The Empress of Arcadia with selected labels and bespokery. There will also be Christmas stalls from Pete Fowler, Edwyn Collins, Nobrow, The Heavenly Emporium and more. As well as Christmas gifts, shoppers will be able to enjoy signings, live performances, DJ sets, a fully stocked bar and The Rose Kentish Kitchen featuring her legendary home made sausage and cranberry rolls, mulled wine, hot cider and Dre's award winning Bloody Marys. Last year was the best fun we had all year, from start to slightly sozzled finish. Saturdays 3th, 10th and 17th December Doors 1-6pm - Free entry Email carl@thesocial.com for more info or press enquiries Featuring: Caught By The River shop - http://caughtbytheriver.net/shop/ Andrews of Arcadia and the Empress of Acadia - http://andrewsofarcadia.com/ Pedlars - http://www.pedlars.co.uk/ The Heavenly Emporium - http://heavenlyrecordings.com/emporium/ Rose Kentish’s homemade cakes and pastries - http://www.rosekentishkitchen.blogspot.com/ 3rd Dec: Acoustic performance: Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou http://trevormossandhannahlou.com Guest artist: Pete Fowler - http://monsterism.net/ 10th Dec: Edwyn Collins stall - http://edwyncollins.sandbag.uk.com/Store Acoustic performances: Edwyn Collins & James Walbourne http://www.edwyncollins.com http://www.jameswalbourne.com/ 17th Dec: Guest gallery: Nobrow - http://www.nobrow.net/

A Vinyl Revival at The Social

carl — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:00:59 +0000

Vinyl Revival is the world's only networked all-vinyl show and it airs on 6 Music throughout December. Pete Paphides will be presenting and among the featured guests bringing in their actual vinyl records will be Johnny Marr, Damon Albarn, Florence Welch, Bernard Butler, Seasick Steve, Ryan Adams, Hot Chip and Wild Beasts. To mark the launch of this fantastic new show, Pete and friends will be taking over the basement and playing a euphoric selection of soul dancers, funk gems, psych-pop barnstormers, reggae and rocksteady classics and indie bankers. There will be very special guest DJs too! More info about the show

Looking For The Moon Under The Water

carl — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:12:58 +0000

The Search For The Perfect Pub: Looking For The Moon Under Water Robin Turner and Paul Moody launched their brilliant new book last week in the upstairs bar. 'What is the perfect British pub? Although it’s an innocuous enough question, the answer will likely be entirely different dependant on the person asked and their state of mind at the time. Having turned 40 this year, my current vision of public house perfection is barely recognisable from the boozer I idly dreamt of as a twenty year old. Or as a thirty year old. I’m pretty certain that if my embattled liver holds out for the next ten, twenty – God knows, maybe even thirty – years, that mental image of the perfect pub will keep on evolving and mutating, undergoing mental refurbishments as my personal taste dictates the volume of music and what type of beer ends up flowing from the taps . . ' More

Hot booze

carl — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:23:39 +0000

Dre has come up with some winter warmers to mark the beginning of December. Enjoy. Mexican Egg Nog x 1 Ingredients 1 whole egg 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar 100 ml semi skimmed milk 1 shot tequila Nice pinch of cinnamon powder Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish Instructions 1. Beat egg, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla with a wire whisk. Pour into a large mug. 2. Add milk and mix well. 3. Heat whilst stirring. Do not boil. 4. Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve in teacup. The Social Mulled Wine Ingredients: ½ cup red wine ½ cup orange juice 1 shot Courvoisier cognac 2 tablespoons honey 1 orange slice studded with cloves Cinnamon stick Freshly grated nutmeg Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. 2. Heat until hot but not boiling. 3. Stir. 4. Pour into wine glasses, garnish with orange slice, cinnamon stick and freshly grated nutmeg and serve. Hot Toddy Ingredients: 50ml Jameson’s whiskey Juice of 1 lemon Tablespoon of honey ¾ cup of boiled water Lemon wheel with cloves and half a cinnamon stick Instructions: 1. Pour water in to a heatproof jug. 2. Add lemon juice, lemon twist, honey and whiskey. 3. Transfer to coffee mug. Mulled Wine Martini Ingredients: 25ml Beefeater 25ml Port Juice of half an orange 15ml lemon juice 10ml honey water 2 cloves, crushed Pinch of cinnamon powder Sprinkle of nutmeg Instructions: 1. shake and double strain. Serve in Coupette glass. 2. Garnish with clove studded orange slice Hot Buttered Rum Ingredients: 1 tablespoon salted butter, softened 1-tablespoon vanilla sugar Pinch ground cinnamon Sprinkle of nutmeg 2 cloves, crushed 50ml Havana Club 7yr old rum Boiling water Instructions: 1. Assemble in heatproof cup or glass. 2. Serve in teacup.

Cheers Ken!

carl — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:24:08 +0000

The Search for the Perfect pub continues . . Robin Turner and Paul Moody shared a pint with Ken Livingstone down the bar the other week and had a chat about pubs. Read his thoughts and those of some other famous patrons HERE in their brilliant Guardian piece. Robin and Paul's book, 'The Search for the Perfect Pub: Looking For the Moon Under Water' is available now, it's an excellent read and the ideal Christmas gift for that boozy uncle.

SoulQuarium - This Wednesday

carl — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:08:43 +0000

THE FIRST SOULQUARIUM - WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPSTAIRS The SoulQuarium is a new night presented by Ronnie Herel from 1xtra. In true Social style it's chance for Ronnie and friends to come down and flex some different musical muscles. Every 3rd Wednesday of each month, BBC Radio 1xtra's Ronnie Herel spins everything musically cool & soulful alongside special guests commencing this Weds 14th December with Abi Clarke (Sounds Of The Universe) Free Entry!

NYE tickets

carl — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:29:39 +0000

Advance tickets for NYE are now sold out. There will be a limited amount available on the door, email carl@thesocial.com for more details

New Friday Nights

carl — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:59:30 +0000

We have got a whole new set of Friday nights starting in January - see below for all the details. This coming Friday will be handled by The Social residents and Heavenly Jukebox in the basement before another new night starts on the first Friday of month from February 3rd, more on that announcement to follow later. THE GOOD BLOCK - Friday 13th January DJs: GIGOLO MEDINA, PETER, THE GOOD BLOCK DJs + GUESTS Bringing a new night to The Social every 2nd Friday of the month. The Good Block will blend Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop, House and Soul from the 70's to the current day. Flying across New York, Chicago, Detroit, Kingston, London, Lagos and beyond. Each month’s line up will welcome a host of established club DJs who leave their current guises behind to do something left of centre. From The Gap Band to Big L to Kerri Chandler to Mr Vegas, come get deep. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5/£3 members BLACK BUTTER RECORDS - Friday 20th January Special Guests: RUDIMENTAL, CINEMATIC, WOZ + VERY SPECIAL GUESTS Home to some of 2011 hottest club hits and hitmakers, Black Butter is going to blow up in 2012. This is a FREE party with acts from the label and special guests showing you what to expect from the big year to come. Doors 6pm-1am. Free entry all night THE SCHIZODELIC SOUND - Friday 27th January DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet'n'Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you've ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5/£3 members

New Exhibition - Zane Cunningham

carl — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:18:05 +0000

Zane Cunningham, like most great night-life photographers, started out taking pictures whilst partying and DJing with his friends. Over the last three years Zane has upped his game and developed his own instantly recognisable super-fresh, tone-perfect style. Over the past 12 months he has documented the legendary Southern Hospitality club nights, Players Ball and Hip Hop Karaoke, and the shots that make up this exhibition are the result. Zane's photography has managed to capture the unique positivity, vibrancy and pure energy of the events perfectly. And being shot by Cunningham has become as much a part of these nights as doing a turn on the mic at The Social or dancing down the front with J-Bo and friends at Camp. The exhibition is up now in the ground floor bar. Join on Wednesday 11th January for the launch party upstairs from 6.30pm. Launch Party Event

Social Newsletter - Week 1

carl — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:05:14 +0000

Happy New Year Year to you all. There are some new developments down at the bar. . First up, we have a whole new set of Friday nights starting this month (and one in February which we can can't announce yet). Read all about them HERE. It all kicks off on the 13th January with Good Block. This Friday the Heavenly Jukebox, Mark + Matt will be hosting a Friday Social for one week only over two floors, which means i get to play records in the basement for first time in ages - looking forward to it, come and say hello. Saturday Night we're open until 3am to celebrate a year of SubSoul nights. Jazzie B is playing an extra long First Birthday set alongside Chris P Cuts and Mr Rive. We have finally got Zane 'Cunningham' Cunningham to put together his very first exhibition of photos for the bar. They look BIG, bold and colourful, full of energy and need to be seen. The launch party is on Wednesday 11th January from 6.30pm with some free beers for early arrivals. All are welcome and the Southern Hospitality DJs will be on hand to soundtrack the pictures of their own parties! www.thesocial.com ------- SOCIAL NIGHTS OUT Thursday 5th January HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 6th January FRIDAY SOCIAL DJs: CARL + DANNY (Heavenly Jukebox) MARK + MATT (Droyd + Fones) Carl, Danny, Mark and Matt will be taking over both floors of The Social this coming Friday for a one off resident's party before the new nights take up residence from next week. You can expect second-hand sevens, jukebox soul, disco, funk + hip hop, brand new house 12s, borrowed edits and no detoxing. Doors 6pm-late, free before 9pm, £5/£3 members ------- Saturday 7th January SUBSOUL FIRST BIRTHDAY 'The real overground sound' DJs: JAZZIE B CHRIS P CUTS + MR RIVE Tonight the boys are celebrating a year of this top underground party for those looking for the overground sound! Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after Facebook ------- Monday 9th January SYMPTOMATIC PRESENTS Live: HALFLIGHT ROSIE WILBY + THE FLYING RATS Inspired by the likes of The Arcade Fire, The National and the Guillemots, Halflight are new for 2012. Their implausibly large sound features the Neil Hannon-esque croonings of lead singer, Chris Cookson, whose affected melodies and lyrics will have you hooked from the start. Doors 7pm-12am. £5 in advance ------- Tuesday 10th January HUW STEPHENS PRESENTS Live: KWES + TROUMACA This is Huw’s monthly night at The Social. He has been presenting the very best in new music on Little Portland for over 4 years. Alongside him will be Felson will be on the decks. Doors 7pm-12am. Free entry ------- Wednesday 11th January MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am £3 before 10pm / £5 thereafter. Facebook ------- Thursday 12th January HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 13th January GOOD BLOCK DJs: GIGOLO MEDINA, PETER, THE GOOD BLOCK DJs + GUESTS Bringing a new night to The Social every 2nd Friday of the month. The Good Block will blend Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop, House and Soul from the 70′s to the current day. Flying across New York, Chicago, Detroit, Kingston, London, Lagos and beyond. Each month’s line up will welcome a host of established club DJs who leave their current guises behind to do something left of centre. From The Gap Band to Big L to Kerri Chandler to Mr Vegas, come get deep. Doors 6pm-1am, Free before 9pm, £5 after -------

Super Bowl Party

carl — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:07:54 +0000

ADVANCE TICKETS HAVE NOW SOLD OUT Sunday 5th February - Super Bowl XLVI Having sold out two years in a row, The Social is proud to once again host its London Super Bowl 2012 party in aid of Shelter. From 8pm enjoy DJs and entertainment, before attention goes to the big screen for all the build up at 11 with kick off at 11.30. Full commentary – and Madonna’s half time show – will be played through the venue’s massive sound system, so you can be sure not to miss a thing. TICKET PRICE FROZEN! This event has sold out both years it has run in the past – so buy tickets now. Limited tickets will be held back for the door, but will cost £10. TICKETS

The Celestial Cinema

carl — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:49:00 +0000

The first of a monthly film club curated by Jeff Barrett starts on Monday 27th February . . Saint Etienne and Heavenly Films present: What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day? Directed by Paul Kelly What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day? (2005) continues Saint Etienne’s ongoing fascination with the city of London and its diverse array of people, space and places. Directed by Paul Kelly, this superb documentary explores East London’s neglected Lower Lea Valley, beautifully capturing the areas’ last moments before it undergoes a major redevelopment programme that will transform it from a derelict wasteland into the site for the 2012 Olympic Games. (running time 46 minutes). plus Drift Street A short film by Michael Smith, the writer and presenter of BBC’s ‘Drivetime’ and ‘Citizen Smith’. Michael says: Drift Street is the first thing I’ve directed. If the Culture Shows are “picture essays” then Drift Street is a kind of “picture-poem”, more open-ended, less constrained by linear narrative. It was commissioned for the Floating Cinema as part of the Create Festival, which promotes the cultural life of the East End. Still (above) from What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day? Tickets Facebook

On Tour With Calla

carl — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:16:31 +0000

Monday 30th January Join us at the end of the month for the screening of a new film by Sebastien Dehesdin and live show from Her Name Is Calla - and it's FREE ENTRY! Live: HER NAME IS CALLA We are proud to present an exclusive screening of documentary 'On Tour With Calla'. It was made by Sebastien Dehesdin after spending 3 weeks with the band Her Name Is Calla (a five-piece band based in Leeds) around Europe. The screening will be followed by a live performance from the band. Watch the trailer below:

Faber Social Returns

carl — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:14:05 +0000

On Monday 6th February the Faber Social returns with a stunning line-up of spring fiction and non-fiction. Jon McGregor, one of the UK’s top five short story writers, reads from his collection This Isn’t the Sort of Thing That Happens to Someone Like You. Alex Preston, whose prizewinning first novel This Bleeding City tackled the financial crisis, now turns to money, sex and religion for inspiration in The Revelations, also published in February. Lucy Caldwell reads from her novel The Meeting Point, recent winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize. And finally, Jane Harris, author of the hugely acclaimed The Observations, will read from her second novel Gillespie and I, just out in paperback. Doors 7pm, £5 entry. Please carl@thesocial.com to reserve a space.

Social Newsletter - Week 2

carl — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:46:00 +0000

This year has got off to a flyer! This Friday we're keeping it free entry all night long as the guys from Black Butter Records come and take over for the night. Take the time to head to the website to see what we have coming up over the next few weeks and into February. Loads of great new nights (inc Players Ball Central), live shows, film nights and the return of the Faber Social. www.thesocial.com ------- SOCIAL NIGHTS OUT Thursday 19th January HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 20th January BLACK BUTTER RECORDS DJs: RUDIMENTAL CINEMATIC + WOZ Home to some of 2011 hottest club hits and hitmakers, Black Butter is going to blow up in 2012. This is a FREE party with acts from the label and special guests showing you what to expect from the big year to come. Doors 6pm-late, FREE ENTRY ALL NIGHT www.black-butter.co.uk ------- Saturday 21st January SUBSOUL 'The real overground sound' DJs: JAZZIE B + MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after. Facebook ------- Monday 23rd January ZOO ZERO E.P LAUNCH Live: ZOO ZERO Launch party for Zoo Zero's debut EP 'Green Apples', released that day. There’ll be a live show from the band and support, special guest DJs (and possibly an extra-special acoustic set or two), a Green Apple tombola and seven-inches available to buy! Doors 7pm-12am. £3 or £6 with the EP ------- Tuesday 24th January LIANNE LA HAVAS Live: LIANNE LA HAVAS + Support This is part two of her 4 night residency and is SOLD OUT, sorry. Doors 7pm-12am ------- Wednesday 25th January MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 11pm / £5 thereafter. Facebook ------- Thursday 26th January HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out.Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 27th January THE SCHIZODELIC SOUND DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n'Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System [MK1] and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you’ve ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive. Doors 6pm-1am, Free before 9pm, £5 after Facebook

Time To Get Schizodelic

carl — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:09:13 +0000

This Friday it's time to get Schizodelic. Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n'Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System [MK1] and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you’ve ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive. The Schizodelic Sound start this Friday the 27th January and will be in residence on the last Friday of every month. Doors 6pm-1am, free before 9pm.

Madd Raff February

carl — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:09:27 +0000

MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS The weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Arrive before 10pm to get your nails done for FREE, practise your wining and then rave the night away with the hypest dancehall crew outside Jamaica. 1 Feb - Lady Chann (Release Party) 8 Feb - King Erruption (Residents Party) 15 Feb - Mighty Moe (Valentines Party) 22 Feb - Djahman & Friday (T&T Carnival Party) 29 Feb - Silverstar & Juvinile (UK Bashment Party) Doors 7pm-1am. free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm, £5 after.

Social Newsletter - Week 3

carl — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:15:15 +0000

Friday 27th January THE SCHIZODELIC SOUND DJs: DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n'Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Doors 6pm-1am, Free before 9pm, £5 after Facebook ------- Saturday 28th January SUBSOUL 'The real overground sound' DJs:

SPIN DOCTOR

+ MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after. Facebook ------- Monday 30th January ON TOUR WITH CALLA Live: HER NAME IS CALLA We are proud to present an exclusive screening of documentary 'On Tour With Calla'. It was made by Sebastien Dehesdin after spending 3 weeks with the band Her Name Is Calla (a five-piece band based in Leeds) around Europe. The screening will be followed by a live performance from the band. Doors 6pm-12am. Free entry ------- Tuesday 31st January LIANNE LA HAVAS Live: LIANNE LA HAVAS + Support This is part 3 of her 4 night residency and is SOLD OUT, sorry. Doors 7pm-12am ------- Wednesday 1st February MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS With Special guest: LADY CHANN (Release Party) The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm / £5 after. Facebook ------- Thursday 2nd February HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 3rd February PLAYERS BALL CENTRAL DJs: ROB PURSEY + DAVEY BOY SMITH London’s Crunkest Club Night™ is coming to Central London. Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the crunkest, buckest, wildest clubbing experience in London. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5 after. Facebook

Madd Raff - Every Wednesday

carl — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:08:11 +0000

MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS The weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Arrive before 10pm to get your nails done for FREE, practise your wining and then rave the night away with the hypest dancehall crew outside Jamaica. 15 Feb – Mighty Moe (Valentines Party) 22 Feb – Djahman & Friday (T&T Carnival Party) 29 Feb – Silverstar & Juvinile (UK Bashment Party) Doors 7pm-1am. free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm, £5 after.

The London Particular At The Social

carl — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:09:31 +0000

The London Particular residency at the bar is due to finish at the end of next week, so if you haven't had a chance to get down and try their brilliant food then do it now!! We have all been blown away by the new dishes that Becky, Kanji and crew have been serving up every day and have loved having them take over our kitchen for the last two months. We hope to get them back in again some time in the future for another residency. They have put in long hours to make it happen, we'd like to thank them for all their hard work - it's been a pleasure to have them all around. Don't forgot to go and try out their cafe in New Cross where all the social dishes and lots lots more can be found 7 days a week (and the best coffee too!) - - - The London Particular - ”A thick pea soup, named after the blanket smogs for which London was famous in the 1950’s… a real pea souper.” For a short time, the fine people from The London Particular will be taking up residence in our kitchen and giving the menu a radical shake up. The results over the trial period of the last two weeks have been jaw-droppingly brilliant. Word is already spreading that the bar is now offering really great locally sourced, homemade, affordable food. In case you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you can enjoy the likes of Beef, Kernel & Bramley stew, Slow Cooked Pork Belly Rolls, Jerusalem Artichoke and Ginger Soup and Homemade Sourdough Doughnuts. There are regular specials and everything can be eaten in or served as a takeaway. The London Particular itself is located just over the bridge from New Cross Railway station in south east London. It serves freshly cooked food from local, independent suppliers. Everything they serve is a blend of hearty, British, well sourced, served in a tin bowl and embellished with distinct spices and flavours. It's all healthy, natural and impeccably tasty. They like to be Particular. Email carl@thesocial.com to book in for lunch or dinner. - - - Snacks - Dalimar Portuguese potato crisps £ 2.00 - Smoked mackerel & heritage potato frittata w homemade garlic mayo £ 4.00 - Side mixed salad (V) £ 3.00 - The London Particular selection of dips & flatbread (V) (Pea dip - Beetroot hummus - Sweet potato & ginger) £ 4.80 - Harissa Pork Ribs £6.00 - Sharing platter (selection of dips, flatbread, Spanish Gordal olives, cured meat, organic Largueta almonds & pickles) £ 9.00 In a sourdough bun (add Crisps £ 1.50 / mixed salad £ 2.50) - Mixed marinated beetroot, roast leeks, pea dip & mature cheddar (V) £ 6.50 - Merguez sausage, caramelised onions, roast garlic mayo £ 5.90 (add cheddar - 80p) - Slow cooked Pork belly, celeriac remoulade with leaves £ 7.00 The London Particular hot specials Small £ 4.00 Large £ 6.00 (add Mash of the day £ 1.80 / Sourdough toast £ 0.80) Recent dishes have included: Spiced beef & black bean stew - Arbroath smokie chowder with corn salsa - Jerusalem artichoke, potato & ginger dish - Puy lentil and coconut with greens & roast baby squash - Venison, parsnip & oyster mushroom stew - Beef shin, Bramley & kernel ale stew - Braised cannellini, squash & cavalo nero with pecorino Sweets - Sourdough doughnuts (plain or lemon curd) £ 1.80 / £ 2.00 - The ice cream Union (vanilla or dark chocolate) £ 2.50

And It's Goodbye From Him?

carl — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:52:20 +0000

Sonic Cathedral presents Fairewell and Crushed Beaks According to this week's NME, word is that Fairewell’s Johnny White is talking about quitting live shows. All the more reason to grab tickets for his show at the bar on Feb 13th! Read the full article here Sonic Cathedral - Monday 13th Feb Live: FAIREWELL + CRUSHED BEAKS Fairewell’s second ever headline show and third gig in total following his hugely acclaimed debut album, ‘Poor, Poor Grendel’, which was released on Sonic Cathedral Recordings late last year. Fairewell is Johnny White, originally from Sheffield, now based in north London. He makes music that is both grandiose and introspective and claims to be influenced by Popol Vuh, cLOUDDEAD and The Black Heart Procession, but we can hear The Radio Dept, M83 and a whole lot more as well. Live he is joined by Joe Daniel (Angular) on bass and Josh Alexander on drums for something that is a lot heavier – comparisons have been made to Flying Saucer Attack. Crushed Beaks, New London-based duo who combine full-on noise with melody, texture and atmosphere. Their debut single ‘Close-Ups’ / ‘Sun Dogs’ was released on Too Pure last November and was one of the year’s most promising new releases. Plus guest DJ Pete Gofton and cult films www.soniccathedral.co.uk

Social Newsletter - Week 4

carl — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:39:05 +0000

The London Particular are coming to take over the Social kitchen from February 13th. You can expect a whole new menu at the bar, lunch time specials, a separate evening menu, brilliant food to eat in or takeaway. Fear not, Square Pie's will still be available! Read on below and get yourself booked in for lunch. There's a new mix for you this week from Good Block. The boys and girls will be back mob-handed next Friday night. This Friday it's time for Players Ball Central www.thesocial.com ------- The London Particular At The Social For a short time, the fine people from The London Particular are going to be taking up residence in our kitchen and radically shaking up the menu. If their brilliant cafe in New Cross is anything to go by then this is sure to be an absolute treat. Over lunch time and dinner you’ll be able to enjoy the likes of Beef, Kernel & Bramley stew, Pork Belly Rolls, Jerusalem Artichoke and Ginger Soup and Homemade Sourdough Doughnuts – eat in or takeaway! Read On ------- SOCIAL NIGHTS OUT Friday 3rd February PLAYERS BALL CENTRAL DJs: ROB PURSEY + DAVEY BOY SMITH London’s Crunkest Club Night™ is coming to Central London. Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the crunkest, buckest, wildest clubbing experience in London. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5 after. Facebook ------- Saturday 4th February SUBSOUL 'The real overground sound' DJs: JAZZIE B + MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Upstairs you can find the Breakin Bread DJs hosting a special one off all night long. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after Facebook ------- Sunday 5th February SUPER BOWL PARTY The Social is proud to once again host its London Super Bowl 2012 party in aid of Shelter. From 8pm enjoy DJs and entertainment, before attention goes to the big screen for all the build up at 11 with kick off at 11.30. Full commentary – and Madonna’s half time show – will be played through the venue’s massive sound system, so you can be sure not to miss a thing. This event has sold out both years it has run in the past – so buy tickets now. Limited tickets will be held back for the door, but will cost £10. Doors 8pm-late. ------- Monday 6th Febraury FABER SOCIAL The Faber Social returns with a stunning line-up of spring fiction and non-fiction. With special guests: JON MCGREGOR, ALEX PRESTON, LUCY CALDWELL, JANE HARRIS Jon McGregor, one of the UK’s top five short story writers, reads from his collection This Isn’t the Sort of Thing That Happens to Someone Like You. Alex Preston, whose prizewinning first novel This Bleeding City tackled the financial crisis, now turns to money, sex and religion for inspiration in The Revelations, also published in February. Lucy Caldwell reads from her novel The Meeting Point, recent winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize. And finally, Jane Harris, author of the hugely acclaimed The Observations, will read from her second novel Gillespie and I, just out in paperback. Doors 7pm-12am. £5 entry - Please carl@thesocial.com to reserve a space. ------- Tuesday 7th February LIANNE LA HAVAS Live: LIANNE LA HAVAS + Support This is part 4 of her 4 night residency and is SOLD OUT, sorry. Doors 6pm (early stage time - 8pm) ------- Wednesday 8th February MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS With Special guest: KING ERRUPTION The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm / £5 after. Facebook ------- Thursday 9th February HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out Doors 6pm-1am, free entry Facebook ------- Friday 10th February GOOD BLOCK The Good Block launch in January was a road block from early doors until close, thank you to all 8 DJs that turned out and smashed it. With special guest DJs: CONRAD GLIMPSE, ALEX TURPIN, BRADLEY ZERO, GIGOLO MEDINA, PETER, AVB + AXEL FOELY Check out the new mix from Good Block residents, Gigolo Medina Bringing a new night to The Social every 2nd Friday of the month. The Good Block will blend Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop, House, Soul and Lazer Funk from the 70′s to the current day. Flying across New York, Chicago, Detroit, Kingston, London, Lagos and beyond. Each month’s line up will welcome a host of established club DJs who leave their current guises behind to do something left of centre. From The Gap Band to Big L to Kerri Chandler to Mr Vegas, come get deep. Doors 6pm-1am, free before 9pm, £5 after Facebook -------

Shakes of the Month

carl — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:49:28 +0000

Jake and Thomas (who have learnt a thing or two under the guidance of Dre Masso) are going to be selecting 3 of their favourite cocktails each month. To get things started they have chosen this lot below, beautifully captured by our photographer in residence Mr Zane Cunningham. You can enjoy these any time, but with your membership card they are only £5 before 8pm (6pm on Fridays) The Aviation The NY Flip Strawberry Daiquiri

Friday Night Disco

carl — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:06:20 +0000

With Anna Greenwood (Guilty Pleasures) and guests. Start the weekend with a basement bash of Friday night frolicking as Anna and friends bring you pop, rock, disco and a dollop of good old fashioned fun. Dancing positively encouraged. Everyone knows Friday night is the best night of the week. It’s a simple fact. Why else is do we thank Crunchie it is Friday? There aren’t any American themed diners serving enticing fat-congealed platters of fried orange foods called T.G.I. Tuesday are there? Even old misery faced King Goth Robert Smith declared he was in love with Friday. But he also used to rob his mum’s lippy and his hair is a right sight so maybe he isn’t the best ambassador for this. Anna Greenwood (Guilty Pleasures resident dj / singer and show off) will instead be our Friday ambassador henceforth and is here to start your weekend the way it’s meant to – with music, dancing and good old-fashioned FUN all in the underground hedonists hang out that is the Social at the Friday Night Disco! Flinging themselves about behind the decks, Anna and February’s guest Lulu le Vay will be playing pop, rock, disco, 80s soul and records that you know all the words to that sound even better after a pint. Feel the work woe slip away as a jukebox of joy gets your weekend off to a super start and have you dancing your shoes off, punching the air with glee and singing all the all the way home on the night bus much to the delight of your fellow passengers. Come and join us on Friday 17^th for a right good knees up and disco dancing good times! www.annagreenwood.co.uk

Time To Get Schizodelic, Again . .

carl — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:38:01 +0000

Another chance to get down and check out the new Friday night residency from three of our favourite new DJs . . DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n’Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in!

Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you’ve ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive.

Tim Burgess -Telling Stories

carl — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:48:26 +0000

On Tuesday evening we'll be hosting a party to celebrate the release of the new book by Tim Burgess, 'Telling Stories' which is out on April 26th. There will be some readings and guest DJs on the night. This is an invite only event but we have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky winner. To win pop me an email and let me know what your favourite story is . . 'Tim Burgess grew up in rural Cheshire but from his mid-teens he spent as much time as he could at the legendary Hacienda in Manchester. He was invited to be the vocalist in newly formed The Charlatans, who went from supporting The Stone Roses to having three UK number one albums and seventeen Top Thirty singles. They rode the waves of first Madchester then Britpop. The band survived the imprisonment of influential keyboardist Rob Collins on a charge of armed robbery, then the death of Collins in a car accident; their accountant running off with all their money and leaving them with a tax bill of almost £2 million; and in more recent years the rock 'n' roll life-style of Burgess himself as he took himself off to LA, for the music and the drugs.' Packed with incredible stories, this frank and vivid memoir describes the mad life of a rock star: the dynamics of the band, the creativity and the self-destruction, the sex and the drugs but also the rock 'n roll - his obsession with music shines off the page as he writes about his influences and his encounters, from Dylan to New Order, from Paul Weller to Oasis.

We Zonin

carl — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:04:50 +0000

Rob Pursey (Hip Hop Karaoke / Players Ball + Southern Hospitality) is back with Zonin Vol 3. By the time you read this it'll already have been downloaded round the world and back because i'm late on it again. By late i mean that it came out yesterday . . Anyway, it's brilliant so go and download it, and zone out. Download

Social Newsletter - Week 5

carl — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:13:43 +0000

It's official, the new menu from The London Particular is AMAZING. Honestly, the new food is completely brilliant, head down for lunch or dinner, eat in or takeaway. There are new specials pretty much every day, Harrisa Ribs are launching tonight! The Celestial Cinema premieres on Monday with a special screening of Saint Etienne's 'What Have You Done Today, Mervyn Day?'. Music wise, The Schizodelic Sound is back tomorrow night, HHK tonight,SubSoul on Saturday and more of the same all next week. Before i stop wittering, shout out to Rob Pursey for his latest mix Zonin vol 3. Grab it now and zone out. www.thesocial.com ------- SOCIAL NIGHTS OUT Thursday 23rd February HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, £3 concession list (via hiphopkaraokeuk@gmail.com) £5 on the door. Faceboook ------- Friday 24th February THE SCHIZODELIC SOUND DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n'Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in. Doors 6pm-1am, free entry before 9pm, £5 after ------- Saturday 25th February SUBSOUL 'The real overground sound' DJs: SPIN DOCTOR + MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Upstairs you can find the Breakin Bread DJs hosting a special one off all night long. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after Facebook ------- Monday 27th February THE CELESTIAL CINEMA First of a monthly film club curated by Jeff Barrett Saint Etienne and Heavenly Films present: What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day? What Have You Done Today Mervyn Day? (2005) continues Saint Etienne’s ongoing fascination with the city of London and its diverse array of people, space and places. Directed by Paul Kelly, this superb documentary explores East London’s neglected Lower Lea Valley, beautifully capturing the areas’ last moments before it undergoes a major redevelopment programme that will transform it from a derelict wasteland into the site for the 2012 Olympic Games. (running time 46 minutes). plus + Drift Street - A short film by Michael Smith, the writer and presenter of BBC’s Drivetime and Citizen Smith. Doors 7pm-12am, £3 entry Tickets ------- Tuesday 28th February SYMPTOMATIC PRESENTS Live: BAND OF HOLY JOY JACK ROBERTS FRASER + THE BETH STEEL Forever changing, consistently unique yet, always somehow the same, the Band Of Holy Joy began life as gutter chansoniers using junk shop instruments to propagate a brute romantic madly literate form of dispossessed urban folk music. Since then the band have scaled a few heights fallen down in one or two gutters, broken up, glued themselves together, toured the world, released a fair few albums for the likes of Rough Trade and fully explored other media by presenting two audio visual song plays. These days the junk shop instruments of old are long gone, and guitars, violins and visuals very much to the fore. But the band continues to write about the same outsider concerns with the same measure of spirit and care and man, they still put on a show. The Band of Holy Joy, forever changing, consistently unique, always the same. Join the adventure as they pass through your town. Doors 7pm-12am, £5 adv / £7 on the door ------- Wednesday 29th February MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS - UK BASHMENT PARTY With Special guests: SILVERSTAR + JUVINILE The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm / £5 after. Facebook ------- Thursday 1st March HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, £3 concession list (via hiphopkaraokeuk@gmail.com) £5 on the door Facebook ------- Friday 2nd March PLAYERS BALL DJs: ROB PURSEY + DAVEY BOY SMITH London’s Crunkest Club Night™ is coming to Central London. Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the crunkest, buckest, wildest clubbing experience in London. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5 after. -------

Players Ball Central

carl — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:34:51 +0000

This Friday - March 2nd For over a year now, PLAYERS BALL has been the highlight of everyone’s month at its birthplace at The CAMP in East London… and now, due to popular demand you can experience London’s Crunkest Club Night™ right in the centre of the capital at The Social – on the FIRST FRIDAY EVERY MONTH!!! Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the CRUNKEST, BUCKEST, WILDEST clubbing experience in London. ** STOP PRESS ** Rob Pursey has put together this mix for the night DOWNLOAD www.southernhospitality.co.uk

Good Block

carl — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:11:17 +0000

Good Block returns to The Social’s basement on Friday 9th March. The next instalment rallies the whole, Wholemeal crew for a left of centre boogie. Expect 70′s/80′s/90′s: Disco, Boogie, House, Hip Hop, Electro, Lazer Funk, Afrobeat LISTEN TO GOOD BLOCK MIX PT 2 DJs: Charles Drakeford (NTS Radio / Wholemeal) Bradley Zero (Rhythm Section / Boiler Room) Sean O’Rourke (dollop / Good Block) Tom Esselle (Wholemeal) Gigolo Medina (Wholemeal) Peter & Axel Foely (Good Block) - - - ATTEND THE FACEBOOK EVENT Bringing a new night to The Social every 2nd Friday of the month. The Good Block will blend Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop, House, Soul and Lazer Funk from the 70′s to the current day. Flying across New York, Chicago, Detroit, Kingston, London, Lagos and beyond. Each month’s line up will welcome a host of established club DJs who leave their current guises behind to do something left of centre. From The Gap Band to Big L to Kerri Chandler to Mr Vegas, come get deep.

Faber Social Celebrates Independence

carl — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:01:56 +0000

THE LIST FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL - SORRY Faber Social invites you to celebrate INDEPENDENCE and the publication of How Soon is Now: The Mavericks and Madmen Who Made Independent Music 1975-2005. From Rough Trade and Factory, through 4AD, Heavenly, Creation, Mute and most recently Domino and Warp, the musical landscape of the past 30 plus years has been shaped by an independent guiding spirit. Somewhere along the line this became 'indie'; Richard King's How Soon is Now excavates the Golden Years when to be 'indie' actually meant something. Richard will be joined in conversation by Owen Hatherley and Bob Stanley. Bob will soundtrack the evening from the decks. And there will be a performance from a figure central to the book: Edwyn Collins. Tickets cost £5 on the door. Please email rutha@faber.co.uk for a place on the guaranteed entry list. For more information visit faber.co.uk/fabersocialapril

The Story of The Streets Launch

carl — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:25:43 +0000

We're delighted to be hosting this rather exciting event at the bar . . Transworld Publishers and The Social invite you to join in the celebration of the launch of The Story of the Streets. Mike Skinner will be signing copies of his book and be accompanied by guest DJ’s on the 27^th March. Doors 7pm, free entry all night.

Never Too Much (Upstairs)

carl — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:49:55 +0000

Lulu 'Princess' Le Vay + Justin 'Luther' Quirk are starting a new residency upstairs on Friday night. You can catch them on the third Friday of every month. This will be a brilliant addition at an already legendary line up of upstairs DJs that we have week in week out. I don't talk about these guys enough on here, so here's a roll call and shout to the one and only Mr Rive (every Saturday night), Mark and Matt aka Droyd and Fones who have been ever present behind that bar for years, keeping it very real (second and last Fridays), Mark and the whole amazing Neddledroppin crew every Thursday night, Jimmy Plates who is known for tearing the upstairs bar apart on the first Friday of every month and on Wednesday nights you can catch 1Xtra's own Ronnie Herel bringing his Soulquariam vibe and Ian Pugh's Mobile Library. Social love goes out to all these people and the other DJs like Laura, Jamie and Mal (and anyone else who i have forgotten) who gets behind the bar every week and plays the best selection of music ever, often off vinyl and creates that special vibe. xx

Social Newsletter - Week 7

carl — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:53:02 +0000

I was thinking how lucky we are to have all our amazing upstairs DJs - here's a little thank you post. Party starts tonight with Madd Raff's Sean Paul party, HHK Thursday, Friday Night Disco business with Guilty Pleasures' Anna Greenwood (and Lulu and Justin - see below) and Jazzie B back in the booth on Saturday night! www.thesocial.com ------- SOCIAL NIGHTS OUT Wednesday 14th March MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS - SEAN PAUL PARTY With Special guests: FIRE MAN SAM + MAINY We are proud to announce the OFFICIAL launch party for Sean Paul's new album: Tomahawk Technique! We will be previewing tunes from the sick new album and giving away loads of SP goodies, all courtesy of Atlantic Records...plus the usual free whistles, horns and nail art. And we will be playing HUGE tunes from the back catalogue including Gimmie the Light, Temperature, Get Busy, We Be Burnin, Like Glue & millions more. Sadly due to commitments overseas, Sean Paul will not be in attendance... but we have STRICT instructions that we must 'rave and misbehave and go on bad' to celebrate the new album. Okay Sean, we promise! Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm / £5 after. Facebook ------- Thursday 15th March HIP HOP KARAOKE “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, £3 concession list / £5 on the door. Facebook ------- Friday 16th March FRIDAY NIGHT DISCO DJs: ANNA GREENWOOD (Guilty Pleasures) + guests Start the weekend with a basement bash of Friday night frolicking as Anna and friends bring you pop, rock, disco and a dollop of good old fashioned fun. Dancing positively encouraged. Doors 6pm-1am. Free before 9pm, £5 after. Facebook ------- Saturday 17th March SUBSOUL 'The real overground sound' DJs: JAZZIE B + MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Upstairs you can find the Breakin Bread DJs hosting a special one off all night long. Doors 6pm-3am, free before 8pm, £5 after. Facebook ------- Monday 19th March SYMPTOMATIC PRESENTS Live: SHOUT TIMBER IVORY HEROES ISLANDER + ROSIE WILBY Shout Timber formed in the exciting academic environment of University College London. Drawing as much influence from their love of vintage American literature and cinema as they do the melodies and honest lyricism of The Smiths, harmonies of The Beatles and the afro-rhythms of Vampire Weekend, Shout Timber establish themselves as an original, intelligent yet wholly accessible new talent on the UK scene. Doors 7pm-12am, £5 adv / £7 on the door ------- Tuesday 20th March ORGINAL OUTSIDER Live: FAT WHITES BULLIES + TWO JACKALS OO is back with a three part bill of brilliant young bands. Phonographic interludes supplied by James Endeacott + Swamp Dance djs Doors 7pm-12am, free entry Facebook ------- Wednesday 21st March MADD RAFF WEDNESDAYS - BASHMENT KARAOKE With Special guests: JOE GRIME + PART2STYLE The new weekly party from The Heatwave. The rules are simple: No badmind. No posing. 100% dancing. 100% smiling. Madd Raff is all about dancing, dressing up and having fun! Pure bashment all night with no negativity allowed in the building. Expect crazy dance moves, banging on the walls and a million whistles and air horns. Doors 7pm-1am, free before 9pm, £3 before 10pm / £5 after. Facebook

Original Outsider

carl — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:05:08 +0000

Live: FAT WHITES BULLIES + TWO JACKALS OO is back with a three part bill of brilliant young bands. Phonographic interludes supplied by the Swamp Dance djs http://www.supajam.com/blog/article/Fat-White-Family . . . 'It’s been an age since London has seen a band capable of enraging and entertaining in equal measure. When Lias says it’s a lot of effort to put on a show he isn’t being facetious. Fat White Family have developed a hardcore fanbase in their South London home eager to catch their maniac, visceral live shows, the band howling, tearing at their instruments, crashing around the stage, all the time locked onto an irresistible garage groove. Part Bash Street Kids, part missing-on-the-side-of-a-milk-carton kids, they conjure a dark, euphoric symbiosis of chaos and rhythm that hasn’t been heard since the Happy Mondays launched their joyous catastrophe onto an unsuspected world, or Pete n' Carl set sail to Albion.... Formed on the spur of the moment from the fag ends of a gaggle of local garage bands, Fat Whites first incarnation came as a big band. Now down to a 6 piece, made up of Saul, brothers Lias and Nathan (keyboards), drummer Dan, Jack Payne on bass, and Adam from One Man Destruction Show on screaming lead guitar, they reckon they’ve passed through their ‘mad experimental stages’, and have got a sound they’re settled on- a propulsive brew of swaggering psychedelia, bare bones garage, and snarling fables of numbness, boredom and sex delivered by the hyper-kinetic Lias. The band are planning to release an album in the summer through small independent Trash Mouth, as well as an EP or two, but in general they’re not too fussed about trying to rodeo on some sort of bucking rock n roll gravy train. Saul, in particular had his fill of the high life with his short, disastrous tenure being signed to Sony as one of much hyped urchin rockers The Metros.'

New Exhibition - Matt Sewell

carl — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:35:02 +0000

Since its first appearance in July 2009, Matt’s ‘Bird of the Week’ feature for the Caught by the River website has quickly become a cult hit. His pop-art watercolours are distinctive and enchanting, as are his innovative descrip- tions, which see great tits ‘bossing the other birds around’, the ‘playful yet shy buoyancy’ of bullfinches and the ‘improbable’ nature of the waxwing (‘like a computer-generated samurai finch’). Now, for the first, time his original drawings and descriptions are compiled in a beautiful volume. The perfect read for bird-lovers and art and design fans alike. To launch the book, The Social is honoured to be hosting an exhibition of Matt’s birds, this will be launching April 5th. You can find out more about Matt's book and pre-order it HERE A very limited edition set of beer matts as been created to celebrate the event, be quick as they will disappear. Sambrook's Brewery has very kindly sponsored this show, huge thank you to them for all their help. You can enjoy Sambrooks' Junction and Wandle beers in the upstairs bar. 'Sambrook's is a Battersea based craft brewer of English cask ales. Since we launched in 2008, Matt has been developing illustrations for us and we are delighted to be able to reciprocate by sponsoring Matt's exhibitions' Duncan Sambrook www.mattsewell.co.uk www.sambrooksbrewery.co.uk www.caughtbytheriver.net

Shakes of the Month pt 2

carl — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:07:21 +0000

Thomas Holec and Jake Johari have been busy again and have come up with another three Shakes of the Month for you If you are a member you can get any of these beauties for £5 every day from 5-8pm. As ever, huge props to Zane Cunningham for capturing them so brilliantly. Ginjitsu Ingredients: Two shots of gin, one shot of citrus juice, tablespoon of sugar/honey, handful of fresh mint, ginger beer + three dashes of angustura bitters Method: Shake first four ingredients with cubed ice and dum pinto glass. Topped with ginger beer and drop the angustura on the top. Glass: Highball Garnish: Fresh mint spring and lemon slice Santa Cruz Ingredients: One and half shot of ocho tequila, shot of citrus juice, teaspoon of strawberry liqueur + two teaspoons of vanilla sugar Method: Shake all the ingredients over the ice and double strain Glass: Martini Garnish: Strawberry Fruity vanilla daiquiri Ingredients: Two shots of rum, handful of seasonal fruit, one shot of lemon juice + a tablespoon of vanilla sugar Method: Shake all the ingredients with cubed ice and strain Glass: Martini Garnish: Seasonal fruit

Schizodelic Sound Tonight!

carl — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:39:13 +0000

TONIGHT-TONIGHT-TONIGHT DJs: GUY C, AARON FLETCHER + TIM ROCKINS Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n’Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you’ve ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive.

Anyone Can Play Guitar

carl — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:36:09 +0000

Tuesday 24th April A massive night of music and film from the brilliant Idle Fret and a huge cast of guests. Featuring: Anyone Can Play Guitar – film screening Mark Gardener (Ride) – acoustic set Listing Ships - - - DJs: Jon Spira and Hank Starrs (Anyone Can Play Guitar) – DJ set Matt (Truck Store) – DJ set Oxedelica DJ’s - – - Doors 6.00pm ’til Midnight *** film screening starts at 7pm sharp *** 25 x £5 early bird tickets available now. Next 25 early bird tickets will be priced at £7.50. £10 advance after limited early bird tickets have sold out. TICKETS - – - Mark Gardener Mark Gardener from Shoegaze legends Ride will be doing an acoustic set featuring songs from Ride’s back catalogue and his brilliant solo record These Beautiful Ghosts, as well as some new material. - Listing Ships Listing Ships is a nautical themed instrumental quartet, landlocked in Oxford, making epic music inspired by the precision of Tortoise and Shipping News, the sonic palette of Holy Fuck and Tarentel and the explorations of krautrock. None of them can swim. - Anyone Can Play Guitar (film screening) - *** Recommended in the NME “20 Music Films You Need To See! *** It’s funny how certain music scenes have become legendary – Merseybeat in the 60′s, London’s summer of punk in the 70′s, Sheffield’s Electro 80′s and Manchester’s ‘Baggy’ 90′s. When you break them down, they’re just a small handful of bands making very similar music during a very short but high-profile period. When people talk about regional music scenes, they never talk about Oxford. Yet Oxford’s tight music community has been steadily producing genre-defining bands of the highest quality and integrity for pushing 30 years. RIDE – who created (and indirectly named) the Shoegaze genre, TALULAH GOSH – the enfant terribles of Riot Girl, Britpop legends SUPERGRASS, Creation’s Alt-Rock heroes SWERVEDRIVER, current Post-Punk/Math-Rock phenomenon FOALS and – oh yeah – RADIOHEAD all came directly from this one scene. They built and took inspiration from it, they got support and encouragement from it, they cut their teeth in its venues and ultimately were launched into worldwide success from it. But nobody’s ever heard of it. So now, all of those bands, along with their less-succesful friends and contemporaries and the promoters, managers, journalists, record label owners and gig-goers who built the scene tell their story. Anyone Can Play Guitar is not like most music docs. Using the unheard stories of some of the greatest bands and the greatest stories of some of the unheard bands as the backdrop to a truly unique and epic saga of success, failure, good intentions and bad outcomes. It refuses to mythologise and explores what can be achieved with community and the harsh realities of the music industry. From the DIY spirit of the early 80′s right through to the controversial corporatisation of Oxford’s best-loved venue, ACPG tracks three decades of highs and lows in a punchy, really engaging style. The film is narrated by cult comedian Stewart Lee ACPG was made completely independently by film-maker and music video director Jon Spira over the course of three years. www.idlefret.com

Bank Holiday Parties

carl — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:53:18 +0000

Join us for the first bank holiday of 2012 . . Thursday 5th April HIP HOP KARAOKE - BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, Hip-Hop Karaoke lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that's teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out. Doors 6pm-1am, £5 on the door. Email hiphopkaraokeuk@gmail.com for £3 concessions list. Facebook ------- Friday 6th April PLAYERS BALL CENTRAL LATE NIGHT SPECIAL London’s Crunkest Club Night™ is back with a late night special going strong through until 3am. Basement: Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back old favourites and just generally giving you the BUCKEST, HYPEST, WILDEST clubbing experience in London. Upstairs Bar: Jimmy Plates meanwhile will be runnin through the 90s/00s RnB and Jiggy classics for y'all listening pleasure all damn night. And don't forget to try the now-legendary Southern Hospitality cocktail, which will be available all night long :)) Doors 6pm-3am, free before 9pm / £5 Facebook ------- Saturday 7th April SUBSOUL - BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL 'The real overground sound' DJs: CHRIS P CUTS + MR RIVE Spinning everything from Soul + Disco to Hip Hop and House, a blend of sounds new and old for those looking for an unpretentious party vibe. Doors 6pm-1am, free before 8pm, £5 after. Facebook

New Good Block Mix

carl — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:08:13 +0000

GET IT HERE GET IT HERE Good Block bring in the summer vibes with the finest 70's/80's/90's music. All in the basement of The Social with a head strong selection of DJ's: Fragment DJs Gigolo Medina Arne VB Sean O'Rourke ADAM Proper Disco, Proper House, Proper Hip Hop, Proper Electro, P-funk, Afrobeat, the odd guilty pleasure etc... Facebook Hope you can make it x Like the Good Block page for a daily dose of the dope: www.facebook.com/goodblocklondon

Faber Celebrates Punk

carl — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:13:25 +0000

The next Faber Social is on Monday 16th April Faber Social invites you to celebrate Punk with James Fearnley, author of Here Comes Everybody: The Story of the Pogues, Kevin Cummins, music and portrait photographer and author of Manchester: Looking for the Light through the Pouring Rain, Viv Albertine of The Slits and special guest TBC. Tickets cost £5 on the door. Please email carl@thesocial.com for a place on the guaranteed entry list.

Schizodelic Sounds

carl — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:02:38 +0000

Schizodelic Sound - Friday 27th April Mixing Mods with Rockers, Punks with Proggers, Concrete Jungle with African Bush, Brazilian Nuggets with Turkish Delights, Sweet’n’Sour Krauts with Big Macs and Crisp Rappers with Cheesy Ravers any flavour is for the tasting. Based on a super tight blend of three amigos triple-teaming behind the decks The Schizodelic Sound shall make one shake thy rattle, rok ya Rolex and get on up to get on down. With much unexpected diggings alongside stone-cold classics from the most open book of musical revelry there is a sound for one and all to rejoice in! Spear headed by DJ Guy C (Gorillaz Sound System and The Bees Tour DJ, throwing it down on the decks like a man possessed), Aaron Fletcher (The Bees main man, song writer and internationally treasured musical innovator) and Tim Rockins (Zombie Flesh Eater, mindblowing maximalist artist and graphical craftsman busting with the A to Z of sound). It all adds up to the most ridiculously dope record box you’ve ever looked in, combined with Kaleidoscopically-psychephrenic lightshows, visuals and animated posters The Schizodelic Sound is here. Fundamentally with the basic ideal of keeping the dance floor alive.

Josh Kumra Announcement

carl — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:16:16 +0000

We can announce that Josh Kumra will be doing a three night residency at the bar on the 22nd, 29th May and 5th June. Live: Josh Kumra + support Rockfeedback Concerts presents this very special residency. You may not know the name but the chances are you are familiar with his exquisitely soulful voice. Josh Kumra is the 21year old singer-songwriter who wrote and featured on Wretch 32’s #1 smash hit single ‘Don’t Go’ last summer Off the back of this dual assault on the pop charts, Josh has signed his solo deal with RCA and delivered a stunning debut album due for release in September 2012. This run of London shows by way of a weekly residency at The Social kicks off the campaign with Josh playing live on May 22, May 29 and June 5. His debut single ‘Helicopters & Planes’ will be released on July 9. www.ticketweb.co.uk www.wegottickets.com

Good Block!

carl — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:41:22 +0000

From The Gap Band to Big L to Kerri Chandler to Mr Vegas, come get deep. DJs RGB (Wholemeal) blackbeltjonez (Burnt Toast) Real Close (Fragment) Meat Maison Pete Foe Good Block DJs Bringing a new night to The Social every 2nd Friday of the month. The Good Block will blend Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop, House, Soul and Lazer Funk from the 70′s to the current day. Flying across New York, Chicago, Detroit, Kingston, London, Lagos and beyond. Each month’s line up will welcome a host of established club DJs who leave their current guises behind to do something left of centre. New Mix Facebook

Subsoul

carl — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:10:07 +0000

***** THE LAST SUBSOUL IS THIS SATURDAY - LAST CHANCE ***** Subsoul is the Saturday night party where Jazzie B, Spin Doctor and Chris P Cuts take turns each week to play an extended set of the finest Soul, Disco, Hip-Hop, House and other dance floor sounds old and new that have been keeping the place rocking every Saturday for the last 18 months. Whether you walk in and find Soul II Soul's Jazzie B behind the decks, or head honcho of The Doctor's Orders, Spin Doctor (a London nightlife legend), or The Funhouse's Chris P Cuts (one of the capitol's most exciting young DJs), you will be guaranteed a proper party with an unpretentious crowd of happy people. DJs on rotation each week: Jazzie B: The original Funki Dred Playing and making records since 1977, Jazzie is one of the few true international legends of modern soul music. With Soul II Soul he’s scored Number One hits all over the world; has won two Grammies and an Ivor Novello award; and received an OBE and the keys to no less than seven American cities – some states even celebrate a Soul II Soul Day. As busy now as he’s ever been, deejaying all over the world, and with a BBC London 94.9 radio show, SubSoul presents him with an opportunity to spin the records that played such a large part in his early success on the sound system scene. Spin Doctor: The hardest working man in Hip-Hop. The driving force behind The Doctor’s Orders, Spin has been promoting and rocking parties in London for longer than he might care to mention and while best known for his dedication to Hip-Hop his passion for all genres is undoubted and he is more than ready and willing to show the extent of his collection at this new night. Chris P Cuts: Rising star. Fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting DJs on the underground party scene Chris P will be expanding his reputation and experience with his first residency. Always fearless in the variety of his selection he will be building on his reputation week by week. Mr Rive: One to watch Having graduated from sets in the upstairs bar to warming up the main room of this fun packed weekly party Mr Rive is quickly showing his value with his soul drenched international flavour.

Faber Social - Crime Special

carl — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:23:30 +0000

Monday 14th May As crime writing takes over the Faber Social for the first time, we are delighted to welcome Erin Kelly, Cathi Unsworth, Stav Sherez, Claire McGowan and Doug Johnstone to the stage. Don’t miss what is sure to be a memorably dark night full, as all great crime novels should be, of character, mystery and good music. Tickets

Never Too Much

carl — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:51:32 +0000

Lulu 'Princess' Le Vay + Justin 'Luther' Quirk are back with NTM on Friday night. You can catch them on the third Friday of every month. This will be a brilliant addition at an already legendary line up of upstairs DJs that we have week in week out. I don't talk about these guys enough on here, so here's a roll call and shout to the one and only Mr Rive (every Saturday night), Mark and Matt aka Droyd and Fones who have been ever present behind that bar for years, keeping it very real (second and last Fridays), Mark and the whole amazing Neddledroppin crew every Thursday night, Jimmy Plates who is known for tearing the upstairs bar apart on the first Friday of every month and on Wednesday nights you can catch 1Xtra's own Ronnie Herel bringing his Soulquariam vibe and Ian Pugh's Mobile Library. Social love goes out to all these people and the other DJs like Laura, Jamie and Mal (and anyone else who i have forgotten) who gets behind the bar every week and plays the best selection of music ever, often off vinyl and creates that special vibe. xx

Mr David Viner Returns

carl — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:09:53 +0000

Our good friend Mr David Viner returns to the scene of the crime . . AMBIGUOUS RECORDS PRESENTS MR DAVID VINER – 10 YEARS OUT OF THE BUSINESS Live: Mr David Viner Alice Gun + Roo Panes David’s gigging career began in Dallas in 2002. The rest is history. Join us at The Social to celebrate 10 misspent years. DJ Set from Sam Campari. Tickets

FND

carl — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:19 +0000

DJs: Anna Greenwood (Guilty Pleasures) + guests. Start the weekend with a basement bash of Friday night frolicking as Anna and friends bring you pop, rock, disco and a dollop of good old fashioned fun Dancing positively encouraged. Doors 7pm-1am, Free before 9pm Timeout recommendation

The Social at Lovebox 2012

carl — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:02:40 +0000

We are very proud to be hosting the VIP bar this year and we will be bringing along a few friends of ours for a party . . The Social at Lovebox - Friday 15th June - VIP Bar DJs: STICKY MICACHU + KWES HIP HOP KARAOKE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY GOOD BLOCK + THE HEAVENLY JUKEBOX You can grab tickets here Check out the Heavenly Hospitality Mix

Baggy is Ten

carl — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:23:58 +0000

In 2002, Baggy Mondays had a dream. That good people could go to a great bar and dance to ace baggy music. And lo it came to pass. Ten years later Baggy Mondays is the Social's longest-running night and has gained a reputation as one of the friendliest, most up-for-it parties in town, where the likes of Kings Of Leon, Kasabian and The Charlatans' Tim Burgess having turned up for a beer and a boogie to classics from the Mondays, the Inspirals, the Roses, Northside, Paris Angels and all that other Madchester gubbins. The night has also become a Thursday night staple at Glastonbury Festival, packing The Park's tent to capacity for the last five years. Now it's time for Baggy to celebrate its tenth birthday. And when better to do it than on the very night that the Stone Roses return to the UK stage to play the first of their mammoth Manchester shows? Come join us at The Social on 29th June, and let's party like it's 1989. Top one, nice one, sorted.

Follow Roy at The Social

carl — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:45:43 +0000

We'll be showing the England games in the upcoming European Championships downstairs on the big screen. Email the bar to hold a table for any of the matches. We'll also show any of the other interesting games on a smaller screen upstairs or if a get enough people asking (and it does not effect our nights) on the big screen. Monday 11th June - England Vs France (1700 kick off0 Friday 15th June - England Vs Sweden (1945 kick off) Tuesday 19th June - England Vs Ukraine (1945 kick off) . . and then if we get through we'll make sure that we keep up with Roy in the knock out stages

Sonic Boom and Richard Milward

carl — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:55:16 +0000

Faber Social presents REVOLUTION with Sonic Boom and Richard Milward Monday 25th June Sonic Boom, once of Spacemen 3 and now Spectrum, is one of the most influential and celebrated underground musicians of the past three decades. Join us for a rare solo set from the psychedelic guru, most recently feted for his work with MGMT. Sonic will be supported by the remarkable young British novelist, Richard Milward, Teeside's very own Laureate. Richard will be reading from his choose your own afterlife novel, Kimberly's Capital Punishment, which will be published as a very special limited edition in July. £8 in advance / more on the door Tickets Buy the book: Special edition / Standard edition

Madd Summer

carl — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:06:27 +0000

Madd Raff is brilliant each and every Wednesday night. It's a proper mid-week party with lots and lots of happy people getting on the dance floor in the basement right from the off. It's the only place you can find The Heatwave every week throughout the summer during their packed festival schedule and they have loads of special guests and launches lined up too. Madd Raff - Every Wednesday night from 7pm. - - 6 June // Jacky Murda & Nasah (Mud Fam) Canadian ragga junglist Jacky Murda is joined by Madd Raff regular and bashment DJ from Skinnyman's Mud Fam crew Nasah. Check out Jacky Murda remixing Vybz Kartel - - 13 June // Orange Hill Orange Hill is the new crew put together by Radio 1's Ras Kwame alongside Junior Tubby, the nephew of the late great King Tubby! They fuse UK dance music with Jamaican dancehall in a new sound they call Electro Bashy. Check out heir new single with Vybz Kartel and their previous single with Busy Signal, Kano & Fatman Scoop - - 20 June // Curtis Lynch & Serocee // Necessary Bass launch party Curtis Lynch is the UK's number one dancehall producer and his Necessary Mayhem label has released numerous hits in recent years from the likes of General Levy, Stush, Tippa Irie, Lady Chann, YT, Mr Williamz and many more. Now he's launching a new imprint, Necessary Bass, dealing with reggae-influenced drum'n'bass and dubstep. - - 27 June // YT & Mr Williamz // Revolution Time launch party Since his breakout hit England Story, YT has been among the top dancehall artists in the UK. He launches his new album Revolution Time at Madd Raff alongside longtime collaborator Mr Williamz.

Caught By The River and Faber Social

carl — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:35:19 +0000

The Social welcomes back Faber Social, a monthly evening of stories, music and performance – this month in association with Caught by the River On Monday July 2nd the Faber Social celebrates nature writing – and the nature of writing. Will Atkins takes us through wild terrain, discussing the position of moorland in our literature, history and psyche. Author/photographer/angler Chris Yates describes a night-time journey deep into the heart of the British countryside. Robert Macfarlane reads from his book The Old Ways, exploring pathways, stories and ghosts, and also presents a new collaboration (which he worked on with Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood and writer-artist Dan Richards). Kirsty Gunn reads from The Big Music – a new work that is as much a landscape as a novel. We’re also joined by poet Alice Oswald, author of the T.S. Eliot Prize-winning Dart. Tickets Facebook

Merc Live

carl — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 09:04:01 +0000

We are pleased to announce this new run of dates in association with Merc Live For your chance to win tickets to any of these shows, simply fill in the form HERE choosing the band(s) that you would like to see. DJ ELI from the ‘Wreck it up Crew’ will be playing every date to keep the night swinging and there is lots more to come! Lucky winners will be notified 1 week prior to the gig. GOOD LUCK! * Please note that to enter this competition you must be at least 18 years of age. All attendees of the Merc Live gigs must also be at least 18 years of age.

The Social

carl — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:19:19 +0000

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Heavenly Hospitality

carl — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:58:22 +0000

As i'm sure you've heard by now we're taking over Lovebox's VIP bar on Friday - Rob Pursey and myself have put a little mis together to celebrate! 'This Friday, The Social are taking over the VIP Area of Lovebox with a dope line-up that includes among other things, Sticky, Good Block DJs, your chance to take part in Hip Hop Karaoke and of course Southern Hospitality and the Heavenly Jukebox. Hence this mix I put together with none other than Carl Gosling (NMIS.hons) to celebrate this latest collaboration! We'll see y'all Friday, but in the meantime bump this!' Rob Download the mix HERE

Free Social Membership

carl — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:55:53 +0000

You don’t need to be a member to come to The Social but it will get you cheaper drinks and other offers . . Members can now get 2 for 1 on special cocktails, selected bottled beers, house wine and £1 off every pint - every day between 12-8pm until the end of July. And for a limited time membership is FREE - ask at the bar or email carl@thesocial.com for details x

Summer Cocktails

carl — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:57:47 +0000

Thomas and Jake have put together a range of special summer festivals, including quite an ambitious pineapple number!

Players Ball Central

carl — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:04:08 +0000

Friday 6th July London’s Crunkest Club Night™ is back in Central London. DJs: Rob Pursey + Davey Boy Smith Southern Hospitality DJs Rob Pursey and Davey Boy Smith will be bringing you all the hottest new club anthems, breaking future classics, bringing back your old favourites and just generally giving you the crunkest, buckest, wildest clubbing experience in London. www.southernhospitality.co.uk

Madd Raff

carl — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 09:13:01 +0000

Madd Raff is brilliant each and every Wednesday night. It’s a proper mid-week party with lots and lots of happy people getting on the dance floor in the basement right from the off. It’s the only place you can find The Heatwave every week throughout the summer during their packed festival schedule and they have loads of special guests and launches lined up too. Madd Raff – Every Wednesday night from 7pm. July Dates 4th July // Reggae Gold 2012 album launch party >> celebrating 20 years of the annual dancehall reggae compilation from VP Records. Free CD giveaways on the night! 11th July // English Fire from Miami's Black Chiney sound plus London hip hop/dancehall veteran Seanie T 18th July // We are throwing a Rihanna party in honour of our favourite pop bashment queen! Guests DJs Fire Man Sam and Mainy 25th July // RoxXxan live! Upcoming Birmingham MC performing her new hit single Too Fucking Facety and spitting over bashment riddims

Huw Stephens Presents

carl — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 09:23:22 +0000

It's been almost 5 years since Huw started throwing his parties in The Social. Every month the very best new bands, MCs and artists have come down to play to a packed basement. And it's always FREE ENTRY too. Tuesday 10th July from 7pm Live: Escapists + Soccer 96 Huw Stephens’ new music night brings some of the most exciting new bands to his monthly residency. Formed in Bristol and compared to the National and Arcade Fire, Escapists will headline. Expect crazy electro-jamming from Soccer 96 who are main support. DJ Felson and Huw playing records.

H. Hawkline Launch Party

carl — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:13:14 +0000

Tuesday 21st August In town to celebrate the release of his widely acclaimed Black Domino Box EP, fast-rising Cardiff-based multi-instrumentalist H. Hawkline channels his idol Richard Brautigan through a rough cement mixture of sludge rock, Felt and seaweed.

Live:

H. Hawkline + R. Seiliog

“H.Hawkline is the beatiest thing to emerge from Lundy Island since the 2007 Norovirus outbreak” – Gruff Rhys // “Sweet and otherworldly – a one off” – Huw Stephens

Faber Social Poetry Special

carl — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:06:43 +0000

The Faber Social celebrates poetry on Monday 3rd September with some of the most exciting new talents around. Fiona Benson is a poet of vision and resonance who is working towards a debut collection. Emily Berry writes wittily and wickedly about modern lives; her first book will appear in 2013. Joe Dunthorne is the author of the celebrated novels Submarine and Wild Abandon and is preparing a collection of poems. Toby Martinez de las Rivas’s incantatory debut will be published next year. Sam Riviere’s 81 Austerities is published this summer in response to cuts by the coalition government. Jack Underwood is a poet of skill, freshness and virtuosity, who is working on his debut. Tickets More about Faber New Poets

Carnival Warm Up Party + Mix

carl — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:43:11 +0000

Madd Raff is our weekly dancehall party, every Wednesday night at the bar - as you can imagine they love Carnival and they're are throwing a warm up party tomorrow to get things started before the weekend. Here's a few words from The Heatwave - and make sure you go and grab their new Carnival Mix from Noisey too. 'It's CARNIVAL time!!! MADD RAFF is the OFFICIAL midweek warm up party for this weekends NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL - actually the best weekend of the whole year! The Heatwave family will be bringing the MADDEST Bashment vs Soca selection, carnival vibes are guaranteed at The Social this week !!

BRING YOUR WHISTLES & HORNS!!!!!!Come and RAVE WITH THE HEATWAVE at Carnival this year! Make sure you follow @gabrielheatwave on twitter and find out where the party is !!Make sure you reach early! We dance and get mad from EARLY !! + Roll up roll up FREE NAIL ART before 10 !!CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP CARNIVAL WARM UP'

Facebook

Spinning some tunes

carl — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:38:20 +0000

Top England Cricketer, and no.1 Bluetones fan, Graeme Swann has been at the bar enjoying our jukebox! Grab this month's copy of Q to read the full interview with Graeme and see what he was doing down the bar. We're BIG cricket fans at The Social so were delighted to see this . . x

Saturday Nights

carl — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:58:47 +0000

Throughout September some our favourite DJs are stepping into bring us five Saturdays of funk, soul, hip hop, house, disco and party business to keep us dancing until our brand new Saturday night starts in October. 1st Sept - Heavenly Jukebox 8th Sept - Embassy of Good 15th Sept - tbc 22nd Sept - Yacht Rock 29th Sept - Relative Doors 6pm-1am, free before 8pm, £5/£3 members

Big Gig

carl — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:48:11 +0000

Next Tuesday the 4th, Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs and Temples are both playing the bloody brilliant Sonic Cathedral night at the bar. Find out more here The NME are on it too . . should be a good one.

Trees For Cities Night

carl — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:06:17 +0000

Trees For Cities - Saturday 15th September Trees for Cities, the party-minded charity that raises money to plant trees in urban areas around the world, is hosting a party at central London's most established electronic music haunt, on Saturday 15 September. A splendid musical line-up features regular Trees DJs Ben Osborne, head honcho of pioneering music and film outfit Noise of Art, Leftside Wobble, re-edit maestro and recent K7 signing, and David Jenkinson (hermosabeatscartel), a man as familiar with DJing on the beach in Cannes and Miami as he is with dropping tunes for London Trees partygoers. We’re also very excited to have a Trees DJ debut from the force that is Miss C, a Burning Man aficionado and general good-time party lady with an increasingly enviable festival resumé. All profits from the night go to Trees for Cities and its brilliant tree planting work in urban areas in London and beyond. The evening follows the Tree-Athlon event earlier that day in London’s Battersea Park. There, an assortment of live bands and performers will join Ben Osborne on the Blue Bus - a vintage 1962 VW bus that Noise of Art used as a ‘Love Buggy’ stage for psychedelic events at this summer’s Latitude Festival. The Tree-Athlon sees hundreds of runners coming together to run 5K at London’s coolest fundraising event. If you fancy running (and you should), it’s £22 to register. Anyone signing up for the Tree-Athlon gets in free to the party, with a list available at the VW bus. Register at http://www.treesforcities.org/what-you-can-do/fundraising/tree-athlon Advance entry at the Social party is a paltry £3 in advance (early doors), or £5 if you’re slow. On the door it’s £3 before 8pm, £5 before 10pm and £7 after. Sound complicated? It isn’t really. It’s cheap.

Huw is 5

carl — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:40:47 +0000

Huw Stephens has been putting on his monthly party at The Social for 5 years. It staggered me slightly when he told me this 6 months back, i can remember first talking to him about doing the night so clearly, it feels like last month. Every month he has booked the very best new live bands, electronic acts and MCs from all around the UK and brought them to London to play. Quite often it's the first time these acts have come to the capitol and yet each and every month the basement is packed to the staircase. We love Huw and we love his night. Long may it continue on Little Portland Street - i actually couldn't imagine The Social without it. Thanks Huw for all your hard work from everyone at the bar xxx In October we are dedicating every single Tuesday to Huw Stephens Presents. He has put together 5 amazing bills of music with some special secret guests who we can't announce, no need to really, just turn up early and come salute Huw! Tuesday October 16th Becoming Real The Insomniax - - - Tuesday October 23rd Tom Williams and the Boat Sweet Baboo Barbarossa Luke Sital Singh - - - Tuesday October 30th Super secret special guest!

Hot Wuk Wednesdays

carl — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:55:23 +0000

Hot Wuk Wednesdays is the weekly bashment dance spot, The Heatwave’s bashment headquarters. What is bashment? Bashment is the ultra hype sound of modern Jamaican music: the excitement of rewinds, incredible dancing, the rammed dance floor and amazing vibe of a Caribbean rave. The Heatwave’s midweek party turns The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn, you might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% big tunes. Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday! Doors 7pm-1am, £5 before 10pm / £7 after www.theheatwave.co.uk/wednesdays Facebook The Heatwave Twitter @TheHeatwave

Know?

carl — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:44:03 +0000

KNOW? New & Pre-Release Bass & Beyond Every Saturday 7pm-1am Free before 8pm // £5 after For £3 guaranteed entry list before 10.30pm, group bookings, table reservations & info email guestlist@knowquestion.co.uk Keen to share their knowledge and passion for new music, some of London’s best DJ’s and special guests come together for this new weekly session. Without forgetting that the dance floor knows best, our resident DJs and guests will be playing new and pre-release tracks, cutting edge and experimental bass sounds from House to Hip-Hop & beyond every Saturday night. Those in the Know share with those who want to Know - and those that just want to dance! Residents on rotation include: Kutmah, Josey Rebelle, Spin Doctor, Chris P Cuts, Motive, BobaFatt, Mo Fingaz, & CWD. NOVEMBER LINE UPS: 3rd - BobaFatt / Josey Rebelle / Chris P Cuts 10th - Yungun EP Launch party ft. Mr Thing (onstage 9pm) / Spin Doctor / Chris P Cuts 17th - Jon 1st / Chris P Cuts / CWD 24th - ItsNate (PA onstage 9pm) / Motive / Kutmah Get in the KNOW? WEBSITE? www.knowquestion.co.uk FACEBOOK? www.facebook.com/KNOWQuestion TWITTER? www.twitter.com/kn0wquesti0n

Halloween Bashment

carl — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:29:22 +0000

Hot Wuk Wednesdays is the weekly bashment dance spot, The Heatwave’s bashment headquarters. What is bashment? Bashment is the ultra hype sound of modern Jamaican music: the excitement of rewinds, incredible dancing, the rammed dance floor and amazing vibe of a Caribbean rave. The Heatwave’s midweek party turns The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn, you might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% big tunes. Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday! www.theheatwave.co.uk/wednesdays Facebook The Heatwave Twitter @TheHeatwave

Bond Girl

carl — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:28:18 +0000

Check out this shoot of New Bond Girl, Bérénice Marlohe taken by the fantastic Jeff Hahn recently . . [gallery]

Faber News

carl — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:31:45 +0000

Faber Social We have two installments in November . . Monday 5th November Celebrating the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’ failed plot, the Faber Social is proud to present an evening of dissent, featuring readings from hugely influential writer James Kelman, author of the Booker-winning novel How Late It Was, How Late; novelist Ali Smith, author of The Accidental and There But For The…, and Stewart Home, artist, filmmaker, writer and activist. Topped with a dj set from Dorian Lynskey, journalist and author of 33 Revolutions per Minute, please join us for an evening of words, ideas and music. Monday 12th November Faber Social joins forces with MAN Booker to bring you readings from four distinguished alumni of the prize. Sarah Hall, shortlisted in 2004 for her novel The Electric Michelangelo and longlisted for How to Paint a Dead Man half a decade later will join Adam Foulds, the acclaimed young poet and winner of the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year, whose own novel, The Quickening Maze, was shortlisted in 2009, The line-up is completed by Deborah Levy, the writer to have most recently experienced the agony and ecstasy of a Booker shortlisting just last month for Swimming Home, and MJ Hyland, whose novel Carry Me Down, was nominated for the prize in 2006. Join us and these four 21st century stars of the novel form from 7pm. Tickets £5 in advance via faberandfaber.eventbrite.com In November, Julian Cope's epic COPENDIUM: An Expedition into the Rock n Roll Underwerld, will hit the shops. From Lord Buckley to Sleep, from Blue Cheer to The New Lou Reeds, in just shy of 800 pages COPENDIUM challenges all the rock n roll orthodoxies you have come to accept and indulge. To mark this publication, Faber Social is taking Copendium on tour for three unforgettable evenings of entertainment put together and hosted by Julian himself. For details of gigs in Glasgow, Manchester and London on consecutive nights, click on the attached link to Julian's Head Heritage site. Email carl@thesocial.com to enter the prize draw for a chance to win a copy of the Copendium! http://www.headheritage.co.uk/copendium/

Mobile Library

carl — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:41:18 +0000

Wednesday 31st October and always the last Wednesday of the month in the upstairs bar . . A monthly night of Soundtracks, Library Music and Adult Exotica; ideal tunes for setting the world to rights in a booth. Mobile Library Top 5 5 - Brian Bennett - Chase Side Shoot Up - More famously known as the theme tune from BBC Golf Highlights. "Play the Golf one," is a familiar shout at the Mobile Library. So I always do. 4 - Stefano Liberati - Shark Jazz - If a tune was called "Shark Jazz" and wasn't any good it would be a massive disappointment. Fortunately this as awesome as a tune involving Sharks on an Italian Soundtrack album should be. 3 - Sven Libaek - Dark World - The Xylophone solo about halfway through confirms this as true elevator music and interestingly from Australia. 2 - Claudja Barry - Love For The Sake Of Love - Claudja Barry was in Boney M, a staggering fact considering how excellent this solo disco ballad is. 1 - Moondog - Bird's Lament - As borrowed by Mr Scruff, recorded in 1969 by New York Street musician Moondog who dressed like a Viking and invented percussion instruments. A more interesting career path than the majority of us. A special Mobile Library mix can be streamed/ downloaded from The Mobile Library Volume 1

The Social Christmas Market

carl — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:49:48 +0000

The Social's Unmissable Christmas Market Is Back! The Social's Famous Christmas Market returns to the district of London known as the West End and in particular to Little Portland Street on Saturday 1st December 2012 and for each Saturday thereafter until Christmas.The market will happen in the upstairs wood panelled bar at The Social and stalling out for your delight each week will be the essential arts and culture website Caught by the River and their spectacular shop filled with books, maps, badges, records as well as exclusives from their cupboard, all the way from Spitalfields vintage fishing tackle dealer for the soul Andrews of Arcadia with selected post-war angling clothing, luggage & letterpress Christmas cards alongside designer/maker The Empress with her new flock of beaded birds, sequinned brooches and designer jewellery. Joining us in the kitchen at the market every Saturday will be Felix & Pi who are heading into the warm after the summer running their kitchen in the allotment . . Each week our residents will joined by two very special guest stalls to be announced over the next few weeks, but be assured you can expect and iron your five pound notes in anticipation of authors, books and signings from the Faber stable, limited editions t-shirts by Millionhands, raw chocolate by Laura Coxeter, exclusive designs jewellry by Central St. Martins and others . . The doors will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm, entry is free and with a fully stocked bar including a special Social Christmas ale on tap, our homemade mulled wine, hot cider, Mary's bloody and otherwise, hearty food, impromptu DJ sets, outbreaks of festivity, we invite you to come down our chimney where a very warm welcome is guaranteed. Email carl@thesocial.com for more info or press enquiries

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In Light of Aquarius

carl — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:53:20 +0000

Saturday 24th November IN LIGHT OF AQUARIUS DJs: Richie Deeney (The Toes) + Ben Ayres (Cornershop) In Light Of Aquarius play a rolling treasure trove of old Rhythm and Blues, rocking roots, southern soul, garage, frat beat and psych madness. In Light Of Aquarius run a monthly night called ‘Wang Dang Doodle' in London and have DJed for the likes of The Fall, The Vaselines, Warpaint, The Strokes, The Libertines, Franz plus many others Doors 6pm-1am, free before 9pm / £5

NYE

carl — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:52:33 +0000

NEW YEARS EVE

**EMAIL CARL@THESOCIAL.COM WITH ANY QUERIES, QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS FOR NYE** The Line Of Best Fit, Double Denim Records, Rockfeedback & Transgressive Records join forces this New Year's Eve and take over The Social for a very special night of live music, surprise guest DJs, booze, shenanigans and all round good clean vibes. The full line-up is set to be revealed over the coming weeks and will feature some of our nearest and dearest friends and allies in an all night freak out over both floors of The Social in Central London. Tickets just £15 each. Open 8pm - 3am. TICKETS UPSTAIRS BAR - hosted by Transgressive Records & Rockfeedback DJs: Theme Park DJs Transgressive DJs paraDyse DJs + Many more TBA DOWNSTAIRS BAR - hosted by The Line Of Best Fit & Double Denim Live: Towns Wolf Alice DJs: Very Special Surprise Guest TBA Double Denim Records The Line Of Best Fit Co-Operative + Many more TBA TICKETS

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Arcadia Meets Social Uptown

carl — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:38:49 +0000

To coincide with The Social Christmas Market our good friend John Andrews will be installing 'Andrews of Arcadia meets The Social Uptown - A Takeaway Exhibition of Vintage Angling Ephemera and Occasional Artworks For the Soul' on the walls and in the alcoves of The Social at 5 Little Portland Street in the district of London known as W1. In addition to framed Abu art, including a rare piece by Anders Osterlin of Arbman and a pair of 19th Century Red Deer Antlers by Adsetts of Derby, the bar will be festooned with very special Arcadian beermats produced by the artist and man of ink Martin Clark of Tilley Printing. Each piece in the exhibition, which will run through December into the heart of midwinter, will be for sale for immediate takeaway or later delivery/collection by arrangement. A pricelist will be available behind the bar and all further enquiries should be directed to me on field telephone 07890 274 383. www.andrewsofarcadia.com

December Saturdays

carl — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 23:59:03 +0000

RESERVE A BOOTH ! The Social is open from midday to 3am with the famous and unmissable Christmas Market during the day then DJs playing the best funk, disco, psych, soul, house, boogie and other good records. Saturday 1st Dec - The very first Christmas Market of the year from midday. In the evening downstairs is closed for a private party but upstairs The Social and Heavenly DJs will be playing until 1am. Saturday 8th Dec - The Social is open for the Christmas Market from midday but then closed for a private party in the evening. Saturday 15th Dec - More Market business from midday and the Noise of Art Christmas Party over both floors from 7pm. Saturday 22nd Dec - Your last chance to check out our Market this year and then we’ll be having a pre Christmas break drink until 3am with Launette (NTS) who’ll be joined by guests Neal Birnie & James Cronshaw (Sounds of the universe) playing Soul, Disco, Rare Groove & Boogie. More about the Christmas Market

Song Reader Exhibition

carl — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:12:56 +0000

Song Reader Exhibition Song Reader by Beck Hansen is a unique collection of 20 new songs released as a compilation of sheet music, published by Faber and Faber in December 2012. We’re delighted to be exclusively exhibiting some of the fantastic artwork from the album on our walls throughout December. ‘After releasing an album in the mid-1990s, I was sent a copy of the sheet-music version by a publisher who had commissioned piano transcriptions and guitar- chord charts of everything on the original recording. Seeing the record’s sonic ideas distilled down to notation made it obvious that the songs weren’t intended to work that way. Reversing the process and putting together a collection of songs in book form seemed more natural – it would be an album that could only be heard by playing the songs . . . . . . As for these songs, they’re here to be brought to life – or at least to remind us that, not so long ago, a song was only a piece of paper until it was played by someone. Anyone. Even you.’ Beck Hansen Find out more about Song Reader

Re-tox with Faber

carl — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:59:52 +0000

Faber Social invites you to RE-TOX on Tuesday 29th January Our first Faber Social of 2013 is free and will celebrate the gloriously restorative powers of alcohol, and in particular beer, with the UK premiere screening of a remarkable film by Maxy Bianco, The Can House. Where else but in the Badlands of Hartlepool might you find a house, constructed Hansel and Gretel-like, out of 75,000 cans of Fosters? Maxy Bianco’s 45 minute documentary on Hartlepool’s Can House and its architects/Tennants (sic) is a celebration of a folk-art phenomenon that only makes sense in the Northeast. Here is a taster http://vimeo.com/32572963 Maxy will be in conversation with The Culture Show’s Michael Smith, after this unique screening of The Can House film. Believe me: it is unmissable. And there will be beer. Email beckyf@faber.co.uk to reserve a place on the door.

Make The Social Yours

carl — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:54:16 +0000

We’re changing how we do things on Saturday nights in 2013. Each week they'll be great records and drinks, with DJs in the top bar playing 60s and 70s soul, rock n roll, funk, disco, boogie, psych and more. Guaranteed good vibes and sounds all night – grab a booth and settle down. The basement is now available on Saturdays for special events, launches, one off gigs, parties and club nights. Keep an eye on the website for more details about what's going on in the basement each week, but upstairs will always be open and FREE ENTRY all night. Drop Carl an email to discuss using the bar for your event - carl@thesocial.com - We some May dates still available for events in the basement

HHK on Radio One

carl — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:27:40 +0000

This deserves a special mention. Radio One's Matt Edmondson is learning about hip hop so he took a couple of trips down to our very Hip Hop Karaoke to get a feel for the crowd and then perform. Check out the show here (12 minutes in) including an interview with London's Greatest DJ, Rob Pursey, a chat with Travis, Olive and Webster Endeacott about their legendary Glastonbury performance and Matt's performance at 5 Little Portland Street in full. Vibes. Listen here x

Charity Super Bowl Screening

carl — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:41:10 +0000

After three sold-out years the biggest game of the American Football season returns to The Social’s big screen on February 3rd from 8pm accompanied by the usual array of DJs, drinks offers and competitions. It’s a celebration of all things Americana and it’s all followed by the match itself. The best bit? The entrance fee (every penny of it) goes straight to Shelter to help Britain’s homeless children. Tickets available here

Hot Wuk Wednesdays

carl — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:04:42 +0000

Every Wednesday Night

Hot Wuk Wednesdays is the weekly bashment dance spot, The Heatwave’s bashment headquarters.The Heatwave’s midweek party turns The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn...you might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% big tunes.Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday! Expect crazy wining, a million whistles and a thousand smiles. You will be dancing to the sounds of Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Mavado, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Stylo G, Konshens, Gappy Ranks, Mr Lexx, Gaza Slim, Mr Vegas, Lady Saw, I-Octane, Cecile and loads more.

£3 before 9pm / £5 before 10pm / £7 after

Idle Fret presents Blue Orchids

carl — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:14:54 +0000

Live: Blue Orchids Onions Dearbhla Minogue And The Partisans + Joshua Scarratt (Artrocker) - DJ Set + Vic Godard (Subway Sect) - DJ Set £5 Advance / £7 on the door www.wegottickets.com/idlefret Blue Orchids Manchester's legendary Blue Orchids are back! Christened the Blue Orchids by John Coper Clark, they formed in 1979 when Martin Bramah left The Fall after recording the debut album Live At The Witch Trials. They signed to Rough Trade Records in 1980 and were championed by the late great John Peel, before touring with Echo & The Bunnymen and then The Velvet Underground's Nico, serving as both backing group and support act. Over the years Blue Orchids have included in their line up members of The Smiths, The Durutti Column, The Fall and Buzzcocks. Martin Bramah reformed the band last year for John Peel Day events in London, Liverpool and Manchester and it's the classic Rough Trade era recordings that the band is now playing at their live shows, to great acclaim. 'It's been great to breath new life into these songs again after so long - they're sounding so fresh and original, I could have written them all yesterday!' - Martin Bramah 2012. Don't miss the chance to see this seminal act play their stunning live set of sonic gems! Onions Onions make superb, flabbergasting, majestic, astronomical 3 to 4 minute pop gems. Their latest album Pleasure Blast is the culmination of a year and a half of blood, sweat and tears (sweat and tears, literally; blood, figuratively) and was inspired by the diversity and songsmithery found on albums by bands like Super Furry Animals, Talking Heads, The Kinks and Belle and Sebastian. Carefully prepared harmonies lace over and between spiky guitar lines and synth riffs to create well crafted and memorable pop songs. Behind each song on the album are observational, cynical and occasionally humerous lyrics, tipping hats in the direction of Jarvis Cocker, Ron Mael and Ray Davies. Covering topics as diverse as local history (Belle Vue Fair), filthy women (An IE Or A Y/Word Of Mouth), the joys of wine (Stains), arguments over Queen members (Louise Louise), good old fashioned remorse (Those Wide Eyes/Never Gonna Change) and also a national anthem for a fictitious country (Il Seres). Pleasure Blast is exactly that. 'Easily one of Manchester's catchiest bands: listen to them once, and the chances are that their songs will be stuck in your head forever.' - Onward Manchester 'The irrepressible Onions slap on more harmonies and rattled beat guitars than the Beatles at a 60's garage psyche convention.' - Manuel Ecostos, ManchesterMusic Dearbhla Minogue And The Partisans Dearbhla Minogue And The Partisans play high-energy fractured pop songs. With a shared love of melody and complexity, they combine the controlled chaos of Deerhoof with the off-centre purity of The Breeders. They are Dearbhla Minogue, who has featured on Dublin's Any Other City and Popical Island labels, and the rhythm section of much-loved London shadow-rockers Fighting Kites (Audio Antihero, Variant Records). www.idlefret.com

Dockwood

carl — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:39:18 +0000

Dockwood by Jon McNaught Our new exhibition comprises original artwork from Jon McNaught’s comic book ‘Dockwood’ Published by Nobrow in 2012. The French edition of Dockwood (Automne) won the Prix Révélation award at the Angouleme Festival this year. Dockwood is a study of a cloudy tuesday in autumn, in a small english town. It follows a kitchen porter in a nursing home, and a paperboy delivering papers after school; both performing there daily tasks as the season changes around them. It is about small details of an ordinary day, from the brightly lit billboards to the restless starlings, from the daytime TV shows to the falling oak leaves. The artwork is painted on 2 or 3 overlayed sheets of drafting Film (using brush and Ink), before being lithographically printed in spot colours. The images on display each consist of 2 seperate layers overlayed in the frame. Text and sometimes additional colours are added afterwards, and the pages are scaled down by 15 percent. Jon McNaught lives in Bristol, England where he works as a printmaking instructor at the University of the West of England, he also produces comic books for Nobrow Press, sells prints with St Judes and is an illustrator and contributor for Caught by the River. www.jonmcnaught.co.uk

4 track free download from Heavenly

carl — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:18:09 +0000

Sign up to the Heavenly Recordings mailing list for your tasty 4 track FREE download featuring TOY, Charlie Boyer & The Voyeurs, Stealing Sheep & Temples! Sign up HERE and a secret download link will make its way over to you. Tracklisting: 1. Charlie Boyer and The Voyeurs - Be Nice 2. Stealing Sheep - Boys In The Band 3. Temples - Shelter Song (Society remix) 4. TOY - Left Myself Behind (Fearless Trans Love Energies remix)

Good Block is back and one!

carl — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:07:31 +0000

To celebrate their belated 1st Birthday they're heading back to our favourite Central London basement at The Social! Selectors: Myles Mears Gigolo Medina Pete Dee Richard Foe Sea O'Talk Free before 9 - £5 after / £3 cheaplist Names on the Facebook wall for cheaplist! Facebook

Faber Social

carl — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:33:07 +0000

Here's what's going on at the next three Faber Social events down the bar - - - Faber Social and Rough Trade Shops Present Vinyl 2nd Apr 2013, 7:00 p.m. The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1 Ten years since the launch of iTunes, six years since the first UK Record Store Day, this April, in collaboration with Rough Trade Shops, Faber Social will be all about Vinyl. Pete Paphides (BBC 6 Music's Vinyl Revival) will spin some records and host some chat; Travis Elborough will take us on a trip through 60 years of recording history reading from his book The Long-Player Goodbye; a panel of industry experts including Jude Rogers and Spencer Hickman will wax lyrical about the life and love of vinyl; Simon Reynolds will be zipping in from LA to read from his new update of Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture; The Pogues founding member and accordion player James Fearnley will read from his story of the band’s life Here Comes Everybody (“It’s just how I imagine I’d remember it”- Shane MacGowan) and Workin' Man Noise Unit will play a live set of tinnitus-inducing tantrum rock. Put the needle on the record. Tickets £6 in advance / £8 on the door. - - - Faber Social Presents Crime 7th May 2013, 7:00 p.m. The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1 In May Faber Social engages in some unlawfully bad behaviour to bring you an evening of music and literature from some of the best crime writers around. Featuring new and bestselling fiction from multi-award-winning authors including Sophie Hannah (Kind of Cruel); SJ Watson (Before I Go To Sleep); RJ Ellory (A Simple Act of Violence), Stav Sherez (Eleven Days), Tom Benn (Chamber Music) and Russ Litten (Swear Down). Tickets £5 in advance or £7 on the door. - - - Faber Social Presents Power, Corruption & Lies 3rd Jun 2013, 7:00 p.m. The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1 Taking our lead from the title of the 1983 New Order album, June also marks 30 years since the start of the second Thatcher Ministry, so this month’s Faber Social is dedicated to Power, Corruption and Lies. Speaking out against absolute power, corruption and lies is left-wing commentator, author (Chavs) and Independent columnist Owen Jones; saloniere and child of Thatcher Damian Barr will be reading from his powerful memoir Maggie & Me about the impact of growing up under Maggie’s controversial policies; followed by some free-speech from feminist activist, founder of UK Feminista and author of The Equality Illusion Kat Banyard; critic and award-winning writer Louise Doughty will look at the seduction of this month’s tripartite theme by reading from her thrilling new novel Apple Tree Yard; poet and author Owen Sheers will do a special reading from his powerful new verse-drama, as heard on BBC Radio 4, Pink Mist. Tickets are £5 in advance or £7 on the door.

Damo and Andrew

carl — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:59:11 +0000

Idle Fret Presents: Live Damo Suzuki Listing Ships DJs: Andrew Weatherall Luke Insect Mark Raison (Monkey Picks) Darren Brooker (Idle Fret) Plus very special guests Limited £7.50 Early Bird tickets are now SOLD OUT £10 advance tickets are available at www.wegottickets.com/idlefret £12.50 on the door - – - ▲ Damo Suzuki Damo Suzuki needs no introduction right? Right. The Can legend will be performing a very special set for us with his band of sound carriers, featuring some very special guests! ▲ Listing Ships Listing Ships are a nautically-themed, instrumental quartet who skilfully blend their ferocious wall of sound guitar histrionics with Holy Fuck influenced electronica and jazz rhythms. They cite inspirations from classic krautrock like Can, Harmonia and Neu!, sample-heavy intricate electronica like Boards Of Canada, Amon Tobic, plus expansive, exploratory guitar music like Tarentel, The Alps and Collections Of Colonies Of Bees. ▲ Andrew Weatherall The legend that is Andrew Weatherall needs no introduction either! We are very honoured to have Andrew grace the record decks at this very special show. Expect to hear fantastic records of the highest order! ▲ Luke Insect We are pleased to say that cult graphic designer and illustrator Luke Insect has designed the ace poster for this show and we can’t wait to hear some of his great record collection when he DJs on the night. ▲ Mark Raison (Monkey Picks) Beatnik Modernist who rambles about records, books, films, art and stuff on his excellent Monkey Picks blog. Mark has one of the best record collections of anyone we know, so there will plenty of brilliant 45′s played on the night. www.damosuzuki.com www.listingships.bandcamp.com www.soundcloud.com/andrew-weatherall www.rottersgolfclub.co.uk www.lukeinsect.com www.monkeypicks.co.uk www.idlefret.com

All Your Friends

carl — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:01:09 +0000

This Saturday in the basement . . Live: The Fallows Shades Talk Show Ghost + Ben Longman Doors 7pm, £5 entry

Our man Jimmy

carl — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:26:32 +0000

Our man Jimmy Plates can be found almost every Friday playing the very best records in the upstairs bar. Jimmy is a producer, DJ and record collector with an endless passion for sharing music. Having worked with the cream of US and UK talent, Jimmy has also created music for radio and TV and has over 15 years experience supplying records and breaks to luminaries such as DJ Premier, DJ Shadow and Grandmaster Flash. Jimmy has played much-loved clubs and events all over London and beyond and knows a groove when he spots one, having spotted thousands throughout his career! Here's some links to his mixes Slick Rick "Twelve 12"s" mix High-Top Hustlers - Jimmy's mix of late 80's "running man" tracks Crunk Rock - the unedited version of his X-FM takeover mix Loft Conversion - Pietro Platini & Pete Humphries

Make Noise Exhibition

carl — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:21:24 +0000

Make Noise - A portrait exhibition from the Make Noise electronic recycling club tour, by Nic Serpell-Rand. Launching mid April at The Social. In November 2012, European Recycling Platform (ERP) and Heavenly Recordings formed a unique partnership and the Make Noise Electronic Recycling Tour was born. Make Noise was a club tour, a showcase for some of the UK's most exciting musical talent, a programme of workshops and support for music colleges, and an online music project designed to raise awareness about the importance of recycling electronics. Radio One's Benji B headlined the tour with some of the country's best DJs and took it to events staged in Belfast, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow and London. Entry was free to anyone who brought along something to recycle: an old mobile phone, a hair dryer, some batteries or even a broken TV - anything with a plug or a battery! Along the way tour-photographer, Nic Serpell-Rand, set up a mini studio in each club and captured these fantastic portraits of the clubbers and the things they brought along as their 'entry fee'. "When Make Noise asked me to document the tour, we thought it would be a great opportunity to try something a little different from the usual style of club photography. All the portraits were taken in the clubs that we visited. The idea behind them was to take the subject out of the context of the environment, concentrating on just them and their recycled item in a classic portrait style. We met all sorts of people along the way, and got some engaging (and slightly odd) results. Hopefully this will encourage people to find out about Make Noise and the wider message behind the project." There are more mobile phones and laptops than people in the UK and not nearly enough of our electronics are recycled when they break or we move on to the latest, newest thing. Perhaps these portraits hint at our relationship with these gadgets, which at one time hold so much importance in our lives, and how we then dispose of them - either joyfully or regretfully! Either way, the idea behind Make Noise is to get people recycling their broken or unwanted electronics: the materials used to make electronic goods are valuable and can be used to make new products; recycling also protects the environment and stops e-waste going to landfill.Make Noise is plotting another tour this year with a run of even bigger events: it's time to Make More Noise! Find out more about the project upcoming dates and how you can get involved at www.facebook.com/makenoiseuk

Twelve 12s on Record Store Day

carl — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:42:13 +0000

'Twelve 12s' on Record Store Day at The Social The concept of the 'Twelve 12"s' mixes started as an idea in 2009. Like many DJs, having already switched over for many years to use MP3's & a laptop, Rob was playing through his record crates, and basically just realised how much great music he had still had on wax. The aesthetic of jammin vinyl 12"s is still one of the greatest pleasures around and after speaking to Superix and sending him the very first Twelve 12s mix - a pretty random selection of Rob's own personal favourites, we put it out - then put the word out for people to get involved. We were super pleased when so many of our favourite DJs both London and around the world said they'd love to be involved and started sending us their own personal take on the 'Twelve 12"s' concept! Therefore we've had tons of killer hip-hop, and also drum n bass, pop, house mixes etc from the likes of Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Ayres, Matthew Africa (R.I.P.), Spin Doctor, Chris Read, J-Squared, DJ 7L, DJ Co-Op, Hudson and loads more including many from obviously both Rob, Superix and our extended SH fam Jimmy Plates. The range of the mixes is phenomenal with so many incredible themes from all Outkast to all Premier productions to all Wu-Tang & even all AV8! Therefore for the now much-loved Record Store Day (and in association with our good homies at www.whosampled.com) - we thought it only fitting to take over the upstairs of our favourite London place - The Social - and invite many of the people who've contributed these mixes to play. A celebration of vinyl records that have been such a huge part of our lives and more importantly a celebration of really great music! All 50 mixes can be downloaded & streamed from www.southernhospitality.co.uk

Faber Social Presents Crime

carl — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:57:58 +0000

On May 7th Faber Social engages in some unlawfully bad behaviour to bring you an evening of music and literature from some of the best crime writers around. Featuring new and bestselling fiction from multi-award-winning authors including Sophie Hannah (Kind of Cruel); SJ Watson (Before I Go To Sleep); RJ Ellory (A Simple Act of Violence), Stav Sherez (Eleven Days), Tom Benn (Chamber Music) and Russ Litten (Swear Down). Tickets £5 in advance or £7 on the door. Find out more and get tickets here

William Adamson

carl — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:21:30 +0000

On Tuesday 4th June The Caught by the River Social Club and Brownswood recordings present, William Adamson (live) + DJ Andrew Weatherall and readings from the works of W.G. Sebald With the recent album, Under An Eastern Sky, produced by heritage futurists 2 Banks Of 4, Rob Gallagher has created a topographical travelogue – a concept album in the truest sense – where the songs tell fragments of stories that have grown out of a small region in the Eastern Horn of England, with sounds more akin to recordings emanating from the Louisiana marshlands. Musically, this wonderful LP suggests dog day afternoons, loafing, listening to Dr John, John Martyn, Tom Waits, Terry Callier, Terry Reid’s River, then switching to weather-beaten dub and blues in the night after a long walk in the light of a full moon. That may cause an eyebrow or two to rise, for the pair’s Two Banks of Four oeuvre seemed to ring with the bells of (Charles) Stepney, spiritual jazz meets Our Favourite Shop, all celestial charity-shop symphonies. But then again in the late ‘60s among Charles Stepney’s Chess moves were pioneering productions of experimental electric blues LPs by Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, which is a good place to start for William Adamson. (Kevin Pearce, Caught by the River, Spring 2013) Tickets

Record Store Day Social

carl — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:05:15 +0000

Saturday 20th April Two floors of live music and DJs celebrating records! IN THE BASEMENT . . Live: Bronze Medallists Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle + Boy Mandeville + special guest DJ: Nemone (6 Music) Bronze Medallists – pop-electro band from East London – curate a night in celebration of the annual Record Store Day with pop indie bands Boy Mandeville, Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle and of course Bronze Medallists performing and the legendary 6 Music’s Nemone DJing and presenting throughout the night and screenings of short films by David Higgs and Sam Bailey. A night of pop-electro indie music, the latest sounds from 6 Music and alternative films it is going to be an epic night. Bronze Medallists Based in East London and formed just over a year ago, the 4-piece band Bronze Medallists combines experimental electronica, art-pop with a pinch of shoe-gazery and thought-provoking lyrics to create an exciting and addictive new sound. Mixing indie guitar and drums, vocal harmonies with raw synths and strings, comparisons have been made to the likes of Postal Service, The National and Broken Bells. www.bronzemedallists.com www.facebook.com/bronzemedallists www.twitter.com/bronzemedalists Mademoiselle, Mademoiselle http://www.wearemademoiselle.com/ Boy Mandeville (stripped down set) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pp_umZs7mg + SHORT FILMS The Last Ten by David Higgs http://vimeo.com/39625508 + Horsemen by Sam Bailey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQPCAs3XhhA&feature=youtu.be - – - UPSTAIRS ‘Twelve 12s’ on Record Store Day at The Social The concept of the ’Twelve 12″s’ mixes started as an idea in 2009. Like many DJs, having already switched over for many years to use MP3′s & a laptop, Rob was playing through his record crates, and basically just realised how much great music he had still had on wax. The aesthetic of jammin vinyl 12″s is still one of the greatest pleasures around and after speaking to Superix and sending him the very first Twelve 12s mix – a pretty random selection of Rob’s own personal favourites, we put it out – then put the word out for people to get involved. We were super pleased when so many of our favourite DJs both London and around the world said they’d love to be involved and started sending us their own personal take on the ‘Twelve 12″s’ concept! Therefore we’ve had tons of killer hip-hop, and also drum n bass, pop, house mixes etc from the likes of Cosmo Baker, DJ Eleven, Ayres, Matthew Africa (R.I.P.), Spin Doctor, Chris Read, J-Squared, DJ 7L, DJ Co-Op, Hudson and loads more including many from obviously both Rob, Superix and our extended SH fam Jimmy Plates. The range of the mixes is phenomenal with so many incredible themes from all Outkast to all Premier productions to all Wu-Tang & even all AV8! Therefore for the now much-loved Record Store Day (and in association with our good homies at www.whosampled.com) - we thought it only fitting to take over the upstairs of our favourite London place – The Social – and invite many of the people who’ve contributed these mixes to play. A celebration of vinyl records that have been such a huge part of our lives and more importantly a celebration of really great music! All 50 mixes can be downloaded & streamed from www.southernhospitality.co.uk

Gappy Ranks

carl — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:01:52 +0000

For one night only, Hot Wuk Wednesdays presents GAPPY RANKS performing live at the weekly bashment dance spot! The man taking UK dancehall reggae to a global stage will be passing through The Heatwave's midweek party to perform hits like Stinkin Rich, Wine Pon De Edge and Heaven In Her Eyes. This will be a roadblock affair. Facebook HOT WUK WEDNESDAYS Hot Wuk Wednesdays is the weekly bashment dance spot, The Heatwave’s bashment headquarters. What is bashment? Bashment is the ultra hype sound of modern Jamaican music: the excitement of rewinds, incredible dancing, the rammed dance floor and amazing vibe of a Caribbean rave. The Heatwave’s midweek party turns The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn, you might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% big tunes. Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday! Doors 7pm-1am - £5 before 10pm / £7 after

Huw Stephens Presents

carl — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:14:08 +0000

Huw puts on bands every month at The Social - it's always brilliant and always FREE ENTRY. Tuesday June 11 Jacco Gardner Ming City Rockers + DJ Feslon Huw Stephens welcomes another stellar line up to his new music night. One of the most exciting bands around, Jacco Gardner is a baroque pop multi instrumentalist, and is the best band ever to come from the Netherlands. It's psychy vibes all round. From Immingham, northern England, Ming City Rockers are a thrilling guitar band who are angry, bored and excellent.

Good Block vs Fragment

carl — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:40:00 +0000

Good Block and Fragment DJs in the basement of The Social! Selectors: Moman & Real Close Pete Dee Richard Foe Gigolo Medina Sean O'Talk 80's, Hip Hop, Boogie Funk, Disco FREE in before 9 - £5 after. Facebook event

William Adamson

carl — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:38:54 +0000

The Caught by the River Social Club and Brownswood Recordings present, William Adamson (live) + DJ Andrew Weatherall and readings from the works of W.G. Sebald With the recent album, Under An Eastern Sky, produced by heritage futurists 2 Banks Of 4, Rob Gallagher has created a topographical travelogue – a concept album in the truest sense – where the songs tell fragments of stories that have grown out of a small region in the Eastern Horn of England, with sounds more akin to recordings emanating from the Louisiana marshlands. Musically, this wonderful LP suggests dog day afternoons, loafing, listening to Dr John, John Martyn, Tom Waits, Terry Callier, Terry Reid’s River, then switching to weather-beaten dub and blues in the night after a long walk in the light of a full moon. That may cause an eyebrow or two to rise, for the pair’s Two Banks of Four oeuvre seemed to ring with the bells of (Charles) Stepney, spiritual jazz meets Our Favourite Shop, all celestial charity-shop symphonies. But then again in the late ‘60s among Charles Stepney’s Chess moves were pioneering productions of experimental electric blues LPs by Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, which is a good place to start for William Adamson. (Kevin Pearce, Caught by the River, Spring 2013) Tuesday 4th June 2013 at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London W1 Tickets

New cards, finally

carl — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:20:48 +0000

We finally have new membership cards, so all those that have been waiting since the beginning of the year will finally have one very soon in the post. Each one is named, hand stamped and numbered - you'll have to laminate them yourself though! Drop Carl an email if you want one - they are FREEEEEEE x

Matt Black

carl — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:30:44 +0000

Slipped Disco returns to its occasional central London home on Sat 25th May and invites the legendary electronic innovator Matt Black, of Coldcut fame, to demonstrate his and Ninja Tunes latest invention, the Ninja Jamm. Developed by Matt as part of his ongoing quest into new innovations (his past triumphs includes bringing sampled music into the British charts and creating the first UK house music hits), the Ninja Jamm is a new tool for reworking recorded music live. This will be Matt's first London showing of the technology and offers the audience the chance to get up close and personal. Parisian electronic indie pop duo The Penelopes were inspired to start their band by early UK electronic acts such as New Order and the Human League. Their updated synthpop sound first got them noticed in 2008, but it's since their recent relocation to London, a year ago that they've really started to cause stir. Their single 'Now Now Now', released at the end of last year, has been picked up for the Sim 3 soundtrack, while their heroes, the Human League, invited them on tour in November. DJ and host Ben Osborne, founder of Noise of Art, will be on hand to keep the dancefloor moving with a trademark eclectic set.

Hot Wuk Wednesdays

carl — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:33:45 +0000

This week it's all about soca, rum and carnival wining! Rags, flags, whistles and horns #soca #soca #soca FREE GIVEAWAYS of the brand new Soca Gold CD and special guest TriniGladiata. * ONLY THREE POUNDS BEFORE 9 O'CLOCK * ---------------------------------------------------- >> FREE CDS FROM THE HEATWAVE EVERY WEEK << >> FREE CDS FROM THE HEATWAVE EVERY WEEK << >> FREE CDS FROM THE HEATWAVE EVERY WEEK << //// HOT WUK WEDNESDAYS \\\\ //// HOT WUK WEDNESDAYS \\\\ //// HOT WUK WEDNESDAYS \\\\ 100% DANCING + 100% SMILING + 100% PASSION 100% DANCING + 100% SMILING + 100% PASSION 100% DANCING + 100% SMILING + 100% PASSION FIND OUT MORE ---------------------------------------------------- The next few weeks . .

More birds

carl — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:59:03 +0000

Last year we hosted a beautiful exhibition of birds from Matt Sewell and i'm delighted to say that Matt is back! To celebrate the launch of his new book, which there is more info about below, Matt has printed a selection of song birds for the upstairs bar. Our Songbirds - A Songbird For Every Week Of The Year By Matt Sewell In this beautiful follow-up to 2012's hit, Our Garden Birds, street artist Matt Sewell offers more watercolours and quirky descriptions of British songbirds. In Matt's world, the peewit sings the blues, and the bittern fills his neck 'like a tweed pair of bellows'. Distinctive and enchanting, with a songbird for each week of the year, this delightful gift book will appeal to birders, children and adults, and art and design fans alike. With a Foreword by Charlatans' lead singer (and keen birdwatcher) Tim Burgess Matt Sewell, author of the bestselling Our Garden Birds (Ebury, 2012), has illustrated for The Guardian, Big Issue, and the V&A amongst many others; painted and exhibited in London, Manchester, New York, Tokyo and Paris, as well as being an avid ornithologist and regular contributor to the Caught by the River website. He lives in Shrewsbury with his partner and young daughter. BUY THE BOOK HERE www.mattsewell.co.uk www.caughtbytheriver.net

Saturday night

carl — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:16:38 +0000

Saturday 8th June SATURDAY SOCIAL Upstairs . . TWELVE 12s DJs on the night playing 12 x 12 inch records: Rob Pursey, Superix, Jimmy Plates, J-Squared, Drew Huge, Darren + Leroy Nockolds The concept of the 'Twelve 12"s' mixes started as an idea in 2009. Like many DJs, having already switched over for many years to use MP3's & a laptop, Rob was playing through his record crates, and basically just realised how much great music he had still had on wax . . READ ON HERE Downstairs . . WILDSTYLE FUNDRAISER DJs Choice Cuts (Eastern Electrics), The Fresh Sprinz (Zulu Flexx) + DJ Uno and Chris Crooks (Public Life) Following in the best traditions of music helping a good cause, Wild Style will be laying on a night to meet your musical needs and all that is required is a cheeky £5 donation to Link Community Development, less than the price of a happy meal (possibly…). Inspired by the early hip hop pioneers like Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa, who used the profits from their legendary block parties to fund community projects, we’ve taken over one of London’s hottest venues for a one-off musical event that will tickle your taste buds . . READ ON HERE  Doors 5pm-1am – Free entry all night upstairs / Downstairs £5

Telling Stories

carl — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:48:11 +0000

Monday 8th July Faber Social is proud to present TELLING STORIES – an evening with Tim Burgess plus special guests including Mark Collins (The Charlatans), John Doran (The Quietus) and Jack Underwood (Poet, Faber and O Genesis) with more to be confirmed. This intimate one-off event at The Social, London will combine readings and music to celebrate the publication of the paperback of Telling Stories (Penguin, 4 July 2013, £9.99), the eye-wateringly honest memoir by the front man of The Charlatans. The new paperback edition contains a whole new chapter with brand new material that takes the story up to 2013. There are only a limited number of tickets available for this event. There are two ticket types available, entrance only and entrance including a copy of the book, both on a first-come, first-served basis. When they’re gone, they’re gone. Good luck! Tickets are now on sale via Eventbrite

Very Special Idle Fret

carl — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:44:31 +0000

This show is simply massive, brilliant line up of bands and DJs including Heavenly's very own TOY playing exclusively on stage with Damo Suzuki, Andrew Weatherall, Luke Insect and loads more. *** ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS SHOW WILL BE DONATED TO CANCER RESEARCH UK AND MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT *** Tuesday 25th June - Idle Fret Presents: With very special guests Damo Suzuki Andrew Weatherall - DJ set TOY Listing Ships Mwahaha Luke Insect - DJ set Mark Raison (Monkey Picks) - DJ set ▲ Tier One: Limited £7.50 Early Bird tickets are now SOLD OUT Tier Two: £10 advance tickets are available at www.wegottickets.com/idlefret £12.50 on the door ▲ Damo Suzuki Damo Suzuki needs no introduction right? Right. The Can legend will be performing a very special set for us with his band of sound carriers. ▲ Andrew Weatherall The legend that is Andrew Weatherall needs no introduction either! We are very honoured to have Andrew grace the record decks at this very special show. Expect to hear fantastic records of the highest order! ▲ TOY Idle Fret favourites and one of the best bands in the country right now! TOY will be coming down to play an exclusive set with Damo Suzuki. ▲ Listing Ships Listing Ships are a nautically-themed, instrumental quartet who skillfully blend their ferocious wall of sound guitar histrionics with Holy Fuck influenced electronica and jazz rhythms. They cite inspirations from classic krautrock like Can, Harmonia and Neu!, sample-heavy intricate electronica like Boards Of Canada, Amon Tobic, plus expansive, exploratory guitar music like Tarentel, The Alps and Collections Of Colonies Of Bees 'Reminiscent of similarly relentless Factory Floor, Listing Ships are bursting with exciting ideas. Their seemingly unending and coruscating guitar lines and excellent drumming are the foundation of a superb set' – The Line of Best Fit ▲ Mwahaha All the way from Oakland, California and special guests at the Warp Records showcase at this years SXSW, Mwahaha will bring their spiraling sonic landscapes of instruments filtered through an array of analogue synths. Analog drum machines exist in harmony with live drums over morphing walls of sound and haunting vocals, sounding something like acid-dropping monks bellowing Gregorian chants tinged with a starburst of colours. 'An inspired exercise in dynamics that could induce bright ecstasy or full panic, or both' - Spin Magazine ▲ Luke Insect We are pleased to say that cult graphic designer and illustrator Luke Insect has designed the ace poster for this show and we can't wait to hear some of his great record collection when he DJs on the night. ▲ Mark Raison (Monkey Picks) Beatnik Modernist who rambles about records, books, films, art and stuff on his excellent Monkey Picks blog. Mark has one of the best record collections around, so there will plenty of brilliant 45's played on the night. www.damosuzuki.com www.listingships.bandcamp.com www.soundcloud.com/andrew-weatherall www.rottersgolfclub.co.uk www.lukeinsect.com www.monkeypicks.co.uk www.idlefret.com

TCM

carl — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:49:43 +0000

TCM returns for a Summer Steppa’s Special, with some of the capitals finest selectors delivering the very finest in upfront house, garage, bashment and bass. BRACKLES (Rinse FM) SCIENTIST (Flex FM) LOUIS NOT LEWIS (NTS Radio) DANDY (Sierra Leone) Headlining the TCM Summer Special is none other than Rinse FM mainstay and recent Katy B collaborator BRACKLES, who’s heavy selection of quality UK funky, house, bass mutations and classic 2-step has seen him placed as one of the UK’s very best underground talents. Flex FM regular and legendary London DJ SCIENTIST follows, with over a decade of experience appearing on some of the capitals finest pirates, and a bag of tunes that can head anywhere from stand late 80s house to the finest garage and grime, the man is bound to bring a peerless selection. Support comes from NTS Radio and Special Request resident LOUIS NOT LEWIS providing the best in house, bass and R&B refractions, whilst Sierra Leone sonic explorer the DANDY man brings his finest dutty selection for a touch of the Motherland. Listen to Scientist’s exclusive Special Request mix

Telegram + Love L.U.V.

carl — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:59:14 +0000

Idle Fret and Heavenly Jukebox presents a special one off Saturday night show in the basement of our gaff, The Social on Saturday 6th July Free entry, good vibes! Live: Telegram “…the new band whose name is travelling at illegal speeds after a recent standout BBC 6Music session… Telegram haven’t even recorded any demos yet, but you’d be smart to start following them right away” NME Listen to the Marc Riley session here Love L.U.V. Garage pop-psych four piece formed in the summer of 2012 and borrowing their name from The Shangri-Las classic 'Give Him A Great Big Kiss’. Watch the video for the track ‘In My Daydreams’ here: http://youtu.be/NHCS2ebMAS0 PLUS special guest DJs Heavenly Jukebox Roman Remains - a new project by talismanic singer Liela Moss and guitarist Toby Butler of the The Duke Spirit.

Anna!

carl — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:00:30 +0000

Anna Greenwood's Friday Night Disco is back this Friday at the bar. Her parties bring you the very best in pop, rock, disco and a dollop of good old fashioned fun with dancing positively encouraged from the off - Anna generally leads from the front in this respect! The Queen of Guilty Pleasures took the time to answer these questions I stole from a copy of Smash Hits from 1982 . . If you were called up to fight in a war, would you (a) join up, (b) plead insane, (c) emigrate, or (d) be a conscientious objector? I'd like to think 'd', but often this involves staying in tents or up trees in protest and I am not one for outdoor living. Bricks and electricity are two of my favourite things. So maybe 'b' is the best option here. Who do you think is the silliest person in pop music? Chris Brown for being such a massive bastard. What are your ambitions? Grammy / Oscar / Emmy / Tony. In any order would be fine, ta. Ever posed in front of a mirror pretending to be somebody? Yes, every day. Was Madonna betwixt the ages of seven and er 27. Now it's a combo of Donna Summer, Grace Jones, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga AND Madonna. Like a compilation album in 3-d. Is there anything in life worse than going to the launderette? An ill fitting shoe. Oh and you know, war, poverty, George Osborne etc. Were you ever beaten up at school No, but I punched Robert Guest in the dinner queue once. And I kicked a girl at Guides. They (the Guides) rang my mum and suggested I didn't come back again. In my defence, the girl was being a bit racist, but Robert Guest really hadn't done much wrong. Poor Robert Guest. Punched by a girl. If you were an animal, what kind would you be? A lion would be good, being all proud and boss of the jungle and that, but the lady ones don't get the manes and that's what it's all about really. I wouldn't want to be a man lion. I wouldn't want to be a man. So maybe a lady lion in a mane wig. It could start a craze in the lion world. What's the weirdest thing that's happened to you recently? Warming up for a school band and then Billy Ocean within the space of a couple of hours. I am a very hip dj. What's the best thing about finally becoming successful? Oh God, is this the best it gets? And what's the worst thing about it? The reality that this is the best it gets. If you weren't a pop star, what world you like to be? Can I be a pop star first and then see what else I fancy please? Where would you most like to live? In a castle made of gold. FRIDAY NIGHT DISCO IS ON THIS FRIDAY 11th JULY FROM - 8.30pm IN THE BASEMENT

Anna's Summer Top 5

carl — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 18:03:30 +0000

Anna Greenwood's Top 5 records to get you dancing this summer, or any summer . . or Friday at her Friday Night Disco! St Etienne - Only Love Can Break Your Heart Heavenly classic for the Heavenly Social! Beyonce - Love on Top I will never tire of this. The hat, the thighs, the key change upon key change upon key change upon key change... Chic - Dance Dance Dance Do what Nile tells you! Talking Heads - Life During Wartime Best backing dancers EVER. Everybody run on the spot - NOW! Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines Ignoring the fact it is a massively sexist video, it's still a belter of a pop song. Head down Friday night to hear records like this and loads more - free before 9pm!

TCM presents Afrobeats Allstars

carl — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:22:40 +0000

The Company Meeting will begin on Friday 26 July 2013 at 8pm. We are delighted to host the best of London's AFROBEATS community, and have pulled together a true all-stars night, for you: May7ven Moelogo Vicky Sola Chantelle LC Supreme DJ Lanre The first lady of Afrobeats, May7ven has an incredible CV - from an 18 city tour of Africa, to gigs at Somerset House and the Apollo, to top 10 on MTV Base and being A-listed on Choice FM, we are honoured to have her with us. www.youtube.com/officialmay7ven After gaining prominence after performing in Gambia with Busy Signal to 60,000 locals, MoeLogo is one of the UK’s finest Afrobeats artists. Having been selected by 1extra’s DJ Edu to recently take part in the 'BBC Introducing sessions', he’s certainly riding a wave. Check out the break-through single Pangolo released earlier this year, managing over 100,000 views on Youtube in just a month. www.youtube.com/user/Youngmoe4life Not forgetting the exposure all-stars on the night as well: Dandy, The Malmo Miner and BBOOO. Agenda: afrobeats, funk, electro, house, garage, hip-hop, and reggae. One step forward, no looking back. Welcome to The Company Meeting. Apply online at http://on.fb.me/XYv3Nr Free before 9pm.

Heavenly Shop

carl — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:17:14 +0000

There are loads of great things for sale in new Heavenly shop . . Believe In Magic bag for only £5 Believe In Magic patch £3.50 East Village LP with download code for £15 FULL SHOP HERE

Every Wednesday Night

carl — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 10:57:49 +0000

Hot Wuk Wednesdays is the weekly bashment dance spot, The Heatwave’s bashment headquarters. What is bashment? Bashment is the ultra hype sound of modern Jamaican music: the excitement of rewinds, incredible dancing, the rammed dance floor and amazing vibe of a Caribbean rave. The Heatwave’s midweek party turns The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn, you might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% big tunes. Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday! www.theheatwave.co.uk/wednesdays Facebook The Heatwave Twitter @TheHeatwave

How To Do Hip Hop Karaoke

carl — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 10:28:28 +0000

All you need to know about Hip Hop Karaoke and how to get signed up including a full song list. If there is something you want to do that isn't up there then drop Rob a line. “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, HHK Lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that includes teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can now find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out and you’d be crazy not to get there early. Doors are 7pm sharp every Thursday night - arrive early as it does get busy from the off. £5 entry. HIP-HOP KARAOKE LONDON SONG LIST + SIGN UP GUIDE 1. Look over the list of songs below and select the most appealing/entertaining/challenging. 2. Come to the sign-up table near the DJ booth and add your name to the list – remember that it’s first come first performing, so don’t leave it too late to add your name to the list! 3. All performances are over instrumental versions of the songs and full lyric sheets are provided for all performers (if needed). 4. Find yourself lost while rhyming along? Look behind you and the deejay Rob Pursey will help you get back on track. 5. Each performer gets a post-performance prize of a free bottle of Sagres beer! 6. The best performer on the night gets a goodie bag full of CDs (kindly donated by the good karaoke loving people over at Lewis Recordings). 7. Lose yourself! Join us on Facebook – Hip-Hop Karaoke London Requests: robin.pursey@gmail.com Twitter: @hiphopkaraokelondon // @robpursey For video footage of event check Superix and JBoTapes YouTube channels: www.youtube.com/user/superix www.youtube.com/user/jbotapes SONG LIST: (Note: Stars denote level of rhyming difficulty - *** being the most difficult) A Tribe Called Quest ‘Award Tour’ * A Tribe Called Quest ‘Electric Relaxation’ * A Tribe Called Quest ‘Scenario’ *** (when done solo!) A Tribe Called Quest ‘Find A Way’* Akinyele ‘Put It In Your Mouth’ B.O.B. ‘Airplanes’ Baby feat. Lil Wayne ‘Stuntin Like My Daddy’ BDP ‘South Bronx’ * Beanie Sigel and Freeway ‘Roc The Mic’ ** Beastie Boys ‘Get It Together’ * (this comes in real quick!) Beastie Boys ‘Paul Revere’ * Big Daddy Kane ‘Warm It Up Kane’ ** Big L ‘Ebonics’ ** Big Pun ‘I’m Not A Player’* Birdman feat. Lil Wayne ‘Stuntin Like My Daddy’ Biz Markie ‘Just A Friend’ * Black Moon ‘Who Got Da Props?’ Black Rob ‘Whoa’ Black Star ‘Definition’** Bubba Sparxxx ‘Ugly’* Busta Rhymes ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See’** Busta Rhymes ‘Woo Hah’** Busta Rhymes ‘Touch It’** Busta Rhymes ‘ Gimmie Some More’ *** (all of Busta’s are tricky, but this is the one – just ask Ortis!) Busta Rhymes ‘Pass The Courvoisier Pt.2’ * Busta Rhymes feat. Mariah Carey ‘I Know What You Want’ Camp Lo ‘Luchini’*** Cam’Ron ‘Hey Ma’*(possibly the easiest song on the list) Chamillionaire ‘Ridin Dirty’ **(that second verse is hella tricky!) Chubb Rock ‘Treat Em Right’* (one for the over 30s!) Clipse ‘When The Last Time’ * Common ‘I Used To Love H.E.R.’* Common ‘The Light’ Crooklyn Dodgers ‘Crooklyn’* Crooklyn Dodgers ‘The Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers’* Cypress Hill ‘How I Could Just Kill A Man’ * Cypress Hill ‘When The Shit Goes Down’* Cypress Hill ‘Insane In The Brain’* Dead Prez ‘Hip-Hop’ ** (a difficult crowd pleaser) De La Soul ‘Me, Myself & I’ * De La Soul ‘Stakes Is High’ ** De La Soul ‘Oooh’ * Digital Underground ‘The Humpty Dance’ * (DJs favourite!) Dilated Peoples ‘Worst Comes To Worst’ * Dizzee Rascal ‘Bonkers’ (instrumental is EXTENDED and marginally different – so be prepared!) Dizzee Rascal ‘Jus A Rascal’ DMX ‘Party Up In Here’ * Drake ‘Best I Ever Had’ Drake ‘Forever’ Drake 'Over' Dr Dre ‘Forget About Dre’ ** Dr Dre ‘Next Episode’ * Dr Dre ‘Nuthin’ But A G Thang’ * Dr Dre introducing Snoop Doggy Dogg ‘Deep Cover’ * E-40 feat. Keak Da Sneak ‘Tell Me When To Go’ Ed O.G. ‘I Got To Have It’ * Eminem ‘Just Lose It’ ** Eminem ‘Lose Yourself’ * Eminem ‘My Name Is’ * Eminem ‘Stan’ Eminem ‘Without Me’ ** Eminem feat. Lil Wayne ‘No Love’ EPMD ‘So Whutcha Sayin’’ * Eric B & Rakim ‘I Know You Got Soul’ * Eve ‘Let Me Blow Ya Mind’ * (Christmas party fave) Eve ‘Satisfaction’ * Fat Joe ‘What’s Luv?’ * Flo-Rida ‘Low’ 50 Cent ‘Candy Shop’ * 50 Cent ‘In Da Club’ * 50 Cent ‘I Get Money’ * Foxy Brown ‘Oh Yeah’ Fugees ‘Ready Or Not’ Game feat. 50 Cent ‘How We Do’ (if in doubt, just mumble) Game ‘One Blood’ * Gang Starr ‘DWYCK’ * Gang Starr ‘Just To Get A Rep’ ** Gang Starr ‘You Know My Steez’ * Geto Boys ‘Mind Playin’ Tricks On Me’ ** (host’s favourite) Ghostface ‘Daytona 500’ ** Ghostface ‘Run’* Ghostface ‘Cherchez La Ghost’ ** Grand Puba ‘360 (What Goes Around)’ * Group Home ‘Supa Star’ * House Of Pain ‘Jump Around’ Ice Cube ‘It Was A Good Day’ * (basically talking) Ja-Rule feat. Ashanti ‘Always On Time’ Jay-Z ’99 Problems’ * (or ** with the voices) Jay-Z feat. Bun B & Pimp C 'Big Pimpin’’ *** Jay-Z ‘Brooklyns Finest’ ** (tricky to do both rappers) Jay-Z ‘I Just Wanna Love You’ ** Jay-Z ‘Encore’ * Jay-Z ‘Girls Girls Girls’ ** (harder than it seems) Jay-Z ‘Show Me What You Got’ * Jay-Z ‘Roc Boys’ * Jay-Z feat. Foxy Brown ‘Ain’t No Playa’ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince ‘Summertime’ * Jeru ‘Ya Playin Yaself’ *(extra points if you do the intro) Jim Jones ‘We Fly High (Ballin!)’ Junior Mafia ‘Players Anthem’* Jurassic 5 ‘Concrete School Yard’ * Juvenile ‘Back That Azz Up’ * Kanye West ‘Through The Wire’ * Kanye West ‘Gold Digger’ * Kanye West ‘Touch The Sky’ * Kanye West ‘Jesus Walks’ * Kanye West ‘ Stronger’ * Kanye West 'Monster' Keith Murray ‘The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World’ ** Kool G Rap ‘Ill Street Blues’ * Kriss Kross ‘Jump’ * (ultimate party starter!) Lauryn Hill ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ ** Lil Kim ‘The Jump Off’ * Lil Kim ‘Lighters Up’ * Lil Wayne ‘A Milli’ Lil Wayne ‘Go DJ’ * Lil Wayne ‘Lollipop’ Lil Wayne ‘Mrs. Officer LL Cool J ‘Doin’ It’ * LL Cool J ‘I Need Love’ * (over Master P’s charming ‘I Need Dubs’) LL Cool J ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ * Ludacris ‘Move Bitch’ ** (Mystikal’s verse requires a lot of energy!) Ludacris – ‘Number One Spot’ Ludacris ‘Stand Up’ ** Luniz ‘I Got 5 On It’ ** (harder than it sounds) MC Lyte ‘Paper Thin’ * MC Hammer ‘U Can’t Touch This’ * Main Source ‘Lookin’ At The Front Door’ * Mann 'Buzzin' Melle Mel ‘The Message’ ** Method Man feat. Mary J Blige ‘You’re All I Need’ ** Mims – ‘This Is Why I'm Hot’ Missy Elliot ‘Get UR Freak On’ ** Missy Elliot ‘Work It’ * Mobb Deep ‘Shook Ones (Part Two)’ * MOP ‘Ante Up Remix’ ** Mos Def ‘Ms. Fat Booty’ Nas ‘Halftime’ * Nas ‘Made You Look’ * Naughty By Nature ‘OPP’ ** Naughty By Nature ‘Hip Hop Hooray’ ** (the rappings hard – but the chorus will save you!) Nelly ‘Hot In Herre’ Nice & Smooth ‘Hip-Hop Junkies’ Nice & Smooth ‘Funky For You’ * Nicki Minaj ‘Your Love’ Nicki Minaj feat. Drake 'Moment 4 Life' Nicki Minaj feat. Eminem 'Roman's Revenge' Nore ‘Super Thug’ * (basically repeat the word ‘What!’) Notorious BIG ‘Hypnotize’ * Notorious BIG ‘Juicy’ * (probably the all time most performed song!) Notorious BIG ‘Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems’ * Notorious BIG ‘One More Chance’ (Remix) * Notorious BIG ‘Warning’ ** Notorious BIG ‘Unbelievable’ * Notorious BIG ‘Nasty Girl RMX’ * OC ‘Time’s Up’ ** (Extra prize if performed while wearing a backpack!) Ol’ Dirty Bastard ‘Got Your Money’ * Ol’ Dirty Bastard ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ * Ol’ Dirty Bastard ‘Brooklyn Zoo’ * Onyx ‘Slam’ * (one for the rowdy crew) Outkast ‘Bombs Over Baghdad’ *** Outkast ‘Ms. Jackson’ ** (this s*** is hard too – don’t be fooled!) Outkast ‘Player’s Ball’ * Outkast ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ Pete Rock & CL Smooth ‘T.R.O.Y.’ * The Pharcyde ‘Drop** The Pharcyde ‘Passin’ Me By’ ** Pharoahe Monch ‘Simon Says’ ** Public Enemy ‘Rebel Without A Pause’ ** Puff Daddy ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ *(another ultimate crowd pleaser) Puff Daddy ‘It’s All About The Benjamins’ * P.Diddy feat. Black Rob and Mark Curry ‘Bad Boy For Life’ P. Diddy ‘Diddy’ Q-Tip ‘Breathe And Stop’* Q-Tip ‘Let’s Ride’ Raekwon ‘Criminology’ * Redman and Method Man ‘How High Remix’ Redman ‘Smash Sumthin’ ** Rick Ross ‘Hustlin’ * Rick Ross 'BMF (Blowin Money Fast)' Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock ‘It Takes Two’ * Roots Manuva ‘Witness’ ** Run DMC – It’s Like That’ *(very long – beware) Run DMC ‘Peter Piper’ ** Run DMC ‘Sucker MCs’ ** Salt-N-Pepa ‘Tramp’ * Salt-N-Pepa ‘Push It’ * (longest intro in recording history) Sir Mix-A-Lot ‘Baby Got Back’ * Slick Rick ‘Children’s Story’ ** (Performed over Montell Jordan’s summer smash ‘This Is How We Do It’) Slum Village ‘I Don’t Know’ Slum Village ‘Fall In Love’ Slum Village ‘Climax’ Snoop Doggy Dogg ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ * Snoop Doggy Dogg ‘Beautiful’ * Snoop Doggy Dogg ‘Who Am I? (What’s My Name)’ * Soulja Boy ‘Crank Dat’ Soulja Boy ‘Turn My Swag On’ Souls Of Mischief ’93 Til Infinity’ ** 2Pac ‘California Love’ * (Bonus prize for using a vocoder for the hook) 2Pac ‘Changes’ * 2Pac ‘Dear Mama’ * (for those who want to get emotional) 2Pac ‘Do For Love’ * T.I. ‘Bring Em Out’ * T.I. ‘Swagger Like Us’ T.I. ‘What You Know’ * T.I. ‘Whatever You Like’ Terror Squad ‘Lean Back’ * Three 6 Mafia ‘Stay Fly’ Tim Dog ‘Fuck Compton’ * Tone Loc ‘Wild Thing’ * Tone Loc ‘Funky Cold Medina’ * Tyler, The Creator 'Yonkers' Twista ‘Overnight Celebrity’ Ultramagnetic MCs ‘A Chorus Line’ * Vanilla Ice ‘Ice Ice Baby’ * Waka Flocka Flame 'Hard In Da Paint' Warren G ‘Regulate’ * (you need a good Nate Dogg for this) Wiz Khalifa 'Black & Yellow' Wu-Tang Clan ‘CREAM’ ** Wu-Tang Clan ‘Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ Ta Fuck Wit’’ * Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West ‘Put On’ * Young Jeezy ‘And Then What’ * Young Money ‘Every Girl’ Young Money ‘Roger That’ Request line: rob@hiphopkaraokelondon.co.uk

F.A.C

carl — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 19:58:52 +0000

Found A Cure is TK (Special Request) and Carl (Heavenly Jukebox) Since their original Social night out, Broader Than Broadway ended many years ago this has become their occasional party where they get together to play house, disco, afrobeat, garage and other electronic music. This will be their first time back at The Social together. The Heavenly Jukebox is Heavenly Recordings very own DJ collective, getting together throughout the summer to play at festivals around the country. This year they have already played at Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Isle of Wight, Green Man, V and will also be heading to Bestival and No.6 in September. Special Request have been putting on some of London's best undergound garage nights in recent years. Starting out life as a closed shop Facebook group for people to share music, they have gone on to host some special parties every few months and regular sessions on NTS radio from resident DJs TK and Louis Not Lewis Join TK and Carl on Friday from 7pm In the meantime here's a mix that Carl put together for the Bestimix series early in the year

Bestimix: Heavenly Jukebox by Bestimix on Mixcloud

Faber Social Presents Unreal City

carl — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:27:09 +0000

FABER SOCIAL PRESENTS UNREAL CITY Monday 7th October For October's Faber Social, co-hosted with Heavenly Recordings, we invite you to an evening celebrating the UNREAL CITY that is London. Michael Smith and Andrew Weatherall perform from their new release Unreal City. Ben Watt talks about his forthcoming book, Romany and Tom. Lloyd Bradley takes us on a historical tour through black music in the capital. And Hanif Kureishi, London's ultimate chronicler in fiction, reads from new fiction. As if that isn't enough, the evening concludes with our greatest pop writer Jon Savage interviewing our greatest dj and producer, Andrew Weatherall. Doors 7pm, event starts at 8pm. Tickets

Wi-Fi Cafe

carl — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 22:13:32 +0000

The Social is now open every weekday from 11:30am - 5:30pm Head in to make use of our free Wi-Fi, tech support from Systems & Smiles, Tim Peaks coffee and power points for charging that thirsty phone or laptop. Full bar available for those that like a pint while they work too! Systems & Smiles have been solving technology problems for small businesses since 2006, believing that no matter how hard a problem might seem to solve and no matter how frustrated that problem might make you feel, when it comes to IT there is always an answer, there is always another way. With technical support offered on an appointment basis, customers will be able to use an initial 15 minute free consultation, including advice and quick fixes, with more complicated and advanced issues and training managed on a case-by-case basis at an additional charge. Designated walk-in days for technical help without an appointment are due to come later this year. Systems & Smiles are qualified to help with both PC or Mac issues as well as giving advice on tablets and smart phones. Anyone can work out of the upstairs cafe anytime from 11:30am to 5:30pm on weekdays free of charge and for larger groups booth reservation is possible too. You can use our Wi-Fi Cafe all day long as your office or simply as a base for an afternoon of meetings. There are lots of newly fitted power points, a brand new range of soft drinks, teas and snacks and The Social is also very proud to be the first place in London to offer Tim Peaks; The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess' very own brand of coffee. “The Social is one of my favourite places, now I've got even more reason to spend some time there - soy milk, no sugar please” - Tim Burgess Tim Peaks started on Twitter with Tim’s daily call of “Morning tweets x coffee?”. He’s gone on to create his own fairtrade coffee blend and taken it to festivals around the country, combining great music and a good cuppa in a field with all profits going to the David Lynch Foundation. The Social is delighted to now bring this brilliant idea to London for the first time and will be serving daily for both drinking in the bar and takeaway - check out the Pete Fowler takeaway cups! The Social is open daytimes from 11:30am-5:30pm every weekday For more information please contact carl@thesocial.com www.systemsandsmiles.com www.timpeaks.com

Studio 45

carl — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 22:21:53 +0000

The Rogues in Brogues are back where they belong, a monthly Saturday night at The Social from Saturday 28th September Studio 45 Launch Party with residents Dean Thatcher and Stephen Saunders and special guest Phil Etgart (Ethnucol / Hot Bomb Hi Fi). Soul - Funk - Reggae on scratched vinyl. Dress to impress. Not to be missed, the boys are back with a brand new monthly night! Free entry all night Facebook event

New beers

carl — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 22:27:24 +0000

New Beer and Cider Notes The eagle-eyed amongst you might have noticed a few new bottles on the shelves in the Social. This is our new beer range, something we’re very excited about. We originally planned to focus on London beers but we figured that you’re in London - you can get great local beers pretty much anywhere these days. What we settled on is a short list of British classics from all across the country. It’s a work in progress and hopefully always will be – we’ll try to change based on demand, on seasonality and occasionally on whim. Moor Nor’Hop 4.3%, 660ml Described as “ultra pale, ultra modern, ultra hoppy”, Nor’ Hop is brewed with plenty of Northern Hemisphere hops by Somerset’s finest Moor and it does exactly what it says on the tin (bottle). Sold in a 660ml bottle, this is great for sharing or for the kind of drinkers who feel shortchanged with a pint. This beer is unfined meaning it’s meant to pour hazy. The Kernel Table Beer 3.1%, 330ml The Kernel is one of the capital’s most consistently brilliant breweries – often inventive, always exceptionally good. Table Beer is their ‘session’ brew - usually around the 3% abv mark (changes with each brew) and featuring a selection of hop varieties, this is that rarest of beasts – a gloriously full flavoured, low(er) alcohol ale. Sonnet 43 Brown Ale 4.7%, 500ml A modern take on the undisputed Northern classic ‘Newkie Brown’, this is a truly quaffable nutty brown beer from the Sonnet 43 brewery in Co Durham. The taste of the Tyne right here in W1. Tiny Rebel Full Nelson 4.8%, 330ml This ‘Maori Pale Ale’ comes from our current favourite brewery in the UK, Newport’s Tiny Rebel. Brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops (named after the Sauvignon Blanc grape), Full Nelson is fruity, crisp and incredibly refreshing. Sandford Orchard Devon Red 4.5% 500ml The sticker on the bottle says it all – this is ‘proper cider’. There’s not much else to say other than Devon Red is an award winning drop from the West Country... accept no imitations! If there’s a bottled craft beer or real ale that you love and think we should look out for, drop us a line at carl@thesocial.com

Good Block - Special Guest and Mix

carl — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 07:31:02 +0000

This month's guest is the debut of a new project by a London based underground producer. We are pleased to welcome The Whole Truth to Good Block! Whole Truth's former self has previously featured on Boiler Room as well as regular slots on Alex Chase's 'New Jerusalem' show on NTS Radio. Keep your eyes peeled for The Whole Truth release in November - you can listen to the track in it's entirety here: B2B Selectors: Whole Truth Gigolo Medina Pete Dee Sean O'Talk (TBC) Richard Foe Selecting: Disco / Boogie / Funk / House / Hip Hop £3 cheaplist - names on the FB wall - £5 otherwise Facebook event: A HUGE thanks to Whole Truth for the mix!

Good Block Mix 16 by The Whole Truth by Good Block on Mixcloud

The Fix

carl — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:07:18 +0000

On October 1st, we're excited to be launching THE FIX, a monthly live music session at The Social. 'THE FIX will play host to some of the best new music on the first Tuesday of each month in a London intimate venue with unrivalled music heritage. Please mark it in your calendar and spread the word!' From November onwards THE FIX will be open to the public, but for this special October launch party it's just for friends of FRUKT FIXERS, however The Social have a very limited amount of tickets to giveaway! Elli Ingram - A recent MOBO nomination for Best Newcomer, Elli has been performing as part of Chase & Status's band, and she's one of the brightest new talents out there. Coves -  Their debut EP was a popular hit on 6Music, and live, they're even better, with a swirling mix of psychedelic soundscapes amid beautiful floating pop songs. Daniel James -  Zane Lowe is just one supporter of this gifted new indie-folk talent from Northern Ireland. Come check a star in the making out in this early solo showcase. Please RSVP carl@thesocial.com if you're interested

Oxjam Party This Saturday

carl — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:26:35 +0000

Saturday 5th October Live: THE HOMOSEXUALS THE PROPER ORNAMENTS VIRGINIA WING DAIRY CLASSICS TOTEM (MOSHI MOSHI RECORDS) - DJ SEAN FORBES (ROUGH TRADE) - DJ TREE CARR AND ADAM CARR (SWITCHBLADE) - DJ PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS £3 Early Bird Tickets / £5 OTD - Tickets www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam www.thesocial.com www.idlefret.com Please join the Idle Fret facebook page for future events and updates

Hot Wuk Wednesdays with The Heatwave

carl — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:59:58 +0000

Hot Wuk Wednesdays with The Heatwave - Every Wednesday night at The Social Every Wednesday we rave like it’s a Saturday and turn The Social basement into a mini Notting Hill Carnival. Get rum drunk and collect your free whistle and horn... You might see the most incredibly acrobatic dance move or hear the wickedest MC jumping on the mic. One thing is certain: the vibe will be INSANE. 100% smiling, 100% dancing, 100% fun. You will be raving to the sounds of Konshens, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, RDX, Sean Paul, Mr Vegas, Lady Saw, Gaza Slim, Stylo G, Gappy Ranks, Rihanna and loads more. This is the sweetest, maddest, friendliest and sexiest dancehall party in the world. www.theheatwave.co.uk/wednesdays Facebook The Heatwave Twitter @TheHeatwave

Richard Milward Exhibition

carl — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 12:19:35 +0000

Middlesbrough-based author Richard Milward (Apples, Ten Storey Love Song, Kimberly's Capital Punishment, all on Faber) brings his delirious draughtmanship to the walls of The Social. The Rebirth Pool features ten new paintings, twisting the hypnotic mandala artwork of Hinduism and Buddhism to form a manic merry-go-round of fluorescent cartoon characters, hieroglyphics, surrealism, reanimation, hearts, brains, eyeballs, footballs, Heaven and Hell and everything in between. Starts Monday 7th October

Christmas Parties at The Social

carl — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 11:21:57 +0000

The diary is now open for Christmas bookings at The Social You can host your Christmas party at the bar. Hire out the basement (very limited availability in December) for parties up to 150 people, or the upstairs bar for smaller groups - both floors have their own DJ booths and PAs. If you're planning something a little smaller then drop us a line, we can give you a booth or a few tables most days of the week. Email carl@thesocial.com for more details

Good Block

carl — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 16:33:24 +0000

As winter draws in, Good Block continue to pound The Social's basement with a head strong selection of 80's Disco, Hip Hop, House, Boogie, Funk and more! Selectors: Oh Death Native Pete Dee Party Carter Richard Foe Free before 9pm - £3/£5 otherwise! Facebook event A massive thanks to DJ / Designer, Jordan Oh Death for the mix! Click her for more: www.oh-death.com

Good Block Mix 17 by Oh Death by Good Block on Mixcloud

There's more to life than books, you know… But not much more

carl — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 21:23:38 +0000

There's more to life than books, you know… But not much more A temporary reading room on the day publication of Morrissey’s Autobiography at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street, London, W1 Thursday 17^th October sees the publication of one of the most eagerly awaited books in recent memory –Autobiography by Morrissey (Penguin Classics)*. To celebrate this momentous event, the Social will be offering quiet, comfortable space in the West End for anyone wanting to skive off work and while away the day reading the book. There will be free tea (from Yorkshire not Lancashire) and two for one on foaming nut Brown Ale (from Sonnet 43 brewery in Durham) for anyone brandishing a copy of the book (or, at a real push, a Kindle edition). There will also be a range of vegetarian sandwiches and Square Pies on sale from lunchtime. The Social will be compiling a specially selected playlist of music by or inspired by the Smiths and Morrissey that will air quietly in the background. And, for those who find the contents of the book bring an uncontrollable urge to see the sights of Manchester, Euston station is a brisk fifteen-minute walk away. *The Social hangs on to an idealized view of Morrissey – one that begins with the band’s first Oxford Road Show performance and pauses sometime around the release of Come Back To Camden. Having not yet perused the contents of the book, we can’t vouch for any overly brusque views that the author may express therein. The Social is open every weekday from 9am with free broadband, power points and in house tech support from Sussed IT. We serve Tim Peaks coffee.

The Fix - Part II

carl — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 14:33:44 +0000

THE FIX is back on November 5th 2013 - doors 7pm With special live guests F.U.R.S, SAINT MOTEL and MOTEL MARI and FIXERS DJs. Tickets THE FIX will play host to some of the best new music on the first Tuesday of each month in a London intimate venue with unrivalled music heritage. We continue on November 5th, with brilliant new London band F.U.R.S, magnificent new US act playing over here SAINT MOTEL, and the excellent South African band MOTEL MARI. F.U.R.S One of the most exciting new London bands, F.U.R.S bring a melodic mix of garage rock and shoe gaze pop to THE FIX, with a series of magical, euphoric songs. 2014 is going to be a major year for this trio! SAINT MOTEL Over from the States, Saint Motel are one of the most exciting live bands you'll hear this year. A six piece (with brass in there to give it some major oomph) making uplifting indie-pop, their recent single 'My Type' is one of the best tracks of 2013 and we can't wait to have them along to The Social. MOTEL MARI Completing a global line-up, we have the amazing Motel Mari from South Africa playing live. Comprised of members of Blk Jks, they make sublime soulful psychedelia. Plus the FIXERS DJs playing some of our favourite new tunes. Please mark it in your calendar and spread the word! fixers@fruktfixers.com for more info! Tickets

Villains & Voodoo Halloween Party

carl — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 19:00:12 +0000

All Your Friends and Famous Wolf Promotions present... ★ VILLAINS & VOODOO HALLOWEEN PARTY ★ Saturday 2nd Nov - The Social, London £5 ADV TICKETS £8 ON THE DOOR ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ★ VILLAINS & VOODOO FANCY DRESS THEME ★ FREE PUNCH BEFORE 8PM ★ FIVE LIVE ACTS, INCLUDING A VOODOO FOLK JAM ★ DJS SPINNING HALLOWEEN CLASSICS ALL NIGHT ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Live Music By: ► NATHAN WATSON & THE FREAKANOMICS ► VAUDE VILLAINS ► VOODOO FOLK JAM Featuring Dana Immanuel, Yan Yates, Blanche Ellis & friends ► DONATA (Nosoyo) ► RHYS LLOYD MORGAN ► BLAGSOUND DJS

Life’s too short to be shy… with Tatty Devine

carl — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 14:05:35 +0000

Life’s too short to be shy… with Tatty Devine - Monday 11th November This November, Faber Social and Tatty Devine join forces to celebrate women’s voices. As a female led company, Tatty Devine believe in being an individual, expressing yourself and equality in all areas of life. This month sees the launch of Tatty Devine’s ‘Women With Something to Say’ campaign, featuring women from a variety of creative backgrounds. From writers, artists and musicians to comediennes, actresses and film makers, each contributor reveals what it means to be a woman in today’s society, leading with a single powerful phrase on a specially commissioned Tatty Devine name necklace. Faber contributors include: Viv Albertine, Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Julia Copus, Alev Scott, Emily Berry, Aleks Krotoski, Louise Doughty, Anne Putnam, Gemma Elwin Harris, Jane Harris, Chibundu Onuzo, Emma Brockes and Sarah Hall. Read more about the campaign on the Tatty Devine blog in the next coming weeks. Inspired by Viv Albertine’s brilliant phrase Life’s too short to be shy, our November Faber Social will include a glorious mix of stories, music and performance from Viv Albertine, Emily Berry, Kate Tempest, Marawa the Amazing and Bryony Kimmings, curated in collaboration with the wonderful Rosie and Harriet of Tatty Devine. Where: The Social, 5 Little Portland St, London W1W 7JD When: Monday 11th November 2013 Doors open at 7pm, event starts at 8pm Tickets cost £7 in advance / £9 on the door and are available to buy here

Studio 45

carl — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 08:28:08 +0000

This Saturday (26th) we welcome back two of The Social's very finest resident DJs who have been playing records down the bar pretty much since the beginning . . Studio 45 with residents Dean Thatcher and Stephen Saunders and special guest Dave Mack (The Cool Off) Soul - Funk - Reggae on scratched vinyl. Not to be missed, the boys are back with a brand new monthly night! Doors 7pm-1am - free entry all night

Good Block

carl — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:56:09 +0000

You should know how it goes down by now - 6 Djs playing B2B vinyl in the basement of the bar For this month's guest we welcome the talented mind of OK Jones - hailing from Trouble Vision no less! Check out this mix by the man himself, shout out's to Oli D.A.B./ OK Jones !

Good Block Mix 18 by OK Jones by Good Block on Mixcloud

Good Block - Friday 15th November 7pm-1am £3/£5 Selectors: Ok Jones (Trouble Vision) Gigolo Medina Pete Dee Sean O'Talk (TBC) Richard Foe Selecting: Disco, Boogie, Funk, Afro, House, 80's Facebook event

The Social Christmas Saturdays

carl — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:07:39 +0000

Christmas market and free afternoon gigs from two of the UK's greatest independent record labels in December. The Social's Famous Christmas Saturdays return to Little Portland Street in December. This year there will be more booze, food and space to socialise and much more music too with free shows in the basement from acts on Rough Trade (14th) and Heavenly (21st). The market, as ever, will happen in the upstairs bar at The Social and stalling out for your delight each week will be the essential nature and culture website Caught by the River and their spectacular shop filled with books, maps, badges, records, limited edition screen prints from, amongst others, Stanley Donwood and David Chatton Barker as well as exclusives from their cupboard. They'll be joined by a couple of guest stalls each week and this year we'll be leaving a booth or two free for people to come and sit down down and enjoy our food and drink. The doors will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm, entry is free and with a fully stocked bar including a selection of ales, our homemade mulled wine, hot cider, Bloody Marys, hearty food, impromptu DJ sets and outbreaks of festivity - we invite you to come down our chimney where a very warm welcome is once again guaranteed. Guest stalls this year will include Faber Social, Andrews and the Empress of Arcadia, Clay Pipe, Heavenly Recordings and more. Email carl@thesocial.com for more info, press enquiries to enquire about booking one of the booths for you and your friends to eat and drink. Saturdays 14th and 21st December 2013

House Party NYE at The Social

carl — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 19:01:29 +0000

>>> Special guests: Ragga Twins (live)  Drums of Death Rob Pursey  Found A Cure  Heavenly Jukebox  Mr Midnight Mum Jeans & Mugg Life Jimmy Plates Le Cog Sportif + more to be announced £15 tickets available now >>> In true house party fashion you'll find all musical bases covered from jungle rave horns to R-rated hip hop and RnB, house 12s and soul 45s, disco, dancehall and no shortage of 100% surefire dancefloor dynamite. Two floors of NYE house party energy smack bang in the centre of town! <<< In the Upstairs Bar ("where everybody knows you name") find a booth, a barstool or a spot by the jukebox and let the good times roll through to midnight. Free 'Norm Peterson' cocktail from 9-10pm from the specially created NYE menu. Expect soul, funk, yacht rock, disco, cosmic american music, hip hop and inevitably some stone cold party anthems. >>> In the Basement things get a bit more lively with our very special guests, the legendary Ragga Twins performing live on stage before midnight. They'll be joined by a host of our favourite DJs including special guest Drums of Death and a midnight set from Rob Pursey (Hip Hop Karaoke / Rated R / Players Ball / Southern Hospitality), classic house and garage from Found A Cure and of course our very own Heavenly Jukebox. Facebook event First ticket release £5 (SOLD OUT) Second release £10 (SOLD OUT) Third release £15 9pm-late £15 tickets available now

Sonic Cathedral Christmas Party

carl — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 09:36:56 +0000

Come and celebrate Christmas with The Label That Celebrates Itself. For free. There will be live sets from Young Husband and some VERY SPECIAL GUESTS, plus DJing from the one and only Justin Robertson. And mince pies. Monday 9th December - 7pm - Free entry

House Party People # 1 - TK

carl — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 20:47:00 +0000

TK (Found A Cure / Special Request) This is the first in a series of quick Q+As with some of our special guests on NYE. TK is one half of both FAC and Special Request and can often be found at The Social drinking Guinness and hustling people off the decks. What's been your best party of the year so far? It has to be the Special Request 1st Birthday Bash earlier this year; Wookie came down and smashed it, great vibes and all my friends were raving and having a good time. Just to think that a year before it was just an idea to get people together for the music we’re really into and still love is very inspiring. Biggest track for you in 2013? What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? Good ol’ fashioned house and garage party jams. What have you got planned for 2014? Hopefully some more Found A Cure and Special Request parties but lets get NYE out of the way first. What's top tip for house parties? Never ever run out of booze or the party is done for... Tell us about your best ever NYE The best ones are always a blur! I do remember playing a NYE jungle set at The Social with Stig of the Dump MCing. Completely random but the crowd was absolutely loving it. Surprised I can remember that really.

Heavenly Social

carl — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 12:38:46 +0000

A weekly party with residents the Heavenly Jukebox and friends taking things all the way through from an after work warm up to the last tube home and beyond. You can expect soul 45s, hip hop, disco and boogie classics, house 12s, fresh edits and new electronic records, a bit of rock n roll, balearic and afro stuff, proper straight party jams and of course the odd curveball. . . . Believe in Magic Email us to reserve a table AND its 2 for 1 on ALL DRINKS every Friday night until the end of November too! Just need to ask in advance for a membership card. Facebook page

Heavenly Jukebox - Herbman On Holiday Ransom Note Mix by The Ransom Note on Mixcloud

House Party People # 2 - Rob Pursey

carl — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:47:03 +0000

Part two of our 'House Party People' series in the run up to our big NYE party. Rob Pursey will need no introduction to anyone who has spent any time at The Social since it opened. Without question Rob has spent more hours than any other DJ playing records in the basement. Known to many as 'London's Greatest DJ' he can be found every week at Hip Hop Karaoke and will be playing a special midnight set for us on the 31st December. What's been your best party of the year so far? Our Players Ball parties at East Village this year were all pretty immense! What's your biggest track of 2013? Paranoid - Ty Dolla $ign really sums up the year musically for me and is something I've played in every single DJ set.

What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party ? Straight turn up music for all ratchet thots. What have you got planned for 2014? In terms of parties we're hosting our 3rd Anniversary of Players Ball at Plan B which is about to be epic! Hip Hop Karaoke weekly at The Social remains as amazing as ever and taking it on the road to all the festivals is always a highlight. Music wise we're releasing more music and mixtapes through Southern Hospitality and working with some of the most forward thinking rap and electronic music around and I'm confident our SXSW showcase line-up will be one for the ages. What's top tip for house parties? Stake a claim on the kitchen, so you get to talk to everyone who has to come in to get drinks. Bring in extra sound. Tell us about your best ever NYE I don't like to look back too much so I'm gonna project that this year's NYE is gonna be the greatest! . . You can see Rob on NYE, all the details below

Special guests: Ragga Twins (live)  Drums of Death Rob Pursey  Found A Cure  Heavenly Jukebox  Mr Midnight Mum Jeans & Mugg Life Jimmy Plates Le Cog Sportif + more to be announced £10 tickets available now >>> In true house party fashion you'll find all musical bases covered from jungle rave horns to R-rated hip hop and RnB, house 12s and soul 45s, disco, dancehall and no shortage of 100% surefire dancefloor dynamite. Two floors of NYE house party energy smack bang in the centre of town! <<< In the Upstairs Bar ("where everybody knows you name") find a booth, a barstool or a spot by the jukebox and let the good times roll through to midnight. Free 'Norm Peterson' cocktail from 9-10pm from the specially created NYE menu. Expect soul, funk, yacht rock, disco, cosmic american music, hip hop and inevitably some stone cold party anthems. >>> In the Basement things get a bit more lively with our very special guests, the legendary Ragga Twins performing live on stage before midnight. They'll be joined by a host of our favourite DJs including special guest Drums of Death and a midnight set from Rob Pursey (Hip Hop Karaoke / Rated R / Players Ball / Southern Hospitality), classic house and garage from Found A Cure and of course our very own Heavenly Jukebox. Facebook event First ticket release £5 (SOLD OUT) £10 tickets available now Third release £15

House Party People # 3 - Mumjeans + Muglife

carl — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 14:21:44 +0000

What's been your best party of the year so far? Saturday nights at the Brewery Tap. That fat DJ is massive. Biggest track of 2013? They stopped making good music in the late nineties. Everything that’s made now has been made before at least twice. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? An eclectic mix of blah blah blah…..loads of r'n'b, rap and uk garage records that will make you tap your foot. LL Cool J, Warren G, Aaliyah, Lucy Pearl, Sunshine Anderson, Chance The Rapper, Cocaine 80s, Foxy Brown, Ramsey & Fen, Tina Moore, Kristine Blonde, Tweet... What have you got planned for 2014? Tending to the rosebush. What's top tip for house parties? Don’t get a DJ. Let everyone fight over the ipod lead, play half a shit tune before someone unplugs it and repeat Special guests: Ragga Twins (live)  Drums of Death Rob Pursey  Found A Cure  Heavenly Jukebox  Mr Midnight Mum Jeans & Mugg Life Jimmy Plates Le Cog Sportif + more to be announced £10 tickets available now >>> In true house party fashion you'll find all musical bases covered from jungle rave horns to R-rated hip hop and RnB, house 12s and soul 45s, disco, dancehall and no shortage of 100% surefire dancefloor dynamite. Two floors of NYE house party energy smack bang in the centre of town! <<< In the Upstairs Bar ("where everybody knows you name") find a booth, a barstool or a spot by the jukebox and let the good times roll through to midnight. Free 'Norm Peterson' cocktail from 9-10pm from the specially created NYE menu. Expect soul, funk, yacht rock, disco, cosmic american music, hip hop and inevitably some stone cold party anthems. >>> In the Basement things get a bit more lively with our very special guests, the legendary Ragga Twins performing live on stage before midnight. They'll be joined by a host of our favourite DJs including special guest Drums of Death and a midnight set from Rob Pursey (Hip Hop Karaoke / Rated R / Players Ball / Southern Hospitality), classic house and garage from Found A Cure and of course our very own Heavenly Jukebox. Facebook event First ticket release £5 (SOLD OUT) £10 tickets available now Third release £15

Friday Night Disco - This Friday until 3am

carl — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:52:15 +0000

It's Christmas. Well it is in a bit. To celebrate this we're having a festive-fuelled Friday Night Disco this Friday at the West End saviour that is the Social. Lulu Le Vay is joining Anna Greenwood on the decks for the egg-nog-swigging affair and it goes on until 3am. Cripes! Doors 6pm-3am, free entry before 9pm / £5 after

The Social's January Festival of Drinking

carl — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 10:10:46 +0000

This January (like every other January before it) The Social will be a safe haven for those who don't give up drinking for a month. 2014 is the 15th year of The Social on Little Portland Street. The brainchild of a record company whose offshoots included a hugely successful underground club night, The Social was set up with a simple manifesto – to provide great music and better booze to anyone who fancied tripping through the doors. The Social has launched over a million hugely successful hangovers. Join us for three special events featuring talks, demonstrations, tastings, music and of course drinking! Tuesday 7th January - BEER presented in association with Liberty Beers Free entry - 7pm-12am Monday 13th January - WINE presented in association with Borough Wines Tickets available via www.thesocial.com - price TBC - 7pm-12am Monday 20th January - SPIRITS presented in association with Stolichnaya Premium Vodka Free entry - 7pm-12am

House Party People # 4 - Jimmy Plates

carl — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 10:49:11 +0000

What’s been your best party of the year so far? I have to say Glastonbury, everybody has their magical festival experience and the sun was shining this year, I even went all in like Bear Grylls and camped! (I did have a few showers though) Biggest track for you in 2013? I loved playing this a few times, it was a big crowd pleaser over the summer. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? No holds barred House Party classics from Back then to Right now, from Disco to Rap. What have you got planned for 2014? Working hard, being lucky and continue to do loads more fun stuff involving good people and good music. What’s top tip for house parties? Stash some snacks for later, you'll be thankfull for some pringles or chicken goujons by 5am. Tell us about your best ever NYE Sorry but I promised I wouldn't tell all my mates.

NYE House Party at The Social

carl — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 17:06:33 +0000

House Party People # 5 - Le Cog Sportif

carl — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:50:40 +0000

Le Cog Sportif AKA Adrian Cogger is next up in our House Party People series as we build up to our BIG NYE party on the 31st. Tickets still available for £10 What’s been you best party of the year so far? It was on a boat in Berlin. We stumbled aboard at around 9:30 on a Saturday morning with no idea what to expect, only to discover two decks of the most genial ravers we’ve come across in a long time. I have no idea who was DJing, but with a crowd that friendly it didn’t matter. I bloody love Berlin. What’s your biggest track of 2013? Think Of U (Parts 1&2) [LNTG Rework]. It’s a re-edit of Chic’s “I Want Your Love”. I know, I know, there are loads of edits of this record knocking about, but LNTG has done something a bit different with this one. I first heard it when he played Corsica Studios in the summer and it absolutely raised the roof. It encapsulates most of the things I love about dance music in a single record. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? Imagine if David Mancuso had spent more time in the UK and joined CAMRA. It’ll be the set he would have played. Seriously though, you never really know what people are going to be up for in the bar, so I’ll try and feed off them I guess. Ideally I’ll take people from nods of approval and gentle finger-tapping to unabashed table-top-raving. It will probably involve a scattering of Motown and a big slice of Chic. Hopefully it will involve some mid-nineties house. It will probably not involve requests for R’n’B. What have you got planned for 2014? Starting a new night with a couple of other DJs called “West Side Boogie”. Look out for it! What’s your tip for House Parties Always bring booze. A bag of ice always goes down well too. If you don’t know the host find them as soon as you can to introduce yourself and say thanks. It sounds old fashioned but people always appreciate that. It also takes their mind off the cleaning up you’re not going to help with later on. Tell us about your best ever NYE. 08-09 was a belter. We hosted a house party where everyone dressed in Hi-Viz clothing. Early on in the night a light fitting started dripping so we had to cut the power. Watching Carl and Zane bickering about how best to isolate the offending circuit while dressed, essentially, as workman, was a moment of accidental comedy genius: Never have two incompetent buffoons looked, to the casual observer, so in command of the task in hand. At the stroke of midnight we killed the house lights, flicking on a blacklight and a police beacon, all to “Sound of da Police”. There was also THAT mask… . . Adrian will be joining on NYE - more info with the full line up here

House Party People # 6 - Heavenly Jukebox

carl — Fri, 27 Dec 2013 17:14:33 +0000

We're now on the third and final release of tickets for NYE and (fingers crossed) we're looking like we're going to sell out in advance. Get yours now! Part six of the House Party People posts catches up with Carl, one part of the Heavenly Jukebox. What's been your best party of the year so far? We played on two 'boats' this year, the galleon in the the middle of the lake at Secret Garden Party and HMS Bestival - both were incredible fun. However, it's got to be Glastonbury, every time. The Stonebridge Bar (which we curate) was on fire this year with Fat Boy Slim, Greg Wilson, Jackmaster, Daniel Avery, James Blake, Jagwar Ma, Psychemagik and lots of others all playing over the weekend. The Saturday night was THE ONE though . . Jarvis Cocker and Steve Mackey kicked it off, Toddla T, Martelo, Mele, Stylo G, Rudimental and then The 2 Bears through until daylight. Pure good vibes from start to finish. Such amazing music and such a lovely crew of people. Biggest track of 2013? Hard to choose one but the A-side of Secret Squirrels #2 reminds me of a summer of festivals. I played it loads and it has never failed to get the same amazing reaction. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party ? I'll be warming up for the Ragga Twins so i'll be taking it through from the start of the night to stage time. It's going to be a straight house party set from me, lots of slightly battered 12s, winding it right through the gears to jungle. What have you got planned for 2014 ? We're going to be taking up residency every Friday night in the basement for the return of the Heavenly Social. It's 15 years since the bar opened on Little Portland Street and 20 years since the original parties at The Albany. We're really looking forward to playing every week at the bar and we have some great guests lined up too, some of the old regulars and residents from The Albany and Turnmills and lots of new faces too. What's your top tip for house parties ? I once took about 10 litres of cider from Roger Wilkins' farm to a house party. His cider would be my top tip for any party - proper trippy. www.wilkinscider.com Tell me about your best ever NYE Seriously, I can't wait for this one. Ragga Twins in the basement is going to be lively.

House Party People # 7 - Mr Midnight

carl — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 09:14:48 +0000

Number seven is Mr Midnight - the other House Party planner, Adam will be keeping the vibes locked to 'great' upstairs on the 31st. We're on the last release of tickets for the party now. What's been your best party of the year so far? When Le Cog Sportif moved in downstairs this summer. I made a rainbow salad. Biggest track of 2013? Biggest: Beautiful - Miguel & Mariah Carey. Best: Are You With Me Now - Cate Le Bon. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party ? Bodacious country soul to smooth dadrock. Think Lowell George on a rum bender. What have you got planned for 2014 ? I'm coming out of retirement. What's top tip for house parties ? Plenty of ice. Tell me about your best ever NYE The last time I teamed up with Carlos (who runs the social) to run a NYE it was pretty special. We've been trying to top it ever since...

House Party People # 8 - Drums of Death

carl — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 11:44:28 +0000

The first of our two headliners for our House Party NYE is Drums of Death. He took a little time on the way back from his Boxing Day gig in Athens to answer our 6 HPP questions. The last remaining tickets for NYE are on sale now. What’s been your best party of the year so far? Probably in Austria during spring where I played an underground venue. I was playing until 6am and it was a real arse-shaker, played it raw, jacking and funky. Everyone in that club was a total freak, such a great vibe. The room was incredibly hot though and I was just sweating like mad so I ended up DJing in my Calvin Kleins. What’s your biggest track of 2013? My own track 'True' featuring Yasmin has done so much for me this year. A ton of radio play and everyone knows it when I play. For a tune that just doesn't leave my sets that would have to be either The Martinez Brothers' remix of D'Julz or Detroit Swindle's 'The Make Up'. What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? A rolling journey through pumping house, melodic techno and some pure party killers. What have you got planned for 2014? My new album, a bunch of singles, my new album, some collaborations, producing some other artists, my new album and a crap load of touring. Oh, and my new album. Did I say that already? What’s your tip for house parties? 1. Have a strong door policy. Keep the randoms who look shifty out. 2. Get a large plastic box, fill with ice and use that to chill the bottles of spirits, mixers etc.... It's rather more functional than a fridge as they get full very quickly. 3. Invite your neighbours, get them exceedingly drunk. Become the best of friends (for a night). 4. Have a DJ or a playlist. Do NOT invite people to play music from Youtube. Unless you want to hear 'Blurred Lines' 15 times interspersed with video clips of people falling over. Sometimes I think humanity is doomed. 5. Don't worry about the mess. Just have fun and get on clean-up duties in the morning. You're rolling the dice and hoping nothing terrible happens. The only way to avoid that fear is... Use someone else's house. Tell us about your best ever NYE I cannot remember much about my favourite NYEs which may or may not be a sign that I was enjoying them. If anyone can let me know what I was doing then I'd be most grateful. Thanks.

House Party People # 9 - Ragga Twins

carl — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 09:08:10 +0000

The final HHP post before our big House Party NYE party tomorrow - introducing our very special guests, the legendary Ragga Twins! We're down to the final 50 tickets for this party - they are available here What’s been you best party of the year so far? Jungle Mania at The Coronet What’s your biggest track of 2013? 1234 with Mark Pritchard What can we expect from your NYE set at our House Party? You can expect a lot of vibes, energy & lyrics What have you got planned for 2014? For 2014 we have a new album coming out and some big features, look out for the ones with Skrillex What’s your tip for house parties? Drink, rave and be happy

Heavenly Social - Guests Announced

carl — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:32:16 +0000

After the launch party for the Heavenly Social on Friday 10th January, we'll be joined by at least one special guest each week in the basement. On Friday 17th January JUSTIN ROBERTSON will be playing records alongside our residents. Justin has been part of The Social family since the very beginning and we're well happy that he's coming to man the decks for us again. One of the world's finest DJs and finest gentlemen, the Heavenly Social is in safe hands on the 17th. Then on Friday 24th January DJ DIE will be heading up from Bristol. His set in The Stonebridge Bar at Glastonbury last year was one of the undoubted highlights of our weekend. Effortlessly taking in drum and bass, disco, funk and boogie in a 90 minute whirlwind. He's a properly brilliant DJ and one of the first names on our list when it came to booking guests for the new night. Both these events are free entry all night to all our members . . and membership is FREE! Just email Carl in advance for a card.

The Social's January Festival of Drinking - Beer

carl — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 20:26:08 +0000

Next week - as part of January's retox calendar and our fifteenth birthday celebrations - the Social begins a new, rolling beer festival. In partnership with the country's greatest craft beer wholesalers Liberty, we'll be expanding and experimenting with our bottle range with different beers by our current favourite brewers (Tiny Rebel, Moor, Kernel) and a few other choice seasonal creations. There should be an extra special keg or two on sale too. Over the coming months, we'll have proper tap takeovers which we'll flag up well in advance (make a note now for St David's Day and a one-off appearance by the legendary Welsh House Mafia with suitable liquid accompaniment). See you at the bar then. Starts on Tuesday 7th January in the Top Bar from 6pm - free entry

The Social’s January Festival of Drinking – Wine

carl — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 11:32:35 +0000

Tomorrow night we're concentrating on drinking wine. Upstairs bar from 6pm for some free tasting and plenty of new wines to buy too. This is the start of a new hook up with London's Borough Wines who've created us a new list of wines for 2014. Established in 2002, to bring their family vineyard to the attention of the British wine drinkers, Borough Wines now offers a unique and international selection of wines. They now have four Borough Wines shops and two restaurants – L’Entrepôt and Mayfields. We're delighted to be working with Borough and looking forward to sharing a few glasses tomorrow night at the second part of our Social January Festival of Drinking. www.boroughwines.co.uk

Festival of Drinking - Final Night

carl — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:51:11 +0000

The third and final part of The Social's January Festival of Drinking is a special evening hosted in association with Stolichnaya Vodka and Bols on Monday 20th January from 6pm. Drink experts John Clay and Matthew Dakers will be on hand to talk people through some incredibly delicious cocktail hybrids including Dude Abides, Bounty Hunter, Strawberries & Cream and Broken Biscuit. They'll be a chance to get hands on behind the bar, taste a whole a load of free cocktails and then enjoy the rest of the evening in a booth giving your new favourite cocktail a proper run out. We have two booths (up to 8 people) to give away for the evening which will include a full demonstration session with the experts and free cocktails afterwards for you and your mates. To win a booth just email carl@thesocial.com with your best made up Social-themed cocktail www.thesocial.com www.stoli.com www.bols.com

Faber Social

carl — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:04:02 +0000

. . more info Special guests: Alan Warner, Hisham Matar, Akhil Sharma + Maxy Bianco Faber Social welcomes you to a very literary New Year with our first evening's entertainment for 2014. Booker shortlisted author, Hisham Matar, will join Akhil Sharma, whose second novel, Family Life, a book Edmund White has already said is the 'nearly perfect novel'. The night will conclude with a screening of Maxy Bianco's (known for his legendary cult smash, CAN HOUSE) quartet of films, Another England. Unmissable. TICKETS

Super Bowl XLVIII Party

carl — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 12:53:20 +0000

After 4 unbelievable sold out events, our charity Superbowl event is back for a 5th year. Having been described by the Evening Standard as one the 'hottest tickets in town' the event last year was better than ever. A no nonsense party with great DJs, American craft beers and London's best hot dogs from Dogtown! + a special raffle on the night with prizes including tickets to see Saracens at Wembley, dinner for two, a round of golf and more. Every penny from the night will be going to Amnesty International. Tickets

Hip Hop Karaoke

carl — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 13:06:44 +0000

. . as if you didn't already know, well we host one of London nightlife's biggest and most hype events every single Thursday night at the bar. HIP HOP KARAOKE DJ: Rob Pursey (Southern Hospitality) Host: Bobby Champagne Jnr. “London’s like a jungle sometimes but nights like this will keep you from going under!” Time Out Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, HHK Lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that includes teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard. You can now find HHK every Thursday at The Social. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is a legendary night out and you’d be crazy not to get there early. Southern Hospitality and Hip Hop Karaoke are taking over BOTH floors at The Social and we're turning it into our special New Years Eve Hip-Hop House Party! Kicking off the night in the basement we will have our final Hip Hop Karaoke session of 2014, allowing you to get on the mic and live out your rap fantasies as ever with DJ Rob Pursey and Host Bobby Champagne Jr. Followed by Southern Hospitality DJs playing nothing but the latest and greatest past present and future Rap and R&B anthems until 4am! Tickets available for £15 now Meanwhile upstairs in the bar our favourite DJs will be playing nothing but old-school party Soul and Disco jams for those who want to grab a booth, dance on a table or do whatever the night inspires you. Oh, it’s also our beloved host and certified London Legend Bobby Champagne Jr.’s birthday - so we're celebrating! Tickets available for £15 now Southern Hospitality x Hip Hop Karaoke NYE House Party The Social 5 Little Portland Street London Doors 7pm-4am Tickets £10/£15 advance more on door

Chasing Grace Residency

carl — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 17:09:58 +0000

Chasing Grace are playing a month long residency at the venue this coming February Chasing Grace and Friends kicks off on the 3rd of February with 20-year-old Phil Plested and 18-year-old Grace Ackerman headlining all Mondays in February. With the Line Of Best Fit DJs to play the first night and supports over 4 dates from the likes of George The Poet, Tanika, Lauren Aquilina, Max Marshall, J.Appiah, Ava Stokes, Prose, Kahlia Bakosi and more to be announced. Tickets are £5 per show (limited to 2 per person) and we also have an exclusive 'AAA Season Pass Bundle'. A limited number of the bundle packages are on sale for £20 and guarantees you entry to ALL 4 shows! On top of that you'll get a limited edition Chasing Grace and Friends poster and a AAA lanyard. Bundles are sold on a first come first serve basis so you'll have to be quick. TICKETS 10th Feb: Tanika J.Appiah Steph Fraser DJ Set: Naughty Boy and Rob Pursey - - - 17th Feb: JP Cooper Kahlia Bakosi Nick Brewer DJ: Twin B Feature from George the Poet - - - 24th Feb: Ava Stokes Context Max Marshall DJ: Melody Kane - - - To find out more head to www.facebook.com/blackjackldn or contact hello@blackjackldn.co.uk

The Ransom Note

carl — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:46:42 +0000

Thanks to the Ransom Note for all their support recently. They put together the epic Sean Johnston and Richard Fearless (check the pictures here) night at the end of January and also ran this chat between The Social's programmer Carl and old resident DJ and lifetime Socialist Matty J on their site last week. Go check them out and get yourself on their crucial weekly mail out too www.theransomnote.co.uk Click on the image to read the full piece

Fatboy Slim Is Our Special Guest On Friday

carl — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 10:27:45 +0000

So Time Out have exclusively announced this morning our exciting news that Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim will be our special guest at the Heavenly Social on Friday night. Full line is Fatboy Slim, Tim Burgess, Heavenly Jukebox and Rob Butler As ever the party will be free entry before 9pm but we are going to run a list for 100 members to guarantee entry before 8pm in case it gets busy early. Email carl@thesocial.com to grab a place on that list. Other than that they'll be a few places on the door from 6pm but early arrival is obviously recommended. UPDATE!!! THE SMALL GUARANTEED ENTRY LIST IS NOW CLOSED THERE'LL BE A FEW SPACES ON THE DOOR FROM 6PM BUT NOT LOADS - WE'RE EXPECTING IT TO BE BUSY AND WE'RE ONLY VERY SMALL SO HEAD DOWN EARLY AND THINK FIRST BEFORE TRAVELLING FROM ANYWHERE TOO FAR Read the full Time Out story here

Photos from Friday with Fatboy Slim and Tim Burgess

carl — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:25:10 +0000

There's loads to have a look at on the Heavenly Social Facebook page now Thanks to Tom Gilfillian and Christian Kraatz for these great shots The Heavenly Social happens every week at the bar - from 6pm every Friday night

The Upstairs Bar

carl — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:41:59 +0000

For fifteen years, our upstairs bar has offered sanctuary from madness of Oxford Street. All that time, it’s been a bolthole for skivers and barflies; somewhere where the days blur into nights and the dusty light is always conducive to losing a few hours to alcohol and good company. Although listings and features on the bar tend to focus on the nightly events in the basement (a space we couldn’t be prouder of), for many people the Upstairs Bar is truly the heart of The Social. Unchanged in a decade and a half, it’s made up of 5 large leather booths each set around an aged gunmetal grey table. The room itself is entirely clad in wood. Originally sauna-like, the walls have fully matured like a Soho dandy due to years of excessive smoking and drinking. Ever-present in the corner is our beautiful, hard working AMI Continental Jukebox. It’s soundtracked countless first dates, birthdays, after shows and lost weekends… even the odd wake. The bar is stocked with Borough Wines, beers from Moor, Tiny Rebel, Pressure Drop, Camden Town and the Kernel (as well as regular guest bottles) and a carefully chosen selection of spirits and cocktails. Booths are available to reserve every night of the week for parties of 5 or more. We only hold a limited amount and always for early evening. Drop us a line if you want to book one for your birthday, leaving do or office drink.

A London Sound Survey

carl — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 11:15:17 +0000

The Caught by the River Social Club presents an evening with the London Sound Survey and guests Richard Beard and DJ Stephen ‘Memory Band’ Cracknell - Monday 31st March 2014 A London Sound Survey update from Ian Rawes: Richard Beard is a musician and wildlife recordist with deep family roots in Hackney, east London, where he still lives. Between March 2012 and March 2013, Richard set out to record the ambience in his back garden every morning for a year. The resulting recordings have a beautiful transparency and mark the procession of the year and its ever-changing choir of bird species. One hundred of them are presented on the London Sound Survey website in a sound diagram plotting the Earth’s course around the Sun. An information graphic summarises Richard’s careful notes for each recording, so you can see at a glance when the different bird species are heard during the year. Advanced tickets on sale here

Socialising with Jamie Klaxons and Dave Django Django

carl — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:20:45 +0000

This Friday the Heavenly Social is packing TWO special guests Dave and Jamie play in two of our favourite bands but also happen to be two fine DJs as well, so we're more than delighted to be able to to welcome them both on one night! Friday 14th March Heavenly Social with Jamie Reynolds (Klaxons) and Dave Maclean (Django Django) + Heavenly Jukebox Free entry with a membership card or before 9pm Doors 6pm Email carl@thesocial.com to get a membership card or book a table Facebook event

Kind Eyes

carl — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:39:23 +0000

Thanks to Andy and Ed from Kind Eyes for the visuals all over the bar in the last few weeks at the Heavenly Social. Been looking amazing. Check out some stills here

Yacht Rock Comes Alive - Easter Special

carl — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:07:49 +0000

Ahoy there Yacht Rockers. It’s time to set sail with the good ship Club Yacht Rock! Join our hirsute hosts The Have Yachts DJs as we drop anchor once again in the seafaring cabin that is The Social this Easter Sunday (no work in the morning landlubbers!) and raise a glass to smooth Jesus (Michael McDonald). For one night only a crack crew of musicians have been assembled. Dubbed Kid Charlemagne, our house band will be performing live versions of everyone's favourite smooth rock and dance anthems! Yacht Rock Comes Alive! Come aboard for a soirée of Sunshine, palm trees and Piña Coladas. Then be seduced by a soundtrack of Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Hall and Oates, Sade and many many more. Dress Code - No Jacket Required. Sailor hats, shades and Hawaiian shirts preferred AND JUST ADDED Twelve 12s will be hosting the upstairs bar all night! Celebrating the greatest format of recorded music ever made, the Twelve inch single, Southern Hospitality's Rob Pursey & DJ Superix alongside Jimmy Plates and J-Squared bring you Twelve12s. A night of classic Hip Hop, R&B, disco, soul & much more. Check out over 50 Twelve12s mixes on http://www.twelve12s.co.uk Sunday 20th April - 7pm - late - FREE ENTRY

How We Used To Live

carl — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 19:41:31 +0000

Very excited to announce a brand new exhibition coming to the bar very soon - An exclusive collection of amazing stills from the new film How We Used to Live on Heavenly Films. Launch Party - Wednesday 16th April from 7pm - rsvp carl@thesocial.com Facebook event Here's some more info on the film . . How We Used to Live Whenever you go down the roads in Britain, you travel not in three dimensions, but in four. The fourth dimension is the past. Narrated by Ian McShane Directed by Paul Kelly Written by Travis Elborough and Bob Stanley Original Score Composed by Pete Wiggs 'A waltz through the music of cinematic time' - Sukhdev Sandhu - Sight and Sound Best Films of 2013 A unique celebration of post-war London by acclaimed director Paul Kelly, created through a compelling use of rare footage drawn from the BFI National Archive and original music by Saint Etienne with a spellbinding narration by IanMcShane. Like a Dr Who armed with a digital camera, just imagine being able to take a time machine back to the 1950s and make a contemporary film with the advantage of having seen the world from a 21st century perspective. Paul Kelly's How We Used toLive would be the result. Using only colour footage from 1950 - 1980 How We Used to Live covers the early days of the welfare state up to the opening years of Margaret Thatcher's reign. From the shadow of the war and the great future created by the welfare state to the rise of individualism and the triumph of the consumer society, it is as much a lyrical cinematic meditation on life now as then. With a wonderful brand new soundtrack written by Saint Etienneʼs Pete Wiggs and vocalist Sarah Cracknell providing gorgeous Swingle-y harmonies, the bandʼs Bob Stanley has also collaborated on a inventive script with the writer Travis Elborough (London Bridge in America). This is brought brilliantly to life through the distinctive voice of acclaimed actor IanMcShane (Deadwood, Sexy Beast, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides). Mixing history with fantasy, the viewer is led through the film by McShaneʼs likeable fictional narrator whose only constant is London. It is a city that he fell hopelessly in love with as child in the provinces and his digressive personal reminisces provide a universal account of the period, its hopes and ambitions and its fears and anxieties. But with the cost of living, immigration, the welfare state and gentrification, concerns throughout history, it is sometimes difficult to see what has really changed in the past fifty years. Alluringly impressionistic, poetical and political, How We Used to Live is perhaps the most joyful, creative and entertaining offering to come from this unique film making collective. Heavenly Films and Bedlam Productions in association with The BFI National Archive and Peter Werth. Coming to cinemas, museums, galleries, libraries and festivals... from 16th April 2014

Dogtown Has Arrived!

carl — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 13:01:38 +0000

We've joined forces with Dogtown in the kitchen . . . Dogtown have been creating and serving heavenly hotdogs to foodies and festival goers for ages and now they are taking up residence in our little kitchen. They’ll be serving healthy breakfasts, a tasty lunch offering with daily specials including their amazing free-range hotdogs, toppings and sides and the full dog menu at night times. CLICK ON THE MENU BELOW! Follow Dogtown

Heavenly Jukebox - 15 For April

carl — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:28:12 +0000

Friday nights in W1 now means the Heavenly Social Every Friday night the Heavenly Jukebox selects the very best in soul, funk, afro, house, disco, jungle, dancehall, electronica, remixes and reissues, Heavenly exclusives and long forgotten and very dusty 12s. It's always free entry before 9pm and we start early. Some people have called it 'microclubbing', we like to think of it as playing great music in our basement on a Friday night before the last tube. Here's 15 records (in no particular order) currently in the Heavenly Jukebox bag for Friday nights 1. Conductor (Tom Furse Extrapolation Remix) - TOY 2. Jerk Ribs - Kelis 3. The Boogaloo - Melé 4. Braindead - JUCE 5. Hackney Veal - Loefah and Tessla (Soundbwoy Killah's Back to 95 Mix) 6. THOT - The Game feat. Problem, Huddy JstLvnBby + Badd Lucc 7. Turn It Up - Sharif Laffrey 8. I See You - The Horrors 9. Atomic Bomb (cover) - Hot Chip 10. Umgebung - Whilst 11. Disco Cammata - Kalyanji Anandji 12. Sneeze 10” - HNNY 13. Lagos, New York - Africaine 808 14. Mitigating Influences EP - The Raw Interpreter 15. Pleasure Moon (DJ Version) - Marcus Marr

Heavenly Social May Editions

carl — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:55:33 +0000

. . more info and artwork to follow but here's a sneak preview of what we're up to on Fridays in May May 2nd – Speedy Wunderground Special with guest DJs: Steve Mason, Scotti Brains,Juce, Kate Tempest, Archie Bronson Outfit + Speedy Wunder DJs May 9th – Reach Up Special with DJ Andy Smith + Nick Halkes May 16th – The Return of DJ Die + special guest Jim Stanton (Horse Meat Disco) May 23rd - Ransom Note Special with guests TBA May 30th – Data Transmission Special with Sunshine Undergound DJs + Morgan Hammer + Heavenly Jukebox every week Doors 6pm-1am every Friday night Free entry all night with a membership card / £5 after 9pm without one Keep fully up to date by following our Facebook page

Follow Roy - The World Cup At The Social

carl — Mon, 19 May 2014 09:52:21 +0000

You can watch the World Cup at The Social this year Join us for all the England games on the big screens over both floors. We now have big screens upstairs as well as in the basement for certain games. The bar is fully air conditioned and should be totally great for watching any game! Email Carl to reserve a booth

Love's Secret Domain - Faber Social v. The Quietus

carl — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:20:34 +0000

Tickets On Monday, May 12th, The Quietus will be teaming up with Faber Social to present a night of music, words and film exploring the British uncanny and modern occult in relation to our history, culture, landscape and society. This will take place at the Heavenly Social on Little Portland Street, London, with a bill of fare that will run a little something like this: Mark Pilkington - On England's Hidden Reverse Mark Pilkington of the Strange Attractor Press discusses the occult investigations of the English post-punk and industrial music scenes. Strange Attractor is currently preparing to publish an updated reissue of 'England's Hidden Reverse', David Keenan's history of Coil, Current 93 and Nurse With Wound, and the British esoteric, sexual, and musical underground of the 1980s and 1990s. Mark Pilkington is a writer, musician and broadcaster whose most recent book, 'Mirage Men' is a quest for the truth behind human sightings of UFOs, and the possible role of US intelligence agencies in creating and manipulating them as a means to conceal the testing of secret technologies. More information on Strange Attractor can be found here Derek Jarman's A Journey To Avebury (1971) We're grateful to the estate of Derek Jarman for their permission to screen 'Journey To Avebury', the filmmaker's 1971 short that acts as a bridge between his work as painter and director. 'Journey To Avebury' sees Jarman's Super 8 footage of the English rural landscape around the Neolithic henge bathed in a chemical yellow glow, a hallucinogenic or apocalyptic vision that seems to sit outside time. Read a Michael Bracewell essay on Magic and Modernity in British Art, featuring 'A Journey To Avebury' at the TATE website here English Heretic English Heretic will present a narrative of its commemoration of the bizarre kidnap attempt on Princess Anne in 1974, by Ian Ball. The talk will be interspersed with live remixes of extracts from the Black Plaque recordings released in April 2011, which was assembled from Ball's explanation of the crime, news reports and royal wedding music. English Heretic will also discuss recent research linking the kidnap attempt with actions of the Symbionese Liberation army to reveal a delirious conspiracy firmly set in the parallax world of early 70s neuropolitics. English Heretic is the moniker of multimedia artist Andy Sharp. In operation since 2003, English Heretic subverts geography and history to present a conspiratorial otherworld, drawing inspiration from speculative fiction, horror film, and situationism and releasing its findings via numerous books, CDs, talks and performances. A current preoccupation of the project is the creation of concrete irrational documentaries, with the aim of recasting the hard-hitting reportage of 70s TV in a magical light. Sean Bonney Coming on like a spittle flicking cross between LeRoi Jones and John Dee, Sean Bonney is one of the only political poets in England who truly deserves the title. The word 'poetry' doesn't do justice to his outpourings. These are howled screeds, mantras for the dispossessed, curses scratched into the bus stop paintwork by an artist who knows how to wield the hammer and scalpel with an equally devastating effect. Sean Bonney's books include Happiness, The Commons and Document: Poems, Diagrams, Manifestos. His work has been translated into several languages, and he has performed it at occupations, on demonstrations, in the back-rooms of pubs, in seminar rooms, on picket lines and at international poetry festivals. He lives in Walthamstow, East London John Doran - Staring At The Sea John Doran's reading details a trip to spend the weekend at Dungeness in a 1980s German camper van in an ill-starred attempt to give up drinking. Due to overwhelming popular demand (three emails, one facebook post and a vague request from his mother), John Doran is publishing his first book via Strange Attractor Press at the end of 2014. The volume, adapted from his long running MENK column for VICE, concerns the author’s attempts to deal with alcoholism, enthusiasm for narcotics, mental health issues and a tendency toward bleakness in order to become a better father to his young son and less of a meff. Grumbling Fur Simulacrum System Grumbling Fur are the duo of Daniel O'Sullivan and Alexander Tucker. Their second album of otherworldly pop, 'Glynnaestra', was The Quietus' favourite album of 2013, and was largely written in recorded in the North London house owned by former member of Coil, and partner of Jhon Balance, Ian Johnstone. Having recently completed their forthcoming third album, Tucker and O'Sullivan promise "a DJ set - heavy on re-processing. Curdled Moon's Milk." Tickets

Hip Hop Karaoke

carl — Fri, 23 May 2014 11:37:15 +0000

The UK's original Hip Hop Karaoke is a true London and national fixture and for the last decade DJ Rob Pursey and host Bobby Champagne Jr. have helped thousands of people live out their rap fantasies!

With hundreds of songs to choose from, this is the public's chance to experience what it's like to feel real crowd energy as they take on the rhymes of their favourite rappers live on stage. Whether it's old school gems from the 80s and 90s or the latest records from Drake, Nicki and Kendrick, Hip Hop Karaoke is the place to let go of all inhibitions and feel the exhilaration of smashing it live on stage! Hip Hop Karaoke is a euphoric, addictive experience and definitely something to cross off the bucket-list.

Every Thursday night at The Social, 5 Little Portland St

£5 entry on the door.

I'm afraid we don't do advance bookings or reservations on Thursday nights in the basement. Doors are 1830 and we suggest people head down early, grab a table and get involved!

The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All

carl — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:21:53 +0000

The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All We're very pleased to announce a special three month festival of events every Wednesday between July and September - presented by Heavenly and Clockwork in the heart of London's Fitzrovia. Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best psych and fuzzed up bands around. With special guest DJs spinning everything from vintage to brand new garage, rock n roll and kosmische sounds for the dance floor. Facebook group The Social has been a reliable bolt-hole in W1 for 15 years. A safe haven for music lovers, drinkers, barflies and believers since 1999, opened by Heavenly Recordings after the successful cub night of the same name came to an end. TICKETS - - October: 1st - Syd Kemp + Lust 8th - The Magic Gang + Moats + Dumb 15th - Fews + Whistlejacket + Netil 22nd - The Parrots + Thee MVPs 29th - Fever The Ghost + Hooton Tennis Club TICKETS Previous Guests: BLACK MARKET KARMA BLONDE BUNNY DEMOB HAPPY FRANCOBOLLO GRUMBLING FUR KID WAVE MORNING SMOKE MONROZE NOVELLA PASTEL COLOURS PINK FILM SUN MACHINE TESS PARKS THE FAUNS THE WYTCHES THE VOYEURS TIGERCUB YAK YOUNG KNIVES YOUTHBLOOD The name for the night was brazenly stolen from a chapter in Michael Smith’s book Unreal City. We told Michael about the new night over Fitzrovia bar-crawl (we also ‘fessed up to stealing the name too) and he very kindly wrote these words for us ‘From crackhead tramps to red lights in windows, to the trendiest Campari cocktail, Soho’s all about appetites…“SOHO!” - William the Conqueror’s hunting cry when deer roamed in its woods; and a thousand years later, Soho’s still a hunting cry… Ghosts linger in this part of town, the ghosts of old Oxford Street that Thomas De Quincey stalked on his moonlit opium wanderings, and over into Fitzrovia’s spectral alleys: Rimbaud and Verlaine deranging their senses in a doss-house off Charlotte Street, Aleister Crowley casting spells on Dylan Thomas in pubs with nicknames like “The Burglars’ Rest,” Donovan drifting down Sunny Goodge Street with eyes he’s not used yet, a psychic Sunny Goodge Street you sense is still soaked into the nicotine stained ceilings of certain bars… Bars I’ve sat in watching sword-swallowers swallow their swords for a glass of red wine, watching bankrobbers get arseholed with dukes and earls, watching 70-year-old ex-strippers floor Panama-hatted old fops with one punch… the crossroads of London, in all its richness and wrongness, clinging on stubbornly with chipped red nails, still life in the old hooer yet: it whispers to you from doorways up rickety stairs, down dark alleys and dimly lit cellar bars, the deep hum at the heart of of it all…’ The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All - 7pm-1am every Wednesday night - £3 advance tickets or with a membership card / £5 on the door - Live music between 8pm and 10pm with guest DJs until 1am - Deep Hum drinks offers all night - The Deep Hum is a joint promotion between Heavenly Recordings and Clockwork Facebook group

New Exhibition: Notting Hill Sound Systems

carl — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:15:52 +0000

Notting Hill Sound Systems Photographs by Brian David Stevens In the summer of 2004 photographer Brian David Stevens rose early to capture the towering speaker rigs and sound systems of the Notting Hill Carnival before the crowds arrived. The sound systems, these towering monuments to volume stay in place for three days, are portrayed starkly and simply in Stevens’ photos, a far cry from the colourful, loud and crowded images that normally depict the carnival. Stevens says he wanted to shift the emphasis to the source of the music that was drawing people there in the first place, and yet was drowned out in the visual noise. “Normally you never see these streets empty, they’re absolutely packed with people,” he says. “I got down there very early as they were setting up and shot the huge, monolithic speakers just in the middle of the street, where they look fantastically beautiful — I think every street corner should have one on them.” The Notting Hill Carnival got its start in 1964, as an expression of the Caribbean carnival tradition of the 19th century. Originally used as the showcase for a local steel drum band, the carnival has grown to include a wide range of Afro-Caribbean music and its related genres, representing various musical traditions and styles from the ’60s up to today. Weds 9th July - 30th Sept upstairs at The Social

Faber Social with The Quietus Presents Krautrock

carl — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 14:47:38 +0000

Monday 4th August 2014 Featuring David Stubbs (author of Future Days: Krautrock and the Building of Modern Germany) in conversation with Luke Turner (The Quietus), screening of CAN live footage (courtesy of Spoon Records) and Krautrock Karaoke (a rotating cast of mystery musicians covering the krautrock classics). Plus DJ John Doran (The Quietus). Tickets More info . . Celebrating the publication of Future Days: Krautrock and the Building of Modern Germany, of which Simon Reynolds says 'Future Days does not capture Krautrock so much as unleash it. At long last, the definitive book on the ultimate music', we present author David Stubbs in conversation with Luke Turner (The Quietus). Earlier in the evening, courtesy of our friends at Spoon Records, we will be screening some live footage of the ultimate Krautrock band, CAN. The opportunity to see this on the big screen through a club soundsystem is not to be missed. To close out the night we welcome Krautrock Karaoke, a rotating cast of unannounced musicians covering the Krautrock classics. Musicians who have performed previously as part of this ensemble include Colin Newman (Wire), Tom Furse (The Horrors), Satomi Matsuzaki (Deerhoof) and Panda (TOY). Doors 7pm | Tickets £6 in advance / £8 on the door Tickets

5 August Highlights

carl — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 21:18:33 +0000

Looking ahead to August here are five very different events that make us proud of what happens here on Little Portland St . .

* * * * *

Heavenly Social with Justin Robertson

Friday 1st August

Our flagship Friday night welcomes back original Socialist and gentleman DJ, Justin Robertson. Anyone who has seen him play anywhere over the last few months will know that he is on genius form at the moment. One of the sets of the weekend in the Stonebridge Bar at Glastonbury.

It is always a pleasure and he is always brilliant + this is a FREE PARTY!

* * * *

Faber Social in association with The Quietus present: Krautrock

Monday 4th August

A night featuring David Stubbs author of Future Days: Krautrock and the Building of Modern Germany, a screening of CAN live footage and Krautrock Karaoke !!

The Faber Social seems to keep growing in many fantastic ways - new books, big events, records, tours and more . . but you can find them here every month, where it all began.

* * *

The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All

Wednesday 27th August

Could have chosen any of the four Wednesdays in August really but we think the 27th will be extra special with secret guests (known for now as) Annabel Dream Reader playing for the first time in the basement and support from Sun Machine.

The Deep Hum now happens every Wednesday night with the very best new noise makers playing each week and lots of special unannounced guests too.

* *

Hip Hop Karaoke

Every Thursday

We keep saying it but this is basically a legendary London night out - madness every week.

London's greatest DJ, Rob Pursey and Bobby 'Champagne' Jr host one of the very best midweek parties anywhere in the world!

London's Lost Worlds of Sounds

Tuesday 26th August

An evening presented by Ian Rawes of the London Sound Survey featuring rarely-heard and never-heard recordings of the city’s life from the 1950s back to the late 1880s. These sounds, captured by broadcasters and amateurs alike, bring to life a rowdy, vocal London filled with vigour and eccentricity. Lavender sellers and fortune tellers, the vanished songs of schoolchildren, fire stations and sewer workers, the propaganda and reality of the Blitz – all these and much more are lined up for a night not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the history of recording, of radio, or of London itself.

Faber Social presents Words and Music

carl — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 09:06:30 +0000

Featuring a very special, yet secret music performance. We can’t say much, but if you think about Domino Records you’re heading in the right direction. For the first time the Faber New Poets 2013-2014 offering up an exclusive preview of their new poetry pamphlets, out in October. The poets are Rachael Allen, Will Burns, Zaffar Kunial and Declan Ryan. Nick Hayes joins us to discuss his new graphic novel Woody Guthrie: And The Dust Bowl Ballads (Jonathan Cape, September 25). Finally Marcus O’Dair joins us to offer an early preview of his new biography of Robert Wyatt, entitled Different Everytime (Serpent’s Tail, October 30). More info and tickets

An Evening With Steve Mason

carl — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:24:01 +0000

The guys from Slipstream have asked Steve Mason to join them behind the decks on Saturday 13th Sept One of our favourite recording artists at The Social, we love Steve, he's great. He obviously has brilliant taste in records too . . Free entry all night

Christmas Parties (?!)

carl — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 10:18:13 +0000

Every year I have to apologise for doing this so early but requests have started to come in, so here it is . . The Social is available for Christmas bookings NOW. Drop us a line if you want to book a booth, the upstairs bar (holds up to 75), the basement (up to 150) or the whole bar (250)! For 2014 we are keeping the calendar free for the time being on our Wednesday nights so we can offer the basement space for Christmas parties - drop us an email asap if you're interested. Dates are Wed 3rd, 10th and 17th December. - The basement holds 150 people - Full bar - PA, live band and DJ set up - Party food menu available: everything from simple snacks, to posh canapés, puppy dogs (mini hotdogs) and sliders from Dogtown Prices available on request and other dates might be possible but very limited Email Carl here or call the bar on 0207 636 4992

This Hotdog

carl — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:51:48 +0000

You can get this hotdog and many more at the bar now thanks to guys from Dogtown We think it looks amazing - we've eaten a few and they taste amazing too. Pork, beef and tofu all available. Check out their tots and fries as well!

The Deep Hum - Update!

carl — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:10:06 +0000

Very happy to announce that we'll be continuing the Deep Hum into October and beyond! Now established as our very own weekly live residency in the basement - we've had some brilliant nights over the last three months and have decided to keep it going. Big up Callum from Clockwork and Danny at Heavenly for finding loads of great acts - onwards! Keep reading to find out the first acts booked for October . . and there's two more parties before then too with all advance tickets for all the parties only £3! TICKETS October: 1st - Syd Kemp + Lust + Grimm Grimm 8th - The Magic Gang + Moats + Dumb 15th - Fews + Netil 22nd - The Parrots + Thee MVPs 29th - Fever The Ghost + Hooton Tennis Club TICKETS Previous Guests: BLACK MARKET KARMA BLONDE BUNNY DEMOB HAPPY FRANCOBOLLO GRUMBLING FUR KID WAVE MORNING SMOKE MONROZE NOVELLA PASTEL COLOURS PINK FILM SUN MACHINE TESS PARKS THE FAUNS THE WYTCHES THE VOYEURS TIGERCUB YAK YOUNG KNIVES YOUTHBLOOD The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best psych and fuzzed up bands around. With special guest DJs spinning everything from vintage to brand new garage, rock n roll and kosmische sounds for the dance floor. Facebook group The Social has been a reliable bolt-hole in W1 for 15 years. A safe haven for music lovers, drinkers, barflies and believers since 1999, opened by Heavenly Recordings after the successful cub night of the same name came to an end. TICKETS - 7pm-1am every Wednesday night - £3 advance tickets or with a membership card / £5 on the door - Live music between 8pm and 10pm with guest DJs until 1am - Deep Hum drinks offers all night - The Deep Hum is a joint promotion between Heavenly Recordings and Clockwork Facebook group

Baggy Mondays Is Back

carl — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:29:30 +0000

Birthday Party!

carl — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:47:06 +0000

We're celebrating our 15th birthday this year. In 1999 The Social opened on Little Portland Street. The brainchild of a record company whose offshoots included a hugely successful underground club night, The Social was set up with a simple manifesto – to provide great music and better booze to anyone who fancied tripping through the doors.   The Social has launched over a million hugely successful hangovers. On Friday 17th October we'll be throwing a party and you're all invited. RSVP carl@thesocial.com or head to the Facebook event and click attending. They'll be limited space obviously so let us know!

Huw in Q

carl — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 10:06:43 +0000

Massive thanks to Huw Stephens for writing all these lovely words about us in Q Magazine, really touched to be honest Read the full piece HERE

Altared States

carl — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 12:20:34 +0000

We are pleased to announce an exhibition of Sonic Cathedral artwork as part of their ongoing 10th anniversary celebrations. 'Altared States: The Art Of Sonic Cathedral 2004-2014 will take place at The Social, London W1 and takes a more detailed look at some of the incredible images that have adorned Sonic Cathedral releases, posters and T-shirts over the past decade – including designs by Heretic, Sharon Lock, Marc Jones, Kieran Holden, Miles Johnson, Jared Artaud, Clair Dolphin and Rebecca Duncan. We’ve always been proud of the fact that, even though (from SCR012 onwards at least) there is no Sonic Cathedral house style, everything from record sleeves to flyers has been beautifully, painstakingly designed – andwe’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazingly talented people in order to make this happen. The 13 pieces selected for this exhibition only serve to prove that we’ve followed nicely in the footsteps of Elektra, Factory, 4AD, Creation, Heavenly and all the other labels that inspired us to begin with. The exhibition opens from 6pm on Wednesday, October 15, so come and join us for some celebratory drinks before heading over to the 100 Club for the 10th anniversary show featuring The Early Years, Younghusband, Spectres and guest DJ Andrew Weatherall. (It looks like the unofficial afterparty might take place back at The Social too!)' The artwork will be on display until November 28, after which it will be sold at the Independent Label Market which takes place at Spitalfields in London the following day (Saturday, November 29)

The Deep Hum November

carl — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:11:08 +0000

THE DEEP HUM AT THE HEART OF IT ALL EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN THE BASEMENT OF THE SOCIAL Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best psych and fuzzed up bands around. With special guest DJs spinning everything from vintage to brand new garage, rock n roll and kosmische sounds for the dance floor. All advance tickets are £3! Special live guests: Wed 5th Nov - Loaded + Sheena Wed 12th Nov - C.A.R + Moon Gangs Wed 19th Nov - Popstrangers + Morning Smoke Wed 26th Nov - Xaviers + Special guest DJs and residents Heavenly Jukebox + Clockwork DJs All advance tickets are £3! Doors 7pm-1am - £3 in advance / £5 on the door Join the Facebook group

Heavenly Social Halloween

carl — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 10:28:20 +0000

DJs: Heavenly Jukebox + Thomas Caslin . . . Believe in Magick!! Playing house party and halloween jams plus the usual mixture of soul, disco, house, hip hop, dancehall, rock n roll, afrobeat and more. Celebrating 15 years on Little Portland St every Friday night Guests playing alongside the Heavenly Jukebox so far this year have included Fatboy Slim, Justin Robertson, Raf Daddy (2 Bears), Sean Johnston, Dave Maclean (Django Django), Richard Fearless, Nadia Ksaiba, Jamie Reynolds (Klaxons), Dan Beaumont, Tim Burgess, DJ Die, Jon Carter, Hannah Holland and many more. Doors 6pm-1am Free entry

Slipstream presents Balearic Mike

carl — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 14:25:45 +0000

Slipstream presents Balearic Mike at The Social on Saturday 8th November 'Along with Kelvin Andrews, Mike is one half Down To the Sea & Back. Releasing stellar compilations brought about by countless hours of crate digging and boat rocking in the Adriatic. A highly respected DJ in his own right, Mike has played at some of the finest clubs in the UK and around the world, including The Electric Chair, Horse Meat Disco (UK), Electric Elephant (Croatia), Pacha & Space (Ibiza), Slow Blow (Stockholm), Tape (Berlin), Chillits & The Plunge (California), The Do-Over (LA), Apt. (New York), and many others. We love his broad-minded, genre surfing approach to his sets and it is why he was one of the first people we wanted to invite down to the basement to hoist a few with us. Mike has never played at this legendary venue before and he is as excited as we are' FREE ENTRY!

Heavenly Social

carl — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:51:33 +0000

Social Baseball Shirt - LTD Edition!

carl — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 16:05:59 +0000

London's Lost World of Sounds

carl — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 20:10:51 +0000

Monday 17th November A second chance for those who missed out in August to spend an evening listening to the wonderful Ian Rawes of the London Sound Survey Featuring rarely-heard and never-heard recordings of the city’s life from the 1950s back to the late 1880s. These sounds, captured by broadcasters and amateurs alike, bring to life a rowdy, vocal London filled with vigour and eccentricity. Lavender sellers and fortune tellers, the vanished songs of schoolchildren, fire stations and sewer workers, the propaganda and reality of the Blitz – all these and much more are lined up for a night not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the history of recording, of radio, or of London itself. Ian Rawes, formerly of the British Library’s sound archive, began the London Sound Survey with a collection of 200 recordings five years ago. It has since grown to over 1,500 recordings and has been featured in the national press and on local radio and TV. £3 advance tickets available now TICKETS

Southern Hospitality NYE House Party!

carl — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:46:41 +0000

Southern Hospitality and Hip Hop Karaoke are taking over BOTH floors at The Social and we're turning it into our special New Years Eve Hip-Hop House Party! Kicking off the night in the basement we will have our final Hip Hop Karaoke session of 2014, allowing you to get on the mic and live out your rap fantasies as ever with DJ Rob Pursey and Host Bobby Champagne Jr. Followed by Southern Hospitality DJs playing nothing but the latest and greatest past present and future Rap and R&B anthems until 4am! Tickets available for £15 now Meanwhile upstairs in the bar our favourite DJs will be playing nothing but old-school party Soul and Disco jams for those who want to grab a booth, dance on a table or do whatever the night inspires you. Oh, it’s also our beloved host and certified London Legend Bobby Champagne Jr.’s birthday - so we're celebrating! Tickets available for £15 now Southern Hospitality x Hip Hop Karaoke NYE House Party The Social 5 Little Portland Street London Doors 7pm-4am Tickets £10/£15 advance more on door DJs: Rob Pursey, Superix, J-Squared & Guests Host: Bobby Champagne

The Social Christmas Market 2014

carl — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 11:53:08 +0000

THE SOCIAL CHRISTMAS MARKET 2014 The Social’s famous annual Christmas Market returns this year with stalls, readings, music, talks and drinking hosted by Caught By The River, The Idler, Faber Social and Folklore Tapes. On Saturdays 6th, 13th and 20th December 2014 The Social on Little Portland Street will throw up it’s doors at midday for an afternoon of food, drink and Christmas shopping in the upstairs bar. They’ll be stalls filled with amazing books, maps, badges, records, limited edition screen prints, tshirts, fine wine and lots of other Christmas gifts, and things you’ll just want to buy for yourself! In the basement they’ll be talks and readings from special guests invited by Faber and Caught By The River, short classes, workshops and music from The Idler and a very special arcane folkloric Christmas audio & projection show from Folklore Tapes on the final Saturday! Other stalls from Heavenly Recordings, Heavenly Films, Borough Wines, Andrews and The Empress of Arcadia, For The Record, Matt Sewell, Hurry Up Harry, Galley Beggar Press, Speedy Wunderground, Diana Thomson Patchwork, Samuel Gull + more The doors will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm, entry is free and with a fully stocked bar including a selection of ales, our homemade mulled wine, hot cider, bloody marys, hearty food from Dogtown, impromptu DJ sets and outbreaks of festivity - a very warm welcome is once again guaranteed. Saturday 6th with The Idler Saturday 13th with Faber Social Saturday 20th with Folklore Tapes FACEBOOK EVENT

The Social Christmas Market

carl — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 12:57:34 +0000

Viv Albertine

carl — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:37:21 +0000

Congratulations to our friends at Faber Social for securing the top 2 books of the year in the Rough Trade end of year chart Viv Albertine's 'Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys' came first and 'Future Days' by David Stubbs in at #2. We're delighted to announce that Viv will be joining us at our annual Christmas Market on Saturday 13th Dec for a quick reading and signing in the afternoon. Faber Social will be there all day with a stall full of their wonderful books too. More info . . THE SOCIAL CHRISTMAS MARKET 2014 The Social’s famous annual Christmas Market returns this year with stalls, readings, music, talks and drinking hosted by Caught By The River, The Idler, Faber Social and Folklore Tapes. On Saturdays 6th, 13th and 20th December 2014 The Social on Little Portland Street will throw up it’s doors at midday for an afternoon of food, drink and Christmas shopping in the upstairs bar. They’ll be stalls filled with amazing books, maps, badges, records, limited edition screen prints, tshirts, fine wine and lots of other Christmas gifts, and things you’ll just want to buy for yourself! In the basement they’ll be talks and readings from special guests invited by Faber and Caught By The River, short classes, workshops and music from The Idler and a very special arcane folkloric Christmas audio & projection show from Folklore Tapes on the final Saturday! Other stalls from Heavenly, Borough Wines, Andrews and The Empress of Arcadia,For The Record, Matt Sewell, Hurry Up Harry + more The doors will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm, entry is free and with a fully stocked bar including a selection of ales, our homemade mulled wine, hot cider, bloody marys, hearty food, impromptu DJ sets and outbreaks of festivity – a very warm welcome is once again guaranteed. Saturday 6th with The Idler Saturday 13th with Faber Social Saturday 20th with Folklore Tapes FACEBOOK EVENT

Samuel Gull - Paintings & Cut-Outs

carl — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 13:31:14 +0000

Samuel Gull - Paintings & Cut-Outs A brand new exhibition of paintings and cut-outs in the upstairs bar. Visual artist Sam has been kept busy this year creating all the amazing Wytches artwork for the band and Heavenly, we love all his stuff, it's really great to have his work up at the bar to finish off the year and start 2015. The pictures that make up 'Paintings and Cut-outs' are all new pieces created especially for the exhibition - and all of them are for sale too! www.samuelgull.tumblr.com

December Fridays

carl — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 20:49:13 +0000

The Heavenly Social . . Every Friday night . . Free entry . . Great Records . . and going later in December! Resident DJs: Heavenly Jukebox, Tom Caslin, Mat Flint + more throughout the month We’ve been celebrating 15 years on Little Portland St every Friday night this year – soul, disco, house, hip hop, boogie, dancehall, rock n roll, afrobeat and more. Guests playing alongside the Heavenly Jukebox so far this year have included Fatboy Slim, Justin Robertson, Raf Daddy (2 Bears), Sean Johnston, Dave Maclean (Django Django), Richard Fearless, Nadia Ksaiba, Jamie Reynolds (Klaxons), Dan Beaumont, Tim Burgess, DJ Die, Jon Carter, Hannah Holland and many more. . . . Believe in magic Doors 6pm-late - Free entry all night

NYE!!!

carl — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 13:13:10 +0000

Independent Venue Week - Huw Stephens Presents

carl — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 15:26:25 +0000

Huw Stephens Presents in conjunction with Independent Venue Week - Tuesday 27th Jan 2015 Headliners Frankie & the Heartstrings play their blue-eyed sweet guitar anthems. Fellow Sunderland dudes Slug are a heavy, heady mix of riffs and melodies. Meat Wave are over from the US for a one off gig, and OhBoy! Are the indie band with amazing lyrics you've been waiting to hear. Not to be missed! £5 on the door!!

Jane Weaver

carl — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 09:00:35 +0000

JANE WEAVER - LIVE AT THE SOCIAL Saturday 14th Feb We're really proud to announce that Jan Weaver will be playing a special headline show for us on Valentine's Day 2015 Live: Jane Weaver + support + Slipstream DJs playing the aftershow until 1am Working as an omnipresent pop figure in her genuinely independent micro-industry for over 20 years, Jane Weaver is a rare example of a passionate and resilient Northern female artist who re-creates, re-invents and refreshes where many others come and go. Her synth-pop psych and conceptual pop LPs have earned her a faithful fan base which has extended to a long discography of collaborations often released through her own musical "Woman’s Institute" imprint Bird Records which she runs with Finders Keepers Records in Manchester. Tickets Late 2014 saw the release of her new self produced synth driven LP "The Silver Globe" made with a wide cast of global collaborators such as soundtrack composer David Holmes, Andy Votel with extra music from Australian prog legends Cybotron, Hawkwind and sound effects from electronic pioneer Suzanne Ciani. Wearing her penchants for French wave, cosmic Deutsch rock and European fantasy films on both of her sequinned sleeves Jane’s 6th studio album follows the highest critical acclaim for her previous self funded album ‘The Fallen By Watchbird’ and a campaign that bought together the unlikely coupling of artists like Wendy & Bonnie, Demdike Stare and The Focus Group. This year Jane's new brand of motorik cold-funk and technicolor domestic synth flourishes unite 10 new conceptual pop songs about power-plant fun-fairs, sci-fi education centres and post-apocalyptic love affairs while her characteristic gossamer vocals cross octaves to theatrical deft effect. The Silver Globe has been voted as Piccadilly Records No1 album of 2014! Tickets The Quietus. ‘The Silver Globe is arguably her most sonically adventurous work to date.’ Mojo **** ‘she is amongst todays most striking sonic auteurs’ The Times **** ’Stylish and highly original’ Uncut ********* ‘never less than superb’ Shindig **** ‘A truly beautiful piece of work’ Q Magazine **** ‘Mesmerising and inspiring, Weaver is one of this country’s hidden treasures’ The Sunday Times **** ‘Bracingly different, but rather wonderful ‘ Record Collector **** ‘its wholly recommended’ Tickets Like all good parables Jane Weavers latest concept-pop album ‘The Silver Globe’ is as multi facetted as it is beguiling - part coming of age / part cautionary tale and part romantic peon. Written from the optimistic vantage of a long-standing female independent artist, in an desperate and out-dated industry, Jane's latest set of self penned pop abstractions combine mechanical rock / recycled European cinema / empyrean vocalisations and an arsenal of rescued vintage synths to create a futurist narrative backdrop of a allegorical post apocalyptic landscape.

12 free drinks

carl — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:22:10 +0000

In the true spirit of The Social we wont be having a dry January, or anything close to it.

Last year we had our January Festival of Drinking, this year we’re keeping it simple and giving our members a free drink a day over 12 days. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in January there'll be a free drink waiting from 6pm (and until stocks last) when you present your membership card at the bar. Could be a beer, a glass of wine or a spirit . . every day will be different.

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for updates.

The Deep Hum 2015

carl — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:56:14 +0000

Our weekly Wednesday live night returns in 2015 Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best new bands around. 7th Jan – Holy Thursday + Orange Vision 14th Jan – Whyte Horses + The Circles 21st Jan – Velvet Morning Trojanhorse + Maui 28th Jan – Cristobal and the Sea Peluché + Lazy Day (in association with Independent Venue Week) Guests last year included: Thee MVPs, The Parrots, H. Hawkline, The Voyeurs, Grumbling Fur, Fever The Ghost, The Wytches, TIGERCUB, Lust, Love L.U.V., The Magic Gang, Blossoms, Kid Wave, FEWS, Blonde Bunny, Hooton Tennis Club, PINK FILM, Loaded, Sheena, C.A.R., Morning Smoke and more Doors 7pm-1am – £5 advance or with a membership card www.facebook.com/thedeephumattheheartofitall

Charity Super Bowl Party

carl — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 18:26:34 +0000

Our annual charity fundraiser Super Bowl party is back again this year On Sunday Feb 1st we open the doors for our Super Bowl bash. This time over two floors - both with big screens . . expect DJs, the best hotdogs in London and loads of craft beers and other brilliant drinks. EVERY PENNY raised from ticket sales goes to SCI - a charity that helps the world’s poorest populations by eliminating the poverty sustaining and life-threatening effects of schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and intestinal worms (hookworm, whipworm and roundworm). Every £8 ticket will help 16 young people. Tickets

Caught By The River: Thames

carl — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 09:10:13 +0000

London stories told in words and pictures, on Monday 2nd February TALK: Tom Bolton The author of Vanished Cities: London’s Lost Neighbourhoods in conversation with Ian Rawes of The London Sound Survey FILM: Todays Special (2004) Three short films by Paul Kelly and Saint Etienne that document a rapidly disappearing Cafe culture in London. READING: Michael Smith Dark Waters: a meditation on the dark poetry of the thames, as it meanders from the bright lights to the badlands of the estuary FILM: Thames, by William Raban (1986) 'From London Bridge to the seaward limit is a distance of 50 miles. The Thames flows eastward through a temporary landscape of docks, wharves and warehouses. Travelling on the tide in a small boat, the camera scans the Kent and Essex shores. This modern scene is interwoven with paintings, photographs and archive film which reveals a time when the river was the artery to an empire and the busiest waterway in the world'. - W.R. at The Social, 5, Little Portland Street, London W1 7pm - 11pm - tickets £5 in advance A Caught by the River Social Club presentation. Antidotes to indifference published daily at caughtbytheriver.net

White Noise

carl — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:08:21 +0000

Friday 13th March Noise of Art and Heavenly Social presents: White Noise (Live) + DJs Heavenly Jukebox Ben Osborne David Agrella ADVANCE TICKETS ARE NOW CLOSED BUT THERE’S SOME ON DOOR FROM 7PM Noise of Art continues the launch of its tenth year with a rare performance by the legendary White Noise Formed as a pioneering electronic band in 1968 by David Vorhaus, an American musician living in London, he soon recruited BBC Radiophonic Workshop’s Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson to the group and set about recording ‘Electric Storm’ - considered by many to be the UK’s first proper electronic LP. At the time it was greeted with incomprehension, but has since become recognised as a classic of pioneering electronics, and a staple of discerning record collections the world over. Coming from a period when electronic musicians often had to first make instruments to play the sounds they wanted to create, Vorhaus has a long career as an inventor of new instruments and, more recently, software. With the band currently consisting of Vorhaus and Mike Painter, this is a rare chance to see the legendary band playing their own inventions live. The live gig will be followed by NOA’s customary knees up at the Social, with DJs Ben Osborne, Heavenly Jukebox and David Agrella joining up with the Heavenly Social and celebrating Noise of Art’s 10th year of letting their hair down at the ever popular central London venue (the first NOA gig at the Social was in April 2006). www.noiseofart.org

Deep Hum Feb

carl — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 10:35:19 +0000

Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best new bands around. 4th Feb - Black Peaches + Orlando 11th Feb - Ex's + Goddam Nobody 18th Feb - Yokan System + guests 25th Feb - Best Friends + guests Guests so far have included: Thee MVPs, The Parrots, H. Hawkline, The Voyeurs, Grumbling Fur, Fever The Ghost, The Wytches, TIGERCUB, Lust, Love L.U.V., The Magic Gang, Blossoms, Kid Wave, FEWS, Blonde Bunny, Hooton Tennis Club, PINK FILM, Loaded, Sheena, C.A.R., Morning Smoke and more Doors 7pm-1am - £5 - Every Wednesday night Facebook

Be With Ned

carl — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:10:57 +0000

Ned Doheny, solo and acoustic, live at The Social in central London - Friday 27th March This is an extra London date added due to phenomenal demand. With DJ support from The Mighty Zaf, Mark ‘GoodVibes’ Taylor and Pete Fowler. Be With Ned: Ned Doheny Live in March 2015 - His first ever solo performances in the UK and Europe Be With Records say: ‘This tour is something we are immensely proud to be organising for Ned. He wants an adventure and it’s no less than this great songwriter deserves We officially licensed Ned’s sought-after blue-eyed soul gem ‘Hard Candy’ for vinyl reissue in September and it quickly sold out. Demand for Ned’s music is so strong that a repress was ordered and we’ve just announced the reissue of his follow-up; the classic ‘Prone’ will be out in April 2015. We got talking to Ned himself over a series of calls between North London and the famed Doheny ranch in Southern California. We asked him when he last toured this side of the Atlantic. ‘Never’ was his abrupt answer. We simply had to put this right, especially given that a whole new generation has discovered Ned’s music for the first time. Widely acknowledged as one of the most fantastically gifted musicians of his generation, Ned is a classically trained virtuoso guitarist and studio wizard. Ned has always stayed true to the groove that moves him, which sets him apart from many of his contemporaries and these special gigs will present Ned at his most pure and pared back. Acoustic and solo, really letting the songs and his craft breathe. Given he wants an adventure, we’ve chosen interesting venues in each city, as well as simpatico partners to help us put on a party in each venue, celebrating Ned and his music. Over the last year we’ve worked closely with Ned in order to make this possible. We’ve also worked with some of our favourite people to help bring each city to bear. Everyone we approached couldn’t have been more excited to be a part of this special tour because Ned is a hero to many. Special mention to our friend in Long Beach, California - Scotty Coats - for kindly hooking us up with Ned. And to Pete Fowler for the wonderful artwork you see above. Limited edition prints will be available at each show along with a limited amount of copies of our Hard Candy and Prone reissues.' We can now announce the dates and venues for the tour: London: Greenwich Yacht Club – Thursday 19th March (with Claremont 56) SOLD OUT Manchester: Soup Kitchen – Friday 20th March (with Aficionado) Dublin: The Sugar Club – Saturday 21st March (with Choice Cuts) Leeds: Outlaws Yacht Club – Sunday 22nd March (with Balearic Social) London: The Social – Friday 27th March EXTRA LONDON GIG ADDED DUE TO DEMAND Berlin: Roter Salon - Sunday 29th March (with Too Slow To Disco) Tickets are £20.00 available through bewithrecords.com

Caught By The River & Faber Social

carl — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:29:57 +0000

Monday 13th April Faber Social and Caught By The River present: The Poem That Took The Place Of A Mountain: Reflections On The Language of Place Featuring Richard King, Nina Lyon, Robert MacFarlane, Dominick Tyler Plus live music from Grasscut TICKETS

The Fix

carl — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:55:11 +0000

THE FIX (in association with BMI) returns in 2015 with a line-up of the best new bands. We're back at The Social on Tuesday 3rd March (and then first Tuesday of every month after) with three fantastic new acts. And it's FREE entry as always. RIVRS - Their recent track 'Last Love' graced the super-hot French label Kitsuné's 'New Faces' compilation, and they look set for a big summer with a sharp electro-pop sound. LUCKY T JACKSON - One of the best new bands from Manchester, their soulful psychedelic rock will appeal to any Temples of Tame Impala fans. YOUTH - Downtempo but completely uplifting r'n'b with a beautiful sound. Expect a stirring early set.

Proper Sound!

carl — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:40:49 +0000

The Social is proud and extremely excited to announce the introduction of Proper Sound - a partnership with Bowers & Wilkins, the UK’s very best manufacturers of audio equipment. Proper Sound will be installed throughout the bar’s iconic upstairs room (in the form of six AM-1 speakers) and will provide crystal clear playback for the Heavenly Jukebox, the occasional DJ and for private events and record playbacks. It promises to hugely enhance the space and provide the kind of listening experience that the people behind the Social have always craved - glorious audio with a load of wallop and a well stocked bar. Over the coming months, the Social and Bowers & Wilkins will unveil a series of events that will aim to put the Proper Sound system through its paces. Check The Social website for further information. The upstairs bar is open every day from 11.30am for working, drinking, eating and meeting

HVN300 - A Heavenly Weekend In Hebden Bridge

carl — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 17:00:47 +0000

HVN300 - A Heavenly Weekend In Hebden Bridge Photographs by Neil Thomson The Heavenly family travelled to Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire between 22nd and 25th January 2015 to start the celebrations of Heavenly’s 25th year. Photographer Neil Thomson was there with us for the duration In 1965, Greenwich Village four-piece the Lovin’ Spoonful released their debut. Just over two minutes long, the 45 is one of pop music’s most perfect realistations; a glorious paean to the unyielding power of great music (whatever its stripe) that posited one of life’s great questions. Do You Believe In Magic? Twenty-five years later a fledgling record label based in an office just to the left of central London put out their first single in the spring of 1990. The World According To Sly and Lovechild was an understated 12” a rumbling, hypnotic eastern dub that showcased the nascent production skills of Andrew Weatherall and marked the first release on Heavenly. Heavenly was born from the endlessly optimistic sprawl that emerged at the end of acid house; a spirit that took the Spoonful’s playful query and turned it into a statement of intent. Genre-defiant from the outset, Heavenly went on to release music by Saint Etienne, Manic Street Preachers, Flowered Up and the Rockingbirds over the next eighteen months. To those with little imagination, Heavenly’s release schedule – a confluence of futuristic Northern Soul, speedball punk, wild-eyed urban rock’n’roll and squat party country music - must have seemed too wilfully eclectic. To anyone who viewed music as an endless mixtape being compiled in real time or the soundtrack to the best house party ever crashed, it made perfect sense. For two and a half decades, Heavenly has been an open invitation to bands, DJs, singers, songwriters, artists, writers, converts and non-believers; a melting pot of transcendent tunes and the very best ideas born over lost afternoons in the pub. For that time, it’s been an ever-growing group of friends and fellow travellers along similar pathways; it’s been records, club nights, bars, gigs, artworks, t-shirts and magazines. And all the while it’s never lost sight of that initial question, one that’s as relevant twenty-five years into a label’s lifespan as it was fifty years ago when John Sebastian first asked it. Heavenly. Believe in magic. Always. Do you?

The Bohicas - April Residency

carl — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 09:48:09 +0000

The Bohicas' Social residency starts in April! New Domino signing The Bohicas will be playing 4 shows in 4 weeks at The Deep Hum night with 4 great supports who have just been announced, including Eugene Mcguinness on the opening night! Tickets are on sale now for a fiver TICKETS Supports acts announced now! Eugene McGuinness (8/4) Saint Agnes (15/4) Crushed Beaks (22/4) Hyena (29/4) TICKETS - - - “To Die For is a swaggering stomp of a song… channelling Marc Bolan, Led Zeppelin and Arctic Monkeys to riveting effect.” – The Sunday Times “…a buzzing, hip-shaking slice of rock'n'roll that's so cool it could freeze the Equator.” - NME “The Bohicas are a tough-as-a-nut guitar force… Ultimately exciting rock ’n’ roll.” – DIY “Full of slash and burn dynamics.” – Daily Mirror Ones To Watch for 2015 – Daily Star 4 Wednesdays in a row with support and special guests DJs at our weekly Wednesday night party, The Deep Hum TICKETS

Easter Social

carl — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 10:21:22 +0000

Easter weekend approaches and that means the return of our traditional LATE NIGHT HIP HOP KARAOKE special BUT that's not all . . Thursday 2nd April HIP HOP KARAOKE EASTER SPECIAL A highlight of The Social year - THE party to kick start the Easter weekend in W1 6pm-late - £5 on the door Friday 3rd April HEAVENLY SOCIAL Mat Flint on basement takeover tonight and it's also his birthday party! 6pm-late - Free entry Saturday 4th April YACHT ROCK Thank the smooth lord Jesus its a long weekend, so pop on your sailor’s hat and join us for the traditional Club Yacht Rock Easter party with the best smooth music in the world 6pm-late - Free entry Sunday 5th April SOLSINE AND FRIENDS A special bank holiday party with SOLSINE and friends Live: SOLSINE DJs: AL CHEWY BOSSMANCHIEF RARE CANDY GK + LIANHART 7pm-late - Free entry

Faber Social: Original Rockers

carl — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:56:57 +0000

Featuring: ‘Mwng’ by Super Furry Animals (Playback on the new Bowers and Wilkins sound system) Gruff Rhys (In Conversation) Richard King (In Conversation / DJ Set) Jane Weaver (DJ Set) + Pete Paphides Original Rockers by Richard King is published on 11 May, and we’re happy to announce that it’s Rough Trade’s Book of the Month. Tickets

Election Section - All Nighter!

carl — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:12:20 +0000

An all night election party in the upstairs bar of The Social - Thursday 7th May from 23:00 Full TV coverage on the big screen and Bowers and Wilkins sound system as the results start to come in from 11pm through to early morning . . It's election night. You're at your wits end waiting for the results. You've got a playlist of a handful of Billy Bragg, early Morrissey b-sides and a few Redskins numbers and you're half cut on cheap lager you've found at the back of the fridge. You are close to crying as South Thanet is about to be called. You're thinking THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER WAY. And there is. Do all of the above in the comfort of the upstairs of The Social with a bunch of mad heads who are all up for staying up 'til dawn watching the whole thing and doing a load of shouting. YOU KNOW IT MAKES IMMENSE SENSE. Drinks specials all night, constituency based drinking fun AND a free bacon sandwich* and cup of tea for all ticket holders! Only 50 tickets available. *veggie option available TICKETS FACEBOOK EVENT

New Exhibition: Lundy, Rockall, Dogger, Fair Isle

carl — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:54:17 +0000

An exhibition by the Brighton based illustrator Anthony Atkinson of artwork created for the book of the same name published by Ebury Press, May 2015. A celebration of the magical islands that surround Britain, the book is a collaboration with the writer Mathew Clayton. Anthony's work has appeared on record, magazine and book covers. He also creates his own landscape prints and graphic short stories. You can find more of his work at bigaband.com or via Instagram @bigaband. Launch party on Tuesday 12th May from 6pm

Gwenno Live At The Social

carl — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 10:33:31 +0000

Wednesday 20th May Live: GWENNO TENDER PREY + ROSA BROOK Gwenno Saunders is a sound artist, DJ, radio presenter and singer from Cardiff. From 2005-2010 Gwenno was a writer and performer as a member of Brighton-based conceptual pop band The Pipettes and more recently, a member of durational performance sound art collective Canolfan Hamdden (Leisure Centre) alongside Y Pencadlys, Rhys Edwards and Pat Morgan of Datblygu.. She is a native Welsh and Cornish speaker and it’s this along with co-producing and co-hosting Welsh language show Cam o’r Tywyllwch (A Step Away From The Darkness) with Peski for Radio Cardiff and more recently, Resonance FM, that has led her to create music that translates her internationalist influences into layered, home-fi keyboard sounds wrapped in echoed vocals and musique concrète-inspired beats. She released her Ymbelydredd EP in 2012 to critical acclaim, and more recently her debut album Y Dydd Olaf (The Last Day) initially as a (now sold-out) limited release on Peski Records and now as a worldwide release on Heavenly Recordings. TICKETS

Belle and Sebastian Aftershows

carl — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:36:42 +0000

Postcards Present Belle & Sebastian Aftershow at The Social Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th May from 23:00 Girls, boys, everybody, your all invited for some Peacetime Dancing! With Belle and Sebastian sell out Central Hall shows and the critical acclaim surrounding their new album, Postcards proudly presents two special Aftershow events. DJ Sets from the Belles very own Chris Geddes and Richard Colburn, along with Postcards Craig Jamieson. Very limited tickets for each night are available now: MONDAY TUESDAY

Heavenly Social with very special guests FiniTribe, Justin Robertson + Scott Ferguson (Robot 84)

carl — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:56:41 +0000

Friday 12th June With very special guests: FINITRIBE + Special guest DJs: Justin Robertson Scott Ferguson (Robot 84) DJ Supermarkt + Slipstream DJs TICKETS - - - Every Friday night with the Heavenly Jukebox and friends - Expect soul 45s, hip hop, disco and boogie classics, new house 12s, fresh edits, a bit of rock n roll, balearic and afro stuff, straight party jams and of course the odd curveball. Taking things all the way through from an after work warm up to the last tube home and beyond. Social residents and the DJ arm of Heavenly Recordings, the Heavenly Jukebox have been playing records at festivals, clubs, gigs and parties since 1990. This year you can find them every Friday at the Heavenly Social night in their Little Portland Street venue, The Social. . . . Believe in Magic

Heavenly Playback

carl — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:21:39 +0000

School of Noise

carl — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:50:51 +0000

Monday 29th June A special evening workshop for adults presented in association with Bowers and Wilkins, The Social and of course The School of Noise upstairs at The Social. The School of Noise nights aim to encourage the exploration of noise, sound and music in creative, enjoyable and educational ways. Run by a collective of musicians, sound artists and noise enthusiasts the School of Noise intends to help make experimental music increasingly accessible. There is no need to have experience playing music to take part in the workshops and they are open to people of all abilities. The workshops will be hands on sessions with lots of things to try out, people on hand to help out and a relaxed atmosphere throughout - the bar will be open and serving! £6 advance tickets - two sessions to choose from: Session 1: 6pm-8pm Session 2: 8.30pm-11pm The second session may go on a little longer and is good choice for those who may want to hang out after in the bar and chat

Nev Cottee Live at the Social

carl — Wed, 27 May 2015 10:21:48 +0000

Friday 19th June Slipstream and Heavenly Social present Live: NEV COTTEE (full band show) + John Stammers + Heavenly Jukebox and Slipstream DJs TICKETS After breaking hearts, lifting spirits and changing lives with his debut LP, Stations' back in 2013, Mancunian troubadour Nev Cottee returns for 2015 with his revelatory follow up 'Strange News From The Sun'. This time round the itinerant musician finds himself settled at Miles Copeland's aptly named Wondefulsound, telling tales of love, loss and longing over a heady mix of psychedelic country, shimmering melody and fireside lullaby. 'Strange News From The Sun' casts Nev in the lead role of a lost Sergio Leone film, a lone cowboy from the Salford Delta emerging from the dust to guide us home safely. As the arrangements swell and swirl with cinematic flourish, Nev's vocal rings clear in your heart, delivering lyrics informed by a lifetime of experience in a barritone born out of late nights and golden rye. Tender ballads bleed into prophetic visions and swelling sonnets sit next to blissed out instrumentals as Cottee channels Lee Hazlewood, Harry Nilsson and Ennio Morricone into his own unique sound. After a spellbinding journey of enlightenment you return home with the knowledge that nothing will look quite the same again. Transportive music of the highest order. TICKETS

Caught by the River Presents: On The Snap

carl — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:16:53 +0000

Monday 22nd June Author Brian Case in conversation with Richard Williams + Impulse Club revival night featuring Music from James "saxophone colossus" Endeacott and James "this is our music” Oldham Tickets £5 in advance from We Got Tickets redeemable against the purchase of a book on the night. TICKETS caughtbyhtheriver.net

Beck

carl — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:54:28 +0000

On Tuesday 30th June we were honoured to have Beck played a secret show in our basement With four guitars and a drum machine, he covered Prince and The Rolling Stones and finished with Loser - it was incredible and surreal! Big thanks to Faber Social who made it happen and of course Beck and his crew for agreeing to do it at a moments notice Reviews: http://www.qthemusic.com/10745/column-beck-secret-london-show/ http://www.nme.com/news/beck--2/86611 http://diymag.com/2015/07/01/beck-surprises-london-with-intimate-solo-gig

School of Noise 2

carl — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 14:41:17 +0000

Monday 27th July I'M AFRAID WE'VE HAD TO POSTPONE MONDAY'S S.O.N SESSION UNTIL AUGUST - APOLOGIES ALL! A second chance to join a special evening workshop for adults presented in association with Bowers and Wilkins, The Social and of course The School of Noise upstairs at The Social. CHECK OUT THE LAST ONE HERE The School of Noise nights aim to encourage the exploration of noise, sound and music in creative, enjoyable and educational ways. Run by a collective of musicians, sound artists and noise enthusiasts the School of Noise intends to help make experimental music increasingly accessible. There is no need to have experience playing music to take part in the workshops and they are open to people of all abilities. The workshops will be hands on sessions with lots of things to try out, people on hand to help out and a relaxed atmosphere throughout – the bar will be open and serving! TICKETS

Faber Social & The Quietus presents ‘Whisky & Cigarettes’

carl — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:36:18 +0000

“Lighting new cigarettes, pouring more drinks. It has been a beautiful fight. Still is”– Charles Bukowski On Monday 17th August, Faber Social will be teaming up with our friends The Quietus, to bring you a night of ‘Whisky & Cigarettes’. Offering a gathering of exceptional writers who will discuss music, words and vices. Joining us will be John Doran, John Niven, DBC Pierre & Wyndham Wallace. We also welcome Keeley Forsyth to play live. TICKETS Writer and co-founder of The Quietus, John Doran’s reading of Jolly Lad details alcoholism, substance abuse but also the healing power of music, and the redemption of fatherhood. Based loosely on his column, MENK, crafted for VICE Magazine, the book concentrates on music, memory and the meaning of working class. John Niven, author of Kill Your Friends, has been translated in seven languages and his journalistic contributions to magazines include a monthly column in Q Magazine. DBC Pierre, Man Booker Prize-winning author, has been published in over 40 countries worldwide and been adapted for theatre in London. Music journalist, Wyndham Wallace, writes regularly for Uncut, The Quietus and Classic Pop. Wallace’s first book, titled Lee, Myself & I, navigates his time with legendary singer-songwriter Lee Hazlewood. Keeley Forsyth is a singer and vocalist described as ‘the bastard love child of Peggy Lee and Nico’ by co-collaborators Eccentronic Research Council. She brings together elements of dark, twisted folk tales and sea shanties with industrial pop, musical theatre flavours that create a unique presence on stage. This evening is sure to be a lot of dark, twisted fun. We hope you can join us. TICKETS

Deep Hum August

carl — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:03:14 +0000

Wed 5 Aug TRAAMS The Whig Whams The Venus Lyx Wed 12 Aug Hot Vestry An event marking the launch of Dave Haslam’s new book Life After Dark: A History of British Nightclubs & Music Venues TICKETS Wed 19 Aug BAS JAN Dog Chocolate JIBBA Jab Wed 26 Aug LOCK Celluloid Jam Doors 7pm every Wednesday night - £5 entry

John Higgs Book Launch

carl — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 17:01:43 +0000

Friday 28th August John Higgs talking about Stranger Than We Can Imagine and other books Daisy Eris Campbell (Cosmic Trigger play) talking about her current schemes and Alistair Fruish (Kiss My Asbo) on his trance-inducing new book +DJ set from Flinton Chalk of TC Lethbridge Doors 7pm - free entry FACEBOOK

Forever Heavenly presents an Evening with Jock Scot

carl — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 20:24:43 +0000

Monday 14th sept Jock Scot live with Davy Henderson and in conversation with Robert Rubbish “Jock Scot is one of my all time heroes. A Musselburgh superstar" Irvine Welsh Combat poet Jock Scot has worked with artists including The Clash, Ian Dury, Vivian Stanshall, The Libertines and British Sea Power. To mark the impending feature-length documentary Jock Scot: Services To Rock ’N’ Roll and the reissue of his album My Personal Culloden, Jock will be reading his poetry live to musical accompaniment from Davy Henderson (Fire Engines, The Nectarine No.9, Sexual Objects). Jock will also be in conversation with Robert Rubbish, director of Jock Scot: Services To Rock ’N’ Roll. The event will be compered by Roy Wilkinson, author of the rock/family/forestry memoir Do It For Your Mum. “Jock Scot is only guy who can save both the written word and the Anglo-Scottish Union” John Cooper Clarke TICKETS

Wales in the Rugby World Cup at The Social

carl — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 16:09:26 +0000

This September we’ll be dusting off the big screens in the upstairs bar for first time since that depressing night in May when half the country went mad and inflicted another 5 years of misery on us all. This time we’ll be throwing our weight behind another improbable cause - the Welsh national team in this year’s Rugby World Cup. 20th Sept - Wales vs Uruguay 26th Sept - Wales vs England 1st Oct - Wales vs Fiji 10th Oct - Wales vs Australia As many of you will surely know or nervously suspect, the Social has long had strong Welsh roots (well, one of us is Welsh and the Super Furries played downstairs in 2001). Recently, we’ve made a point of always stocking beers from the mighty Tiny Rebel Brewery in Newport on the bar (one of the range we always carry - their red ale, Cwtch - was recently awarded Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival). Basically, a night in the upstairs bar is pretty much exactly the same as a heavy old session in Cardiff. So it was obvious that we’d be coming out in support of the boyos in Red when they storm out to chuck the egg about in a field. We hope you’ll join us for all four initial Welsh group games (on 20th, 26th Sept, 1st Oct and 10th Oct). We’ll also show the support games from some of the lesser rugby playing nations (England, South Africa, New Zealand etc) on those dates as well. Each night will no doubt involve the full spectrum of emotions, a Taff friendly playlist on the jukebox, the odd guest DJ and some great Welsh beers. These events will be ticketed and strictly limited in number – don’t hang around getting your tickets. £5 entry including a free bottle of Tiny Rebel with every ticket. Might even see if the kitchen can knock out some rarebit for old times sake TICKETS

Raindance Film Festival presents 50 years of Super 8

carl — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:48:19 +0000

Saturday 3rd Oct In celebration of 50 years of Super 8, Raindance Film Festival will be hosting a special evening with Don Letts

The Don will be previewing his latest project - 'Two 77's Clash', which looks at the myth and the reality of the 'punky-reggae party' (punk's only untold story). Don will also be dipping into his extensive Super 8mm archive to give a taste of what's to come from what he describes as "a black n' white story told in glorious colour"... Following that join us for a Super 8 punk party at The Social with a very special DJ set from Don Letts, Douglas Hart & Andy Fraser, and live music rom Telegram - https://www.facebook.com/teletelegramgram Julian Hand will be in charge of the super 8 punk projections which will include some of his own work as well as footage from Don Letts' The Punk Rock Movie and Captain Zip aka John the Super 8 Punk. Big thanks to Julian Hand and Demian Castellanos for producing the music and video for the teaser trailer. Screening at Vue Piccadilly, starting at 6:30pm, with after party at The Social, 5 Little Portland Street (walking distance from Vue Piccadilly) TICKETS

Social Fundraiser (Save The Children Child Refugee Crisis Appeal)

carl — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 21:49:36 +0000

Very special DJs include: KEVIN ROWLAND (DEXYS) - VERY SPECIAL DJ SET ANDREW WEATHERALL JOE GODDARD (HOT CHIP) JEREMY DELLER DJ DIE STEVE MASON PETE FOWLER HEAVENLY JUKEBOX IN LIGHT OF AQUARIUS + MORE Talks from: CAITLIN MORAN VIV ALBERTINE JOHN NIVEN LLOYD BRADLEY PETE BROWN + MORE TICKETS - JUST ANY RETURNS IN THE DOOR NOW Next Tuesday 22nd September we’re putting on a special last minute event to raise some money for this vital project. We’ve reached out to Social friends and family and are delighted to have the following special guests joining us for a evening of talks and conversation, and no small amount of music and drinking. Tickets are a tenner… they’ll be a few more chances on the night to give more with special drinks offers, and an amazing raffle including artwork, festival tickets and more. Arrive early as the night will be introduced by Caitlin Moran (author, columnist and one of the people behind the hugely impactful charity release ‘Help Is Coming’) and John Niven (author of Kill Your Friends, long time Social barfly). Also talking on the night – the legendary Viv Albertine and the UK’s greatest beer writer, Pete Brown, who will give a masterclass on the brown stuff from behind the upstairs bar. Later on, the Social will do what it does best – put on the very best music on offer anywhere the capital on both floors of the venue. Expect music from Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ iconic frontman Kevin Rowland; Hot Chip genius Joe Goddard; Bristolian legend and all-round top bloke DJ Die; producer, remixer and writer extraordinaire Andrew Weatherall; Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller; illustrator and smooth music aficionado Pete Fowler and R&B and psych crate diggers In The Light Of Aquarius. Doors 6pm-1am - talks from the off so dont get there late please! TICKETS - JUST ANY RETURNS IN THE DOOR NOW Stay tuned for more music and literary announcements via Social media (twitter thesociallondon) JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT > Any of you out there that want to help please get in touch! Please join us and please help us spread the word as we’ve left this late! >> We want to raise a shit ton of money on the night, need all your help to make it happen >>> People with lots of followers on Twitter or on Facebook, a share would be really appreciated. >>>> We're also planning a raffle - if you've got something you'd like to offer please get in touch. >>>>> People of the press with the power to list on amazing websites please do! Love you all The Social x

Nemone's War Child Fundraiser

carl — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:27:36 +0000

Monday 5th October Join Nemone, X-Press 2, Ghostpoet, Kwes, Nihal, Huw Stephens, Tom Ravenscroft and more friends TBA for a night where they'll all spin some tunes to raise money for War Child. >>> + Just added Stealing Sheep (special stripped down live set) <<< Among their many projects around the globe, the charity has been working on the ground for the last few years with Syrian refugees in Jordan and Iraq. 100% OF PROCEEDS TO WAR CHILD TICKETS

Kitsuné Maison 17 Release Party

carl — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:35:54 +0000

Kitsuné is bringing the sound of their upcoming compilation to London with an exclusive line-up on Saturday 17th October 2015 #KitsuneMaison17 Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/1L0dJzc Read more about the compilation: http://bit.ly/KM17Journal ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ LINE UP ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ GRACE LIGHTMAN (Live) www.soundcloud.com/grace-lightman KAFKA TAMURA (Live) www.soundcloud.com/kafka-tamura-music PHIL TAGGART (DJ set) www.soundcloud.com/philtaggart JERRY BOUTHIER (DJ set) www.soundcloud.com/jerrybouthier ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ www.kitsune.fr www.instagram.com/kitsune www.twitter.com/kitsune www.youtube.com/maisonkitsune1 www.soundcloud.com/kitsune-maison

Christmas Bookings at The Social

carl — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:02:09 +0000

Christmas bookings are now OPEN at The Social for 2015 We can hold parties for smaller groups - reserving booths on either floor - or big parties with both spaces available to hire up to 250 people for the whole venue. Dates and space are limited but drop us an email here to request availability and info. THE UPSTAIRS BAR (holds up to 75 people - licensed until 1am) The upstairs bar can hold up to 75 people, offering a sanctuary from madness of Oxford Street, a bolthole for skivers and barflies; somewhere where the days blur into nights and the dusty light is always conducive to losing a few hours to alcohol and good company. Unchanged in a decade and a half, it’s made up of 5 large leather booths each set around an aged gunmetal grey table. The room itself is entirely clad in wood. Originally sauna-like, the walls have fully matured like a Soho dandy due to years of excessive smoking and drinking. Ever-present in the corner is our beautiful, hard working AMI Continental Jukebox. It’s soundtracked countless first dates, birthdays, after shows and lost weekends… even the odd wake. Although listings and features on the bar tend to focus on the nightly events in the basement (a space we couldn’t be prouder of), for many people the Upstairs Bar is truly the heart of The Social. BASEMENT (holds up to 150 - licensed until 1am) The Basement is where the partying usually happens (although to be honest upstairs is not shy!) with a full club PA, DJ set up and live stage. We can host 150 people downstairs and have limited availability for private hires in December Designed back in 1999 by a partnership of David Adjaye and Will Russell (now of Pentagram) with the proviso of withstanding nuclear attack or – at the very least – the worst that people could chuck at it, The Social basement has launched over a million hugely successful hangovers

Film Chat Podcast presents The (Mostly) Ungoogleable Film Night

carl — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 14:01:23 +0000

Monday 26th October A barrage of Google-proof cinematic quiz questions topped off with a screening of Italian horror classic TENEBRE Prepare for a unique, bamboozling film quiz that makes an utter mockery of your attempts to cheat using the internet! Google, IMDB, a direct line to Richard Osman—all are useless in the face of our expertly crafted questions that will keep you on your toes and off your phones. Featuring edited movie montages, repurposed soundtracks, a seasonal spooky ghost story, and very probably Kevin Bacon, our sideways swipe at film trivia will be whip-smart, irreverent, and 100% certified ungoogleable. Mostly. TICKETS PLUS! With Halloween looming, we thought we’d follow up the head-scratching with some blood-curdling by screening Dario Argento’s slasher classic Tenebre. First released in 1982, but banned from sale in the UK as a “video nasty” until 1999, Tenebre is a synth-drenched masterpiece with all the serial murders, virtuoso crane shots, and metafictional commentary any horror fan could possibly ask for. Stick around afterwards to have a drink with your hosts and listen to them shamelessly plug their podcast, Film Chat: the greatest movie podcast with more episodes than listeners. Check out our latest gabbling – news, reviews, jingles, assorted nonsense – at soundcloud.com/filmchatpodcast TICKETS

SOLD OUT // NYE with Hip Hop Karaoke and Southern Hospitality // SOLD OUT

carl — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:00:42 +0000

Southern Hospitality x Hip Hop Karaoke New Years Eve House Party Southern Hospitality and Hip Hop Karaoke are taking over BOTH floors at The Social and we’re turning it into our special New Years Eve Hip-Hop House Party! Kicking off the night in the basement we will have our final Hip Hop Karaoke session of 2015, allowing you to get on the mic and live out your rap fantasies as ever with DJ Rob Pursey and Host Bobby Champagne Jr. Followed by Southern Hospitality DJs playing nothing but the latest and greatest past present and future Rap and R&B anthems until 4am! Meanwhile upstairs in the bar our favourite DJs will be playing nothing but old-school party Soul and Disco jams for those who want to grab a booth, dance on a table or do whatever the night inspires you. Oh, it’s also our beloved host and certified London Legend Bobby Champagne Jr.’s birthday – so we’re celebrating! SOLD OUT - TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR TONIGHT - NO TICKETS ON THE DOOR Tickets £10/£15 advance DJs: Rob Pursey, Jimmy Plates, J-Squared & Guests Host: Bobby Champagne

Special guest DJ - Kevin Rowland

carl — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 17:07:40 +0000

Slipstream - Saturday 14th Nov DJs: KEVIN ROWLAND (DEXYS) + SLIPSTREAM DJs Kevin Rowland – legendary frontman and artistic visionary of Dexys Midnight Runners – will be DJing at Slipstream at The Social on Saturday 14th November. One of the true, certifiable geniuses of British pop, Kevin is also a highly respected DJ. Presenting his own uniquely brilliant interpretation of the modern DJ set, Kevin expresses a deep love of known and neglected gems, thrillingly finding gaps within verses to occasionally add his own emotive vocals, he revels in the chance to underline the profound lyrics of overlooked singles. It’s a style that’s at once moving and truly inspiring. It’s often said that if you get a chance to see Kevin Rowland perform a DJ set, you should leave your cynicism at home and go at once. Here is your opportunity. Doors 7pm-1am Free entry FACEBOOK EVENT

Heavenly Portraits Show - Photographs by Brian David Stevens

carl — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 21:06:23 +0000

Heavenly Portraits Show - Photographs by Brian David Stevens (Starts Nov 4th) Alchemy exists. For 25 years Heavenly Recordings has been home to rule-breaking musical magic-makers, each HVN release dusted with its own sonic sorcery and to celebrate the anniversary and the release of the Rough Trade Shops 'HEAVENLY 25' compilation; Heavenly Recordings is exhibiting 54 photographic portraits by acclaimed photographer Brian David Stevens. The exhibition features every artist signed to the label in their anniversary year up until the start of the summer. Accompanying the exhibition will be a Heavenly 25 yearbook with all the portraits presented within which will be freely available from The Social and the Heavenly web shop for the price of postage and packing. Brian David Stevens - Brian is a photographer working in London. He was born in Cambridge of Welsh parents and brought up in Yorkshire as a cruel genetic experiment. He is currently finishing his first book, Brighter Later, a portrait of Britain looking out to sea. Brian has completed and exhibited a ten year project shooting war veterans entitled They that are Left, his most recent exhibition at the Heavenly Social was Notting Hill Sound Systems. His portrait of Wilko Johnson is in the national collection

The Social Christmas Market

carl — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:03:18 +0000

The Social’s famous annual Christmas Market returns once again this year on Saturdays 12th and 19th December. The Social on Little Portland Street will throw up it’s doors at midday for an afternoon of food, drink and some Christmas shopping in the upstairs bar. They’ll be stalls filled with amazing books, maps, badges, records, artwork, tshirts, fine wine and bottles of spirits, the world’s best socks and lots of other Christmas gifts, and things you’ll just want to buy for yourself! FACEBOOK EVENT This year we’ll be hosting stalls from Caught by the River, Heavenly, Saint Etienne, Heavenly Films, Pete Fowler, Empress and Andrews of Arcadia, Suna Sox, Super Fly Guy, For The Record, Hurry Up Harry, Brian David Stevens and lots more The doors will be open between 12pm and 5.30pm, entry is free and with a fully stocked bar including a selection of ales, our homemade mulled wine, hot cider, bloody marys, hearty food from Dogtown, impromptu DJ sets and outbreaks of festivity . . a very warm welcome is guaranteed. Join the Facebook event to keep up to date with any additions and details Date: Saturdays 12th + 19th December Time: 12pm-17.30pm Cost: Free entry FACEBOOK EVENT

Heavenly Social Pale Ale Barrel Party

carl — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 19:21:07 +0000

On Wed 25 Nov we'll be launching our very own, very limited draft beer with the considerable and kind help of Camden Town Brewery We only have one barrel of this so get down on the 25th if you want to taste it. Carl, Tim, Danny and Robin from the bar chose the hops, strength and style of beer and then spent a day at the brewery making it. No one has tasted yet, we'll find out on Wednesday whether we've pulled it off. Also that night we have a special Deep Hum with Wide Skies launching their new single + support from Gulp! WIDE SKIES + VERY SPECIAL GUESTS: GULP Join WIDE SKIES at The Social to celebrate the launch of their third single Waiting for the Answers It begins with acoustic guitar and Hannah’s yearning vocal — an intimate opening that reflects the song’s theme of lonely solitude… But in its search to make sense of being alone, Waiting for the Answers soon becomes urgent. Rearing up and breaking free, it gallops home as a perfectly formed pop song. Recorded in the summer of 2015 (along with the final tracks of their debut album, planned for release in early 2016), WIDE SKIES’ third single Waiting for the Answers, again self-released on their own label Before The Dawn Records, signals a gear change for the band. While they had previously self produced and recorded in their own studio, this year they spent summer days recording at Bluebell Sounds with producer/engineer Ian Dowling (Bombay Bicycle Club, Adele, Madison Ward and the Mama Bear), developing an exciting new focus and intensifying the enchantment of their unique sound. 2015 saw the release of WIDE SKIES’ first two singles, Take Care Of Love and Gold Dust. WIDE SKIES have received great support at radio including numerous plays from BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne (who made Take Care Of Love her ‘headphones moment’), live sessions for Robert Elms on his BBC London show, plays on XFM from John Kennedy and Georgie Rogers and plays on Amazing Radio. Inspired by luminaries such as Feist, Kate Bush, Portishead, Elbow, Fleetwood Mac and Burt Bacharach, WIDE SKIES create a rare and arresting atmosphere in which they paint scenes of love, loss and courage, weaving the sound of Folk, Soul and 60ʼs Pop perfectly with their British Indie roots. Vocalist Hannah Caughlin has the endearing softness of Natasha Khan, but together with her bandmate Jamie McDonald they achieve a merge not unlike Nico and Lou Reed. With their lush recordings and spellbinding live performances, they have sealed their reputation with a loyal fan base, and are rapidly establishing themselves in the hearts and minds of broader audiences. Hannah previously brought her vocal and writing talents to The Accidental, The Memory Band, The Bicycle Thieves and notable pop producers Xenomania. Jamie's earlier incarnation was in the band South who released four albums on labels including Moʼwax and Sanctuary, as well as touring with The Strokes and Ian Brown. He has recently spent time as a tour guitarist with Finley Quaye and Nicolai Fraiture of The Strokes. WIDE SKIES, led by Hannah Caughlin and Jamie McDonald, are supported by the brilliant musicianship of three other band members: Ascher Nathan on keyboards (touring member of the band South), Alister Wedderburn on bass (formerly of Look, Stranger!) and Dav Shiel on drums (previous member of Beth Jeans Houghton & The Hooves of Destiny). TICKETS GULP are Guto Pryce (Super Furry Animals) and Lindsey Leven, with Gid Goundrey on guitar and various friends on drums - including Stuart Kidd (Euros Childs/Norman Blake) and Kliph Scurlock (Flaming Lips/Gruff Rhys). “A thing of eyeball popping beauty, that deserves to have psychotropic palm leaves wafted at it’s feet (and then, ideally, eaten)” Artrocker ***** 5 stars “It’s an amalgam of 21st century electronic squiggles and vintage airy psych-folk, as contemporary as video games and as old as the hills” Spin.com “(Game Love’s) spooked demeanour suggests The Wicker Man getting fresh with Nancy Sinatra. That’s Gulp: Easy to swallow, hard to forget” Guardian Guide Pick Of The Week Fuzzed-up bass, dream-pop vocals, acoustic and electric drums and synths ... their cinematic and ethereal sound is a musical manifestation of the road trip; the landscape and events along the way, filmic scenes and melodies – from the sun-squinting, flickering saturation and lens flare of the Californian desert, to the gloamin of rural Scottish and Welsh homescapes. June 2012 saw the release of their debut single, Game Love, which received a 5* review from Artrocker magazine and pick of the week in The Guardian Guide. Gulp toured the UK and Ireland supporting Django Django. In 2013 they enjoyed appearances at many of the UK’s summer festivals, including Green man, Kendal Calling and Festival No.6. Gulp’s second album, is scheduled for release early 2016... - - - Bunkered down in the very centre of the city, absorbed in a basement of concrete, The Deep Hum At The Heart Of It All will resonate every week with the emerging sounds of some of the best new bands around. Celebrating over a year at the social – recent guests have included Bad Breeding, Best Friends, Big Sister, Black Peaches, Blueprint Blue, Britain, Crushed Beaks, Demob Happy, Ex’s, Fever The Ghost, Fews, Gwenno, H. Hawkline, Hooton Tennis Club, Kid Wave, Peluche, Saint Agnes, Secret Fix, Sprectres, Sulk, The Bohicas, The Magic Gang, The Parrots, The Voyers, The Wytches, Tigerclub, Ultimate Painting + many more TICKETS

Super Bowl 50

carl — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 10:08:02 +0000

After 6 sold out years, London's biggest and most popular charity Super Bowl party returns to The Social for Super Bowl 50 We are bringing back all the things that have made us so popular. The very best craft beers from the UK and US. The best gourmet hot dogs you can imagine from Dogtown London (who smashed it at the Wembley NFL games). The famous Social sound system. Great pre game DJs. The friendliest atmosphere in London. It's not all the same, though. This year we're going to be even better! We're bringing in a load more screens this year - we'll have huge HD screens upstairs and down. You're going to get a great view of the game. We don’t do gimmicks. No cheerleaders. No VIP zones. No funny business. For the second year, every single penny of your ticket price will go to the charity SCI. They treat young people and vulnerable adults for schomatosis, preventing a load of horrible conditions that have a terrible effect on individuals and communities. Every 50p treats someone for a year. Your £9 ticket will protect 18 people. And get you into an awesome party. TICKETS

Calderdale Flood Relief Fund Show

carl — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:00:20 +0000

Wednesday 13th Feb

Live:

SMOKE FAIRIES THE RAILS HAYLEY ROSS + guests

Deep Hum special raising money for those effected by the flooding in the Calder Valley

We're putting on this Calderdale Flood Fundraiser next week at The Social. It's only £5 to get in and Smoke Fairies will be playing live with Hayley Ross and the Heavenly Jukebox DJs. This time last year we were up in Hebden Bridge for the start of Heavenly's 25th celebrations and were supposed to be up there again later this month for a Caught By The River event. It's an amazing place and we met some really wonderful people whilst we were there and got to hang out at what is probably the UK's best venue, Hebden Bridge Trades. The scenes of damage over Christmas were pretty shocking. It's going to take a long time for the town and surrounding area to recover - lots of people have lost their homes and businesses. Hope you can make it down. There's a link to their fundraising page below or grab and ticket and head along The Social x

TICKETS

MORE INFO ABOUT THE FUND OR TO DONATE

Guardian Live - An evening with the Long Read

carl — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:18:45 +0000

Wednesday 17th feb Just over a year ago the Guardian embarked on a new venture, launching the Long Read - a slot reserved for storytelling unbound by the usual constraints of daily journalism. A single piece might be the result of months of work, intensive reporting and forensic editing of a kind usually associated with high-end magazines or book publishing. Each piece would go as deep into a subject as the writer was able to dive. Since then, the Long Read has established itself as the UK's home of longform journalism, publishing nearly 200 stories. Join Long Read editor Jonathan Shainin for an evening of readings and conversation about the art of longform journalism. We will be joined by two regular contributors: Sam Knight, who has written about everything from government privatisation to panda sex, and Wendell Steavenson, who has reported from Georgia, Iraq and Egypt for the New Yorker, as well as profiling Britain's cleverest man for the Long Read. More info and tickets

Night Beats

carl — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 11:11:50 +0000

Night Beats at The Social!! Heavenly Jukebox presents a last minute and very intimate Night Beats show before they travel back to The States . . in the basement, at The Social! Wed 24th Feb

Night Beats / support / Heavenly Jukebox DJs Tickets on sale from 3pm today exclusively via DICE FM - only 100 tickets available TICKETS

New Look!

carl — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 13:45:30 +0000

We're EXTREMELY EXCITED to reveal that our old mate and super talented artist Pete Fowler has created a brand new design for the front of 5 Little Portland St!!

Almost exactly 2 years since his current design went up to mark our 15th anniversary, Pete has reimagined our beloved upstairs bar and stuck it across the front of the building.

The new design goes up on Friday and we'll be around celebrating its genius on Friday night with 2 for 1 drinks until 8pm. Then heading down to the basement for the Sugarmen, Tuska and Britain + Heavenly Jukebox DJs

T R O J A N

carl — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:11:22 +0000

Tomorrow nights launch of TROJAN, Trojan Records official club night, at The Social is sold out. No tickets will be available on the door.

TROJAN celebrates the labels phenomenal music plus live guests Pama International. It will be running at The Social on the second Saturday of every month so don’t miss out on next months edition and grab your tickets now

St Davids Day All Dayer!

carl — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:24:56 +0000

An (Early) St Davids Day All Dayer!

Sat 27th Feb 2016

Come and have a Welsh Cake, a drink and a cwtch at the Social! Free Tan y Castell Welsh Cakes for all!

2pm doors and free entry all day in the upstairs bar

3pm Huw Stephens DJ

4pm Green Man Festival DJ

5pm Casi Wyn DJ

6pm Pete Fowler DJ

7pm Mikey Snooze DJ

8pm Welsh House Mafia DJ

March Events In Full!

carl — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:18:40 +0000

There's a lot going on in March, loads of shows and events. Check out everything below.

Everyday - UPSTAIRS BAR

Open everyday from 11.30am-midnight / 1am for eating, meeting, working and drinking! Just show up or book a table, take advantage of our 2 for 1 early evening offers - always open and free entry when shows are on downstairs.

Every Thursday - HIP HOP KARAOKE

Putting a fresh twist on the ancient art of karaoke, HHK Lets you get on the mic and act out your rap fantasies to the fullest, whether that includes teaming up with friends to rock through a Wu-Tang jam, living the lyrical highlife like Jay-Z or Drake, bawsin it like Rick Ross, celebrating summertime with The Fresh Prince or acting all crazy like Nicki Minaj or Ol Dirty Bastard.

Doors 7pm - £5

Tuesday 1st March - THE FIX

Live: Kioko, The Wholls + Jazz Morley

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Wednesday 2nd March - ALIBIS

Live: Alibis + guests + Blue Flowers DJs

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Friday 4th March - HEAVENLY JUKEBOX SPECIAL

Live: Special Heavenly Act, Lilith Ai + Citizen Helene

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Saturday 5th March - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Live: Nadine Khouri, Lucas & King, Jess Morgan + Blanche Ellis

This year Folkroom celebrates International Women’s Day with a special charity gig

Doors 7pm - £5

Monday 7th March - BUNDLE PRESENTS MUSIC VIDEO NIGHT

The Hip Hop Session. Guest speakers show and tell their favourite music videos which have inspired them over their careers. Hosted by Steve Hargrave, music video choices by musicologist Constant Bonard and musician Lean Low.

Doors 8pm - Free entry

Tuesday 8th March - HUW STEPHENS PRESENTS

Live: JR Green, Rory Wynne + Ciaran Lavery

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Friday 11th March - ZUZU

Live: Zuzu and special guest Esther Joy

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Saturday 12th March - TROJAN

Special guests: Pama International (live) + DJs Mistah Brown (Tighten Up) & Sean Flowerdew

The London International Ska Festival presents T R O J A N - Trojan Records Official Club Night

Doors 7pm - £7

Monday 14th March - VANGOFFEY

Live: vangoffey

Former Supergrass star Danny Goffey with his new band vangoffey

Doors 7pm - £7

Tuesday 15th March - HOPSCOTCH

Live: The Amazons, OhBoy + Fish Tank

Doors 7pm - £5 entry

Wednesday 16th March - NAIVES

Live: Naives (Single Launch Party), Lua Sonique + Pertini

Doors 7pm - £5 entry

Friday 18th March - FOLKROOM PRESENTS

Live: Pete Greenwood + guests

Doors 7pm - £5 entry

Saturday 19th March - GROOVE YARD COLLECTIVE

DJs: Sean O’daly (afro-funk, Latin), Anicca (funk, Soul), Swoon (afrobeat, Blues), Elvé & Reason Sound (roots, Dubwise) + Groove Yard DJs (uk Funky, Garage)

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Monday 21st March - NEVERFADE SESSIONS

The Never Fade Sessions - 6 acts per night (including some very special guests!) performing acoustically in an intimate setting.

Doors 7pm - £10 adv

Tuesday 22nd March - STRIPTEASE

Live: flies+flies, Arcaves, Me & The Moon + Valerio Lysander

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Wednesday 23rd March - SQUAREGLASS

Live: Semi Precious, Ballerino, Leiik + Bunki (DJ-Set)

Doors 7pm - Free entry

Saturday 26th March - STUDIO 45

Soul. Ska. Rhythm ’N’ Blues. With resident Dean Thatcher and special guests Rocky and Marco Rossi. In loving memory of Stephen Saunders

Free entry - 7pm

Wednesday 30th March - SUNDAY BEST PRESENTS

Live: XYLAROO, L.A.Salami, Alice Jemima + Rob Da Bank and Sunday Best DJs

Doors 7pm - Free entry

April at The Social

carl — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 09:58:28 +0000

FRIDAYS

Open every Friday night for drinking and dancing over both floors, from afterwork to after the last train home. Special live shows, launch parties and club nights in basement each week, 2 for 1 offers on beer, wine and cocktails every night before 8pm with a free membership card and we can book booths and tables for bigger groups and birthdays parties too.

In the basement:

1st April - Carnivals (single Launch)

8th April - Heatwave - Rock n Roll Clubnight

15th April - Savannah Dumetz

22nd April - Gamma - Mata

29th April - The Heavenly Jukebox + friends

Doors 6pm - upstairs FREE entry all night. See website for more details about basement shows as it varies.

Drop carl@thesocial.com an email for more info or bookings

SATURDAYS

Party in the basement every Saturday with Trojan’s official London party, Studio 45, Groove Yard and others all laying down quality reggae, funk, soul, afrobeat, disco and much more. Use your membership card for 2 for 1 offers on beer, wine and cocktails every night before 8pm and we can book booths and tables for bigger groups and birthdays parties too.

In the basement:

2nd April - No Good Die (Funk, Afrobeat, Soul)

9th April - Trojan Official Clubnight (Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady)

16th April - Groove Yard (Funk, Afrobeat, Reggae, House, Garage)

23rd April - Big Boss Groove (Funk, Disco, Soul, Rap)

30th April - Studio 45 (Ska, Rocksteady, RnB)

Doors 6pm - FREE entry all night (except Trojan which is ticketed)

Drop carl@thesocial.com an email for more info or bookings

THURSDAYS

HIP HOP KARAOKE

Drop carl@thesocial.com an email for more info or bookings upstairs

EVERYDAY

UPSTAIRS BAR

Open everyday from 11.30am for eating, meeting, working and drinking . .

Always open and free entry when shows are on downstairs! Just show up or book a table, take advantage of our 2 for 1 early evening offers.

LIVE AT THE SOCIAL

1st April - Carnivals + Pet Portrait

Tuesday 5th April - The Fix presents Hoopla Blue, Esther Joy Lane + Emily Capell

6th April - Bare Knuckle Parade + The Jaggs

12th April - Huw Stephens presents Haus, Yonaka, Bloodflower

13th April - Sane Fundraiser with Hugo Valentine + The Dirty Mojo’s

15th April - Savannah Dumetz + guests

18th April - Striptease presents Big Tooth, On-The-Go, Jack Tyson Charles +Pasha

19th April - Hopscotch presents October Drift, Thyla + special guest

20th April - Astrid S + guests

25th April - Neverfade Sessions

27th April - Shiners + guests

The Land of Leithuania

carl — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 22:31:43 +0000

New Exhibition: The Land of Leithuania Designer Lydia Leith has collaborated with her father, illustrator Paul Leith. They have in partnership produced a series of original illustrated storybooks. For the first time illustrations from the books have been put together in an exhibition which will be displayed at The Social. Lydia Leith is well known for her ”Throne up” Royal Wedding sick bags; Queen Elizabeth shaped Jelly Moulds and Ceramic Conkers. She has worked on illustration projects with Pimm’s and British Airways. Paul Leith became one of London’s top illustrators in the 1980s, working in editorial and advertising projects such as; stamps, posters and books covers. His current work includes large-scale murals and large felt pictures. Books and Prints available from: www.lydialeith.com & www.paulleith.co.uk

Hot Chip DJ Set (Felix, Owen & Alexis)

carl — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 08:11:09 +0000

Wed May 4 Special guests: HOT CHIP - DJ SET (FELIX, OWEN & ALEXIS) + special guests still to be announced Andy Backhouse presents BACKHOUSE TO THE FUTURE All profits from the night will be donated to War Child TICKETS

Burgerac’s Burgershack

carl — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 11:41:47 +0000

Burgerac’s Burgershack is here! Since launching his Burgerac’s Burgershack kitchen residency at The Royal Oak pub in Marylebone in July 2014, London’s pre-eminent blogger and “burger detective” has drawn praise for his delicious comfort food from the likes of The Evening Standard, Cool Hunting (US), RES (Sweden), We The Food Snobs, The Londoner, and the venture even appeared listed alongside such cultural landmarks as The Tate Modern, The Riverside Café and The Groucho Club in a piece on MatchesFashion.com focusing on London Hotspots. Heck, The Times’ food writer, Giles Coren, recently professed his love of Burgershack’s Hubba Hubba burger on Twitter. Now, The Social is super excited to announce that Burgerac and his team are bringing their awesome fare to its kitchen . . Some praise about Burgershack at The Royal Oak:

“Had a cracking cheeseburger at Burgershack residency at The Royal Oak. The fried mustard double [Hubba Hubba] was king.” Giles Coren “A laid-back joint where high quality burgers and good times reign supreme.” Karen Day (Cool Hunting) 9/10 London’s Best Burgers “A sort of burger temple.” We Are The Food Snobs

T R O J A N

carl — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:29:58 +0000

Saturday 14th May The London International Ska Festival presents T R O J A N Trojan Records Official Club Night Special guest DJ: Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers/Special A.K.A.) + Mistah Brown (Tighten Up) 2nd Saturday of every month TICKETS

September Membership Offer

carl — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 11:28:20 +0000

New Membership Offer for September Use your free membership card to get TWO HOUSE SPIRIT AND MIXERS for £5 every day until 8pm Click here to request membership by emailing your full name, address and date of birth to Carl The Social Xx

Live at The Social in May

carl — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:23:39 +0000

Here are just some of the special live shows we have happening in May on Little Portland St

- -

THE FIX

Tuesday 3rd May

Live: Jata, Rosborough + Emmi

THE FIX (in association with BMI) will be back at The Social on Tuesday May 3rd with another line-up of the best new breaking bands.

Jata (9.30pm stage time) – An exciting new Berlin synth-pop act who came to our attention with one of last year’s best singles ‘The Curse’, which The Line of Best Fit and DIY were championing. New single ‘Don’t Feel Like’ is just as good and we can’t wait to hear them headline THE FIX.

Rosborough (8.30pm) – Lot of buzz about this fantastic Northern Irish act, and no surprise, for they craft beautiful, soaring, epic guitar torchsongs.

Emmi (7.30pm) – Australian singer now based in London and opening our night. Last year’s single ‘Sleep On It’ became a huge viral hit after Taylor Swift tweeted her love for the track, and The Fader and The 405 were just two of the tastemakers in agreement.

Doors 7pm-12am - Free entry

- -

HUW STEPHENS PRESENTS

Tuesday 10th May

Live: The Bay Rays, Eliza Shaddad + Keep Up

2016 is the 10th anniversary of Huw Stephens presenting shows at The Social. Each and every month Huw has chosen the best new bands acts around to squeeze on to the Social stage. We’ll be celebrating this decade of brilliant shows properly later this year with some special event. . but in the meantime Huw and The Social present three more ace new bands. As ever it’s free entry and kicks off early.

Doors 7pm-12am - Free entry

- -

TRIPTIDES

Tuesday 18th May

Live: Triptides, Feral Love + Have You Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS

Special three band bill presented by The Heavenly Jukebox featuring a headline slot from Triptides bringing their ‘sun-warped psychedelic rock from Los Angeles, CA’. Supports comes from exciting new Liverpool alt-pop duo Feral Love and the snappily named Have You Seen The Jane Fonda Aerobic VHS all the way from Finland. DJ support from The Heavenly Jukebox

Doors 7pm-12am - £5 advance

TICKETS

- -

MARGO PRICE

Tuesday 24th May

Live: Margo Price + support

Very honoured to be hosting one of the first ever London shows from Third Man recording artist Margo Price. Her debut album ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ is totally brilliant and she has a live show to match. Super-excited about this one.

Doors 7pm-12am - £8.50 advance

TICKETS

- -

SEA PINKS

Wednesday 25th May

Live: Sea Pinks

+ The Carraways + Meal Deals

Sea Pinks began in 2010 initially as the solo project of then Girls Names drummer Neil Brogan. The home recorded debut cassette “Youth Is Wasted” (feat. Japanese Knotweed) was released (on Brogan’s label CF Records) in September of that year. Neil began playing shows around this time as Sea Pinks with Girls Names cohorts Claire Miskimmin on stand up drums and Cathal Cully on bass. Much confusion followed as people failed to get their heads around the same three people playing in two different bands.

Having left Girls Names in 2013 Neil set to work on the first Sea Pinks studio album with the now three piece line up of Steven, Davey and himself. The subsequent fourth album “Dreaming Tracks” (feat. Dream Happening, Magpies Eyes) was released in September 2014.

‘Soft Days’ the band’s second studio album (and fifth in total) featuring the now established line up of Neil, Davey and Steven, was released in January 2016 and the band are over for a string of UK dates in May, including The Social!

Doors 7pm-12am - £5 advance

TICKETS

- -

Friday 27th May - THE DREAMING SPIRES

Live: The Dreaming Spires + Lutine

The Dreaming Spires bring their own cosmic mix of slow country burners and intriguing jangling guitars.

Rated by BBC Radio Ulster’s, Ralph McLean as “one of the finest bands in Britain today,” singing brothers, Robin and Joe Bennett – joined live by Tom Collison (keyboards) and F Scott Kenny (drums) – have built quite a reputation and following in recent times.

Current release ‘Searching for the Supertruth’ emphasises how the duo effortlessly straddle a line between the influence of roots music, classic 60s pop and their youthful love of indie rock from both sides of the Atlantic. Their fondness for the distinctive harmonies in the tradition of The Everly Brothers and The Byrds is never far from the surface, either.

“…a fine collection of songs that may well prove to be one of the best British albums of the year.” 8/10 – Americana UK

Doors 7pm-1am - £5 advance

TICKETS

- -

New Burgershack Menu

carl — Mon, 09 May 2016 08:49:26 +0000

Open now for lunch and dinner - turn up and grab a table or book in advance on 0207 636 4992 or drop Carl an email here

Soho Radio 2nd Birthday

carl — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:44:37 +0000

Join us to celebrate the 2nd birthday of the brilliant Soho Radio on Friday night from 9pm - free entry and all welcome! Soho Radio will be hot footing it over the other side of Oxford Street to broadcast Eddy Temple-Morris' The Remix Live! With performances from: YOUTH Mantras Fable Engine Earz (DJ Set) Suns Spatial Awareness 9PM - 1AM FREE ENTRY!

Euros: Follow Roy at The Social

carl — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:52:06 +0000

. . dusted off the 'Follow Roy' poster for another football tournament. Never gets old really. Anyway, we'll be showing the England AND Wales games at the bar on big screens including a two floor special on Monday 20th June. You can book tables in advance, just drop us a line or give us a call. 2 for 1 booze offers and Burgershack providing the food. It's a winning formula. Sat 11 Jun Wales v Slovakia (17:00) England v Russia (20:00) Thu 16 Jun England v Wales (14:00) Mon 20 Jun Russia v Wales Slovakia v England (both 20:00)

Summer Drinks Offer

carl — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:38:31 +0000

Our SUMMER DRINKS OFFER is GO! 2 for 1 on ALL DRINKS* before 9pm EVERYDAY All you need is a membership card - email Carl here and he'll get you one sorted.

Ends Aug 31st ! Thanks Xx *Except champagne! Soz x

Remain In Light - What EU talking about?

carl — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:30:07 +0000

Remain In Light - What EU talking about?

On the eve of the day before voter registration for the June 23rd referendum closes, the Social and Gruff Rhys host a conversation about the pros (and a few of the cons) of the EU. There will be some very special guests giving their learned views on the subject, a little live music and song selections from the continent that brought us everything from 'Flow Motion' to the Vengaboys.

Doors 7pm

£5 entry - Email carl@thesocial.com if you'd like to attend

Introducing . . Vesuvio!

carl — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:54:09 +0000

Vesuvio Launches July 1st - New Friday Nights at The Social

Minutes from Oxford Circus, Vesuvio is the new weekly taking over the Social every Friday night. It's set to give you everything you need to kick off the weekend, namely hype tunes and good times. In the basement the resident selectors drop hip hop and RnB bangers (think Fetty x RiRi x Drizzy x Skepta), dancehall hits, some pop nuggets and more, whilst upstairs is all about seven inch soul, reggae, funk, disco, rock n roll . . Social Classics. There are booths for chatting and dancefloor space for dabbing / whipping / nae-naeing . . you get the picture.

The Social has been an oasis in a too dry central London for getting on for 20 years now, and Vesuvio is everything it's ever loved rolled into one big ball of like.

It’s the new (old) spot for that afterwork drink and shuffle, a beer in a booth with mates or late night dancefloor tear up. Pass through, get happy x

6pm-1am every Friday night - free entry upstairs / £5 basement.

Email carl@thesocial.com for guest list / group bookings

Fridays at The Social

carl — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:06:32 +0000

Free thinking Friday Nights in Central London Since 1999 . .

DJs on rotation: THE HEAVENLY JUKEBOX + FRIENDS . . GRIZZLE // DEATH + TAXES //ANNE FRANKENSTEIN // KOOL D RIVE // MOTO // PETE FOWLER + MORE

Friday nights we open up both floors for our weekly club, Vesuvio. Two floors of great records, better booze and good times. The basement rocks to the best old school hip hop, rnb, house and garage classics in a house party style. Whilst upstairs is Social Classics with residents playing the very finest soul, funk, disco, rock n roll, country, hip hop, afrobeat . . basically anything they like.

Free entry all night and 241 deals on beer and cocktails every night until 8pm with a free membership card. Booth and table bookings free of charge.

. . Believe in Magic

FREE ENTRY

[video width="640" height="640" mp4="http://www.thesocial.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/VesuvioNew1.mp4"][/video]

Dance Bowie Dance

carl — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 15:39:26 +0000

Saturday 16th July David Bowie’s best edits & dancefloor friendly originals – coming to London for the first time after their amazing set at the Stonebridge Bar, Glastonbury 8pm-1am - £5 entry TICKETS

Steve Davis and Kavus Torabi

carl — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:50:57 +0000

Saturday 20th August

This is our second one off party straight from the Stonebridge Bar, Glastonbury . .

. . AND IT IS SPECIAL.

We're extremely proud to present Steve Davis + Kavus Torabi at The Social on Saturday 20th August!

Such a massive highlight of the festival this year, the tent was beyond full with several thousand people out front waiting to get in to see Steve and Kavus make their Glastonbury debut. It didn't disappoint.

Check their Stonebridge set on full here

DJs on the night:

STEVE DAVIS

Steve Davis was the most successful professional Snooker Player of the 1980's, winning a total of 28 major ranking events including 6 World Championships. In recent years his involvement in snooker has been limited mainly to TV punditry, which has given him far more time to indulge in his musical hobby, namely collecting left field music from around the globe and presenting a weekly Radio show on PhoenixFM with Kavus Torabi. His favourite band is Magma and it was well documented that at the end of the 80's he brought them to London for a series of shows. His musical tastes range from quality 70's Prog, Canterbury and Zeuhl through to modern day Rock in Opposition and Avant-Progressive and now further into left-field electronica and IDM.

KAVUS TORABI

Kavus Torabi an experimental/ psychedelic musician with a long history in the field. He fronts his own band, Knifeworld and plays in Gong, Guapo and Cardiacs.

He runs the boutique record label, Believers Roast, has collaborated with a wide range of left-field artists and co-presents The Interesting Alternative Show with Steve Davis, championing new experimental, avant-garde, far out, underground, electronic, pop, folk, psych, rock and classical music.

+ THE HEAVENLY JUKEBOX

Together they present a two hour show every Monday evening on www.phoenixfm.com (10pm -12 midnight) TICKETS https://www.mixcloud.com/interestingalternative/

Shilpa Ray

carl — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:16:46 +0000

Friday 29th July - (7pm-9.30pm)

Shilpa Ray - fiery blues-punk future-icon - stops over in London for one night only ahead of a festival set in the depths of Somerset. We're ecstatic to be the ones hosting her dark rock sound.

Shilpa and her band have been making waves for a few years in their native New York. Championed by Nick Cave, the release of debut album 'Last Year's Savage' marked her out as an act to pay close attention to. So yeah. Come on down. We're only charging £7 on the door, which is a ridiculously good deal for music this good. Chucking a couple of support acts at you, too. The place sells ace craft beer and some fairly hard-hitting cider to boot. No excuses, right?

TICKETS

Stranger on the Shore

carl — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 12:31:03 +0000

Three short films about the weirdness of the English coast on Wednesday 31st August It’s different by the sea. A bit strange even. Just as the coast lies at the ends of England geographically, it’s also at the edges of our society and the margins of our culture, which has always made it a site of eccentricity, transgression, colour and romance. Stranger on the Shore is a new cycle of video-poems by Michael Smith and Maxy Neil Bianco, looking at the bohemian eccentricity of Hastings, the dockside desolation of the Thames Estuary, and the spooky enchantment of Whitby. The films feature an original soundtrack by Andrew Weatherall & Nina Walsh. Stranger On The Shore (Trailer 1) from Maxy Neil Bianco on Vimeo.

Burgershack presents The Big Shack

carl — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:36:18 +0000

National Burger Day fast approacheth (it's this Thursday 25th Aug folks) and Burgershack are offering 20% off all food for the day AND running a super special burger, Big Shack (pictured above) - their shameless homage to the most famous double patty burger ever created. Big Shack features 2 x 3oz smashed beef patties, American cheese, Big Shack sauce, sour pickles, onions, iceberg lettuce, all housed in a double cut demi-brioche seeded bun. "Burgershack's residency at The Royal Oak pub in Marylebone was such a stonking success it was made permanent. And now it's invading The Social on Little Portland Street..." Mr Hyde “If you’re a true burger fan you’ll know all about the brilliant Burgerac blog. Now the man behind London’s best guide has started his own burger-serving project.” Victoria Stewart, Evening Standard “Another week, another burger pop-up. But this one's different: Burgershack is set up by burger blogger / patty obsessive Burgerac and offers a well-executed menu.” Shortlist “A laid-back joint where high quality burgers and good times reign supreme.” Karen Day, Cool Hunting “A sort of burger temple.” We The Food Snobs “9/10.” London's Best Burgers

Welcome to Burgershackland

carl — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 16:40:28 +0000

Burgerac's Burgershack & The Social present Welcome to Burgershackland by Rob Flowers 1 September – 1 November Welcome to Burgershackland, a magical place where you’ll meet burger blogger Burgerac as a cap-wearing, cheering glove-toting cartoon burger dude – and a host of other illustrated characters including a zen-like smoke shack producing puffs of happy smoke, a hooded wizard conjuring burger magic, and a cape-wearing burger fend. Or, to put it more simply, welcome to the mind (and artwork) of illustrator Rob Flowers – who’s been weaving burger themed dreams with The Social's resident burger-guru Burgerac since 2011. This solo show of Rob Flowers' work (in situ at The Social from 1 September through to 1 November 2016) showcases characters created since 2014 as part of the ever colourful brand identity of Burgerac's Burgershack. Rob is based in East London and his studio is not simply a work space but a place for him to surround himself with the things he takes more inspiration from. Collectible fgures, toys and no small amount of McDonalds ephemera from the late 70s to late 80s abound and the sheer volume of his collection threatens the structural integrity of many a well-laden shelf. “Ideally,” Rob tells us, “ I’d like to live in a land of hamburger patches, milkshake volcanoes and fllet-o-fsh lakes.” While milkshake volcanoes are still very much in the R & D stage of things, patches, enamel pin badges, T-shirts and a whole bunch of super awesome Rob Flowers x Burgerac’s Burgershack merch is on the way and will be launched during the exhibition. A Big Shack and a Fillet-o-Fish inspired special will appear on the menu too – so stay tuned to the relevant streams to fnd out more as and when. www.robfowers.co.uk @hellorobfowers @burgershack_ For any further details and press images, please contact Gavin Lucas on burgeracblog@gmail.com or on +44 (0) 7957 489 893

Christmas (yes Christmas!) at The Social

carl — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:08:44 +0000

You know what? We're taking Christmas enquiries and bookings now! it's true, it's completely mental but sadly also true. So if you fancy throwing a big party upstairs in our wooden bar (up to 75 people) or downstairs in the basement (up to 150 people), hiring out the whole bar (250 people) or you just want a booth for a few mates in December then drop us a line and we'll give you all the info you need. We've set aside all the Wednesdays in December again this year for venue takeovers. Drop us a line and find out more. It ain't that crazy really, we'd love to work with local companies and small businesses. Music business types, record label owners we're looking at you too. We want good Social Christmas vibes for nice people . . think of us as a Central London safe house in a time of festive peril. Email Carl here to find out how it all works

Anyway, sorry for this Christmas message. I'm sat sweating in a pair of shorts writing this. The Social Xx

Fatboy Slim Celebrates 20 Years Of ‘Better Living Through Chemistry'

carl — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 16:57:04 +0000

FATBOY SLIM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF ‘BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY’ AT THE SOCIAL

Exclusive DJ Set Announced, As Fatboy Slim Plays The Album In Its Entirety, With Added Bonus Fun,

On September 13th

SEMINAL DEBUT ALBUM ‘BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY’ REISSUED ON 23rd SEPTEMBER ON SKINT

100 free tickets available from DICE FM on Thursday 1st Sept at 9am

Twenty years to the day since it was first unveiled to the world, Fatboy Slim’s debut album ‘Better Living Through Chemistry’ will be rereleased on September 23rd on Skint. To mark the occasion, Fatboy Slim AKA Norman Cook will be playing out the seminal album in its entirety at The Social, London on September 13th, with some extra special nuggets thrown into the mix for good measure. The Social (in it’s previously incarnation as The Heavenly Social) is the spiritual home of Big Beat, the club where Fatboy Slim found the perfect home for his melting pot of styles, amongst the increasingly homogenised Super-Clubland scene of the mid-90s. With a capacity of a little over 100, the chance to see Fatboy Slim returning to where it all began promises to be a truly special night of beats, hedonism and celebration of the album that kick started an entire movement.

After a prolific period for Cook in the early 90s under various guises of Beats International, Freak Power, The Mighty Dubcatz and Pizzaman, ‘Better Living Through Chemistry’ was the album that saw the birth of Fatboy Slim as an artist and DJ. The album would define a scene and an ethos and introduce the world to one of the biggest Superstar DJs of the era. Effortlessly blending big funk and hip-hop beats with the euphoria of Acid House, the album drips with innovative and witty samples and perfectly captures the good-time vibes of the mid-90s own Summer Of Love - music made for a grotty club next to Brighton pier that went on to conquer the world. It was the first artist album to be released on highly influential dance label Skint.

The album will be available on expanded 2CD and special limited edition yellow vinyl formats. The 2CD version will feature the album in its entirety on disk one and a second bonus disk of rare B-Sides and previously unreleased material.

ALBUM AVAILABLE TO PRE ORDER NOW HERE

Parties and Bookings

carl — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:53:46 +0000

Book your party at The Social now by dropping Carl an email here.

We can host groups from 2 to 250 in one or both of our bars. Booths and tables for smaller groups are booked free of charge. Prices for bigger bookings available on request, but to be honest they’re pretty sensible.

Booking a table:

Drop us a line by email here or calling 0207 636 4992 - available upstairs or downstairs most nights or for Burgershack lunch or dinner too. Ask for a membership card hook up too and take advantage of all our drinks offers. Let us know if it’s your birthday . .

Booking the upstairs bar:

Our upstairs bar holds up to 75 people with seating in our 5 leather booths and space at the bar. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, wakes and Brexit-motivated-emigration parties. Heavenly Jukebox sound track or DJ set up on request too.

Booking the basement:

Designed to withstand nuclear attack or – at the very least – the worst that people could chuck at it our basement is perfect for bigger parties holding up to 150 people. Complete with full live PA, stage, DJ set up and projectors - downstairs is the perfect Central London party basement.

Booking the whole venue:

Talk to us! Exclusive use of the whole of 5 Little Portland St means you can get 250 in over both floors.

Promoters:

The basement is ready for live shows, club nights, launches and events for 150 people. Full live PA and DJ set up in house as well as one of London’s most legendary and lovely sound engineers, Tall Paul.

Drop us a line with your ideas and we’ll hit you back with full tech info and availabilities

Book your party at The Social now by dropping Carl an email here

Bookings, Parties and Takeovers!

carl — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 12:56:31 +0000

Book your party at The Social now by dropping Carl an email here

Booking a table:

Menus

Booking the upstairs bar:

Booking the basement:

Booking the whole venue:

Talk to us! Exclusive use of the whole of 5 Little Portland St means you can get 250 in over both floors.

Promoters:

Drop us a line with your ideas and we’ll hit you back with full tech info and availabilities

Book your party at The Social now by dropping Carl an email here

Baggy Mondays

carl — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 08:58:11 +0000

Saturday 22nd Oct After another storming festival summer, The Social’s longest-running night (Est. 2002) comes back home for more Madchester-powered indie disco mayhem at its latest Saturday night free party. Expect the Roses, the Mondays, New Order, The Charlatans, Blur, 808 State and dancing on the tables. 7pm-1am Free entry BOOK A TABLE

Happy Deal Is Here

carl — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:58:04 +0000

It's VERY SIMPLE . .

20% off all food all day for members every single Monday

Free to join - email Carl here

Since launching his Burgerac’s Burgershack kitchen residency at The Royal Oak pub in Marylebone in July 2014, London’s pre-eminent blogger and “burger detective” has drawn praise for his delicious comfort food from the likes of The Evening Standard, Cool Hunting (US), RES (Sweden), We The Food Snobs, The Londoner, and the venture even appeared listed alongside such cultural landmarks as The Tate Modern, The Riverside Café and The Groucho Club in a piece on MatchesFashion.com focusing on London Hotspots. Heck, The Times’ food writer, Giles Coren, recently professed his love of Burgershack’s Hubba Hubba burger on Twitter. Now, The Social is super excited to announce that Burgerac and his team are bringing their awesome fare to its kitchen . . Some praise about Burgershack at The Royal Oak:

Election Section - US Presidential Election All Nighter

carl — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 09:56:31 +0000

The Social and www.simplepolitics.co.uk present The Election Section - All Nighter US Edition SOLD OUT Nov 8th - 11pm It's one of the biggest elections in the world. Environment takes on business. More citizenship takes on border walls. Keeping Obamacare takes on reforming Obamacare. Yes, it's Hilary vs Trump. Whoever wins, it's going to change America and impact the world. The stakes couldn't be higher. So... let's have a bit of fun with it. After the roaring success of 2015, The Social's Election Section returns to follow the events stateside through the night. We'll have two huge screens and our stunning sound-system keeping you up to date all as everything comes in. We'll have state dependent drinks offers, we'll have experts from the Simple Politics team on hand to discuss issues and we'll have the best in US and UK craft drinks on hand to help you through. SOLD OUT

Welcome To Burgershackland Party - This Thursday!

carl — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:59:22 +0000

Illustrator Rob Flowers has been collaborating with burger blogger Burgerac on various projects since 2011. Now the pair have put on an exhibition of illustrative work created for Burgerac’s Burgershack brand on the walls of legendary music bar, The Social.

As well as putting artwork on the walls Rob and Burgerac have been cooking up some tasty products to launch while the show is running.

Here is not one but THREE Burgerac + Rob Flowers enamel pin badges for your burger-loving eyes - a burger pin, a fries pin and a beer pin. The pin badges (£10 each) are of the hard enamel, polished variety and look TOTALLY MINT and only a small number of each have been manufactured. While a number of each pin will be available to buy individually, there are 20 sets of all three pins (£25) that come packaged in a rather nice little box with a shiny gold sticker on it:

The pins will launch at a special Welcome To Burgershackland party at The Social on Thursday 29th September along with a super-limited edition two-colour screen printed T-shirt (look out for a separate blog post about that in a few days time). Think of it less as a private view and more of a free party to which you’re very much invited!

Whatever stock is left after the party will go on sale online in the shop at burgerac.com.

Welcome To Burgershackland party

Thursday 29 September 6pm-late

The Social

5 Little Portland Street

London W1W 7JD

Feel free to book a table! Just call The Social on 020 7636 4992 to make a reservation. Please note that all products for sale at The Social event can only be paid for with cash.

http://burgerac.com

Roughtrade 40th Anniversary Shows w/ Thurston Moore + Josh T Pearson

carl — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 14:56:41 +0000

Very honoured and excited to be hosting these two Rough Trade 40th Anniversary shows at the venue in October - check these out! Great to be working with the wonderful Eat Your Own Ears people too . . MONDAY 24TH OCTOBER Very special guests: Thurston Moore + Charles Hayward (This Heat)

+ Roughtrade DJs We are pleased to announce this latest addition to the Rough Trade 40th anniversary celebration shows, this very special evening featuring Thurston Moore and Charles Hayward. Two iconic musicians, long dedicated to the art of improvisation as both fans and performers will collaborate for what promises to be a genuine one-off event. Hosted at The Social, and with a Rough Trade DJs line-up of James Endeacott, Simon Russell and Amy Hurst, this will undoubtedly be a night to remember.

TICKETS

+ MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER Very special guests: Josh T. Pearson Duke Garwood & Smoke Fairies Will Burns & Adam Chetwood + Roughtrade DJs In a hugely exciting addition to the Rough Trade 40th Anniversary programme, we are pleased to announce a very special show at The Social on Monday 31st October. Featuring headline act Josh T. Pearson, fresh from the triumph of a reformed Lift to Experience Royal Festival Hall Meltdown show, kindly agreeing to a one-off performance of rare intimacy. Josh has long been a friend to Rough Trade, and all at the shops have equally long admired the unique, literate and original work of this singular interpreter of American song. Also appearing will be Duke Garwood and Smoke Fairies, collaborating especially for the evening. Two acts who delicately balance an innately British sensibility with a gritty, blues-y suite of American influences to create truly original music, their work together promises to be something not to be missed. And opening proceedings will be the poet Will Burns and pedal-steel guitar player Adam Chetwood. Adam is a veteran of both recording and touring bands, having workedwith the likes of White Denim, Black Peaches, Legends of Country and Mark Ronson. Will is poet-in-residence at long-time allies of Rough Trade, Caught by the River and published by iconic English publisher Faber & Faber. An evening that we hope will show off the rude health of music made in the apparently simple mechanics of voice and guitar, and pushing the boundaries of the rough folk traditions of both the UK and America into new, exciting, literate spaces. And all in one of our favourite venues. TICKETS Get them tickets NOW

October Membership Offer

carl — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 11:58:56 +0000

You DON’T need to be a member to come to The Social but it will get you cheaper drinks . . and membership is FREE! New Membership Offer for OCTOBER: Use your free membership card to get 2 FOR 1 ON LAGUNITAS (BOTTLES AND DRAFT) + ALL COCKTAILS every day until 8pm Click here to request membership by emailing your full name, address and date of birth to Carl The Social Xx

Vesuvio Halloween Carnival with Jus Now + Hipsters Don't Dance

carl — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 09:43:04 +0000

We are very excited to announce Vesuvio's very first takeover on Friday 28th Oct

JUS NOW & HIPSTER'S DON'T DANCE play our Halloween Carnival!

FREE ENTRY ALL NIGHT >>> BOOK A TABLE FOR FREE <<< Dress code: Halloween costumes, carnival outfits or come as you are. JUS NOW

We are honoured to be joined by JUS NOW having been big fans since they tore up the stage at The Stonebridge at Glastonbury a few years ago. Hailing from Trinidad and the UK, they're bringing their bacchanal bassy vibes to the Social basement.

FADER MIX: http://www.thefader.com/2014/06/03/fader-mix-jus-now SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/jusnow >>> BOOK A TABLE FOR FREE <<< ------------- Vesuvio is the Friday night party in W1 that says no to stushness, no to sharing bottles of Ciroc and no to posing with a Rolex for the ‘Gram. We don’t care what you wear, we don’t care where you’re from, we just care that you’re having a good time. Reliable like a German whip, we’re here every Friday night until 1am to get you moving. The upstairs bar is the best way to ease your way into the weekend with resident DJs playing blues, reggae, disco, funk, soul and rare groove. With an array of craft beers in the fridge (and a couple on draft), expertly made cocktails, delicious burgers and an intimate vibe, it's the perfect spot to bring a date or bring a mate. Downstairs, the basement club plays the best in hip hop, r’n’b, dancehall and afrobeats. On the last Friday of each month, we invite a special guest DJ whose sole intention is to keep the basement shaking. In addition to monthly special guests, our friends behind some of London’s biggest and baddest parties are primed for surprise basement takeovers. Bring the squad, it’s #basementseason. Resident DJs:

Zane (eclectic, cool, unflappable dancing facilitator) Becca (warm-up wonderwoman armed with a lethal bag of afropop) Tom Caslin (the basement’s resident king cutmaster) Heavenly Jukebox (DJ arm of Heavenly Records)

No guestlist, no screwfaces and get your back up off that wall. Email carl@thesocial.com to reserve a booth upstairs or downstairs for free. >>> BOOK A TABLE FOR FREE <<<

HEAVENLY NYE!! SOLD OUT

carl — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 12:28:25 +0000

SOLD OUT

NO TICKETS ON THE DOOR

This New Year’s Eve the Heavenly Jukebox and friends invite you to their central London Fitzrovian house party.

. . house band and very special guests for the evening, The Parrots, will fly in from Madrid especially for the event!

Signed to Heavenly Recordings over a pool table in Austin (Texas), The Parrots are the world’s greatest three-piece party band and have this year played across Europe, the US and Central America – packed nights at the The Victoria and countless chelada-fuelled lunchtime showcases at SXSW, raucous gigs of elemental garage noise, feel-good ferocity and many, many stage invasions . . or vice versa.

SOLD OUT

NO TICKETS ON THE DOOR

Live support comes from Yassassin whose no filler, all killer formula is dynamically bulletproof. Inspired by a combined love of Le Tigre, PJ Harvey and The Breeders, Yassassin pride themselves on making energetic dance-on-the-table indie rock ‘n’ roll. Melodic, catchy pop perfection is personified through ramblingly loud guitars, trembling bass lines and drums that barge their way into your bones with or without your permission.

DJs on the night will be scattered over both floors and will include Miqui Brightside from Madrid flying in with his Parrot pals, home owners the Heavenly Jukebox playing sets up and down and lot lots more.

. . Join us for a very Heavenly NYE

SOLD OUT

NO TICKETS ON THE DOOR

Festive Meal Deal

carl — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:22:34 +0000

Book your party at The Social now by dropping Carl an email here

New Exhibition: H.Y.T presents Pass The Hot Sauce

carl — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:55:41 +0000

Very happy to announce a brand new collection of paintings from H.Y.T studio exhibiting in The Social. Join us for the private view on Thursday 10th Nov. Website: www.hytstudio.com Instagram: @hytstudio Tumblr: hytstudio.tumblr.com

The Social Christmas Market 2016

carl — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 11:38:51 +0000

Our annual Christmas Market is back with us and our friends at Caught by the River hosting two afternoons of Christmas shopping, music, eating, talks and readings, bands, a festive quiz and drinking. Stalls from Caught by the River, Trojan, Borough Wines, Beers and Books, Heavenly, Pete Fowler, The Empress and Andrews of Arcadia, Frances Castle, S Pearce Designs, Suna Sox and more! We'll be joined by lots of old friends selling amazing books, fanzines, badges, records, artwork, tshirts, fine wine and bottles of spirits, the best Christmas socks and lots of other gifts . . Saturday 10 + 17 Dec Midday-5.30pm Free entry all day More info to follow! FACEBOOK EVENT The Social x

New Year, New Faber Social

carl — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 11:13:13 +0000

We’re excited to announce our first Faber Social for 2017, taking place on February 8th at our spiritual home The Social, 5 Little Portland Street. GO AHEAD AND DROP the BOMB is the name of a mythical post-punk fanzine that features in the writer/rock critic David Keenan’s forthcoming novel This Is Memorial Device (published by Faber on February 2nd. Pre-order here). The book is a fictional oral history of a local scene that never existed in Airdrie in the west coast of Scotland in the late 70s/early 80s, consisting of eyewitness accounts of the passion, madness, successes and failures of a bunch of serious-as-your-life musicians and artists who outdo even their own heroes in terms of visionary excess. After all, it isn’t easy being Iggy Pop in a small town in Scotland. Performing on the night we have: Bruce Russell (The Dead C et al – Live solo set) Bruce Russell is the peerless New Zealand experimental musician and writer, best know as founding member of Experimental rock heroes The Dead C, alongside Michael Morley and Robbie Yeats. We’re lucky to have Bruce join us to play an extremely rare solo set on an equally rare trip to the UK. We highly recommend the documentary about Bruce ’27 minutes with Mr. Noisy’ which can be seen here. ‘The Dead C might just be the best rock act currently active’ – The Quietus Richard Youngs (live Chinese Moon tribute) Legendary UK-based folk spirit and underground hero Richard Youngs presents a tribute to one of the mythic constellations in the This Is Memorial Device universe, Airdrie’s Chinese Moon, with an ambitious restaging of the all-night tape loop performances that took place in a shop front in Shettleston in 1983. Metal Machine Music-styled Fripp & Eno sorcery meets Terror of the Autons in a total immersion environment. ‘His music has a rare ability to communicate lucidly from the heart’ – Red Bull Music Acadamy David Keenan (reading from ‘This Is Memorial Device‘) This Is Memorial Device, the debut novel by David Keenan, is a love letter to the small towns of Lanarkshire in the west of Scotland in the late 1970s and early 80s as they were temporarily transformed by the endless possibilities that came out of the freefall from punk rock. David Keenan is the author of England’s Hidden Reverse: A Secret History of the Esoteric Underground and a senior critic at The Wire. ‘It captures the terrific, obsessive, ludicrous pomposity of every music fans youth in an utterly definitive way’ – Irvine Welsh Michael Pedersen (Neu! Reekie! / Poetry) Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Neu! Reekie!, Michael Pedersen is a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship winner; a John Mathers Trust Rising Star of Literature Award winner; a Canongate Future 40; a Callum McDonald Memorial award finalist; and many more things, with fans ranging from Irvine Welsh and Liz Lochhead to Stephen Fry and Young Fathers. Michael has written short plays for National Theatre of Scotland (FMT) and Edinburgh Art Festival, pop songs for the band Jesus, Baby! and is currently working on a feature film screenplay. ‘Scotland’s favourite avant-garde noisemakers…Neu! Reekie! dismantle the structures and snobberies dividing high and low art – art is for everyone.’ – The Skinny + DJ Andrew Weatherall The Guv’nor TICKETS

Introducing . . Greensleeves!

carl — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 10:33:02 +0000

We are truly honoured to announce the launch of the official Greensleeves Records club night. Brought to you by The London Intl Ska Festival and celebrating 40 years of this legendary reggae label.

The first Saturday of every month from 7th January '17!

Free entry for all! At The Social, London W1.

From Alimantado to Alborosie for forty years Greensleeves Records has stayed on top of the game in presenting the very best in reggae music. Through the dancehall dominance of ‘Junjo’ Lawes, King Jammy & Gussie Clarke to the outernational success of Barrington Levy, Eek-a-Mouse, Yellowman, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Shaggy, Beanie Man and Mr.Vegas to name but few, Greensleeves has been the mark of quality in reggae music.

Now teaming up with the world-famous London Intl Ska Festival, Greensleeves Records official club night hits London's westend on the first Saturday of every month with the January launch featuring guest DJs Ras Digby (Sir Jesus) and host Mistah Brown (Tighten Up).

Step it down the Social for the Greensleeves Disco 45 night every month as we celebrate four decades in the business of being the business!

Charity Super Bowl Party

carl — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 11:38:09 +0000

After 7 sold out years – the Super Bowl returns to The Social! It’s not a complicated formula. We put up a few huge screens, we get in a load of quality booze, serve up sandwich specials like you wouldn’t believe and play some awesome tunes before kick off. It may not be complicated – but it works pretty darn well. Every single ticket we’ve ever made available has sold. Every one. Oh – and let’s talk charity. We’ve raised over £13,000 for charity. We’re aiming for £2k + this year alone. It’ll all go to SCI – a charity that protects vulnerable people in Africa from a horrible disease called Schistosomiasis. The good news is they can protect a child fora year for just 33p. Your £9 ticket will protect 27 people. Together we can protect over 6,000 people. So yeah – it’s good for you and it’s good for them. Come on down. TICKETS

Sonic Sandwich

carl — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 12:28:16 +0000

Following last year's Burgerac's Burgershack pop-up kitchen residency, The Social has a new food offer: Sonic Sandwich.

From the palates and creative minds of Gav (Burgerac) and his mate Dave, Sonic Sandwich has a very simple goal – to serve high quality, unfussy fare in a venue long renowned for great music and good times.

On the menu you'll find a selection of classic sandwiches done right – including (an old Social favourite) a killer Fish Finger Sandwich, the best grilled cheese sandwich in town, and a definitive B.L.T.

Sonic Sandwich also offers a selection of bar snacks that includes fries several ways (plain, cajun seasoned, with cheese, and with buffalo and blue cheese) and nachos served with home-pickled jalapenos, homemade guacamole, salsa and sour cream.

Stay tuned for news and specials!

@sonicsandwich

www.sonicsandwich.co

New Monthly Event: Ambience Chasers

carl — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 14:44:21 +0000

Ambience Chasers is the new monthly analogue bubblebath, brought to you by Sonic Cathedral and Ulrich Schnauss Ambience Chasers #2 is on March 28th and features the first London solo show from Mark Peters – former songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for Engineers. Special guest DJ for the evening is Mark Clifford of Seefeel. Entry is free, doors open at 7pm. Facebook event

New Exhibition: All The Things You Are

carl — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 23:56:04 +0000

An exhibition of photos from London based photographer Julian Ward's book ‘All the things you are’ - a photographic study of a SW London Constitutional club.

Most Constitutional Clubs were established during the second half of the 19th century — a time of vast political change, including the extension of the right to vote.The most prestigious club of them all, a gentleman’s club established in 1883 nearTrafalgar Square, was closely aligned to the Conservative Party. And, after the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1884, it became a place where newly enfranchised Conservative voters could meet. Many other Constitutional Clubs were established for similar reasons — including the Teddington Constitutional Club, which was rst purchased by the local MP at the time, Sir Frederick Dixon-Hartland Bart.

BUY THE BOOK

At their outset, Constitutional Clubs were clearly politically motivated. But, just like working men’s clubs, they’ve also had social and community functions since their inception.While political allegiances may have differed, all private members clubs based on subscriptions and not-for-pro t afforded their members self-help and mutual bene t. In the late 19th century, the state provided very little social welfare: ordinary people had to do what they could for themselves and for each other, and the club movement became central to this in terms of both ethos and practicality.

Fundraising events went on at these clubs all the time, and much charity work was carried out. Unfortunately, this good work — what we might now call community outreach — usually passed by unacknowledged by those outside of the clubs.The role that clubs like theTeddington Constitutional Club have played is often only grasped by their members, who have tried to keep this side of club life going over the decades — even through dif cult times such as war and economic crisis.

Entertainment in clubs is more readily recognised and written about. But again, the important social side of this is often missed. Over the years, clubs have provided millions of people with a value-for-money night out in a friendly, local place that they’re familiar with.With club games such as snooker and bingo having a bene cial effect on the players, clubs are now only belatedly recognised as having improved the wellbeing of their members.

Clubs were like a second home for many, offering company and a space for social discourse away from the pro t-taking public houses. In the late 19th century, there were few options for working men and women in their leisure time, which they didn’t have much of anyway. Clubs were self funded and self managed, unlike pubs, and they belonged to those who became members. So from the outset, most clubs gave their members a real sense of ownership and people would speak fondly of ‘their’ club. Some were literally built by their members, and much of the regular work was done on a voluntary basis, reinforcing the sense of ownership and belonging to a particular club.

Each club has its own history, characteristics and characters. Yet many of these private members clubs, established and managed by the members themselves, share a set of common features. The Teddington Constitutional Club, founded in 1905, demonstrates both the differences and similarities between such clubs.There is a sense of familiarity — of belonging, almost — despite the knowledge that it isn’t your own club, but somewhere different.

During their postwar heyday, there were over 4,000 working men’s clubs, hundreds of Constitutional Clubs — both Conservative and Liberal — and many other types of social club in the UK. While some were formed in the second part of the 19th century, others were established post-1945. In many ways, the latter continued the traditions of their predecessors on out-of-town council estates, becoming de facto community centres in places where there was little else on offer. Clubs were what local people, their members, made them.

But our society has seen many wide ranging and rapid changes since the 1970s. If the nature of work has changed, so has the nature of leisure.There is now much more choice when it comes to amusement, including much improved home-based entertainment. The internet and computers have eaten into our social lives, and people often spend a large proportion of their days online.With other more exciting things to do, younger generations have become increasingly less interested in going to clubs. In their eyes, clubs can appear too old fashioned, too sexist and home to too many rules.

The book will be released on the 8th March upstairs at The Social

BUY THE BOOK

Lunchtime Listens

carl — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 12:11:00 +0000

Ah, music. It's our daily bread, the metaphorical loaf in which everything we do is joyously sandwiched. And that's why we're hosting a series of #LunchtimeListens. Each of these sessions will see a musical selector plumbing the depths of their record collection to deliver sonic joy in the ground floor bar of The Social while we serve up lunch. We'll record each session for posterity (and for a wider audience's listening pleasure) and archive it on the Sonic Sandwich website.

#LunchtimeListens No.1 Richard MacKichan Friday 24 March, 2017 (1-2pm)

First up to the decks for our inaugural #LunchtimeListens session is Richie MacKichan. We met Richie backstage of the West Holts stage at Glastonbury Festival last year where he was running the stage's press team and generally being a Very Good Egg. Not only is he a fellow music lover and occasional spinner of discs, it turns out Richie is editor at boutique hotel specialists Mr & Mrs Smith – which basically means he's visited record shops in more far flung locations than most. When he conversationally summarised his musical interests as "cosmic country, yacht rock, soul, disco and weird electro" we knew we'd have to get him along to spin us some tunes. He'll be playing records between 1pm and 2pm this Friday 24th March. Come and have a Sonic Sandwich!

Baggy Mondays 15th Birthday Party!

carl — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:44:38 +0000

Sat 20th may BAG15 The Social’s longest-running night celebrates its FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY with more Madchester-powered indie disco mayhem at its latest Saturday night free party. Expect the Roses, the Mondays, New Order, The Charlatans, Inspirals, Blur, 808 State, Shed Seven and freaky dancing on the concrete tables.

Faber Social presents Palfest Social

carl — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:38:38 +0000

Faber Social Presents PALFEST SOCIAL Featuring readings form Viv Albertine | Hisham Matar | Eimear McBride | Edna O'Brien | Andrew O'Hagan Plus Special Guest DJ | Heavenly Jukebox TICKETS ***All profits will be donated to Palfest***

Confidence Man

carl — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:39:13 +0000

Wed 24th May Live: CONFIDENCE MAN + SINK YA TEETH (LIVE) + RAF DADDY & HEAVENLY JUKEBOX DJs We’re excited to announce new Heavenly signing Confidence Man are coming to play The Social! The band captured the attention of Australian radio station Triple J last year and secured a spot on their 2017 One’s to Watch list. “One taste and you’re infected. Symptoms include sassy sing-talking, howling and boogie fever.“ – Triple J “It was a simple case of love at first listen”, Heavenly boss Jeff Barrett tells CMU. “Like hearing ‘Groove Is In The Heart’ for the first time. It was a joy of joys to discover that even after all these years I could still feel intoxicated after hearing a pop song”. We’re delighted to have the band on Heavenly as they reveal their debut single ‘Bubblegum.’ ‘Bubblegum’ is a joyful slice of imperfect pop, with flirty flutes, baggy grooves and sassy vocals. The track was mixed by Patrick Wimberly (Chairlift). Email Carl to get on the free list for this show!

Easter Thursday: Kicks - Dynamite Sounds From A Heavenly Jukebox

carl — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 08:01:23 +0000

Heavenly Jukebox and friends on Easter Thursday on both floors of The Social Little Portland St. A free party with good music of all sorts (think disco, soul, funk, hip hop, afrobeat and lots more) from The Social's very own Heavenly Jukebox - the DJ arm of Heavenly Recordings - and pals. More info to follow but it's free in and if you're holding a memebrship card it's 241 on all draft beer and cocktails until 8pm. Sonic Sandwich are on food duties too. . . Believe In Magic

Celebrating 40 Years of The Fall

carl — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 08:11:05 +0000

Tuesday 23rd May

With special guests:

MEAT RAFFLE (LIVE)

+ AUSTIN COLLINGS (IN CONVERSATION)

On the 23rd May 1977 The Fall played their first ever public show, at the North West Arts Basement.

Exactly 40 years later, in the basement of The Social, we pay tribute to one of the greatest and most influential groups in modern music. Featuring Austin Collings in conversation, live music from Meatraffle, Fall records all night, projections of classic Fall footage, and a pop-up bookshop of titles inspired by the group.

TICKETS

Greensleeves

carl — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:46:07 +0000

Saturday 6th May

The official Greensleeves Records club night hits The Social in London's West End on the first Saturday of every month. What's more it's FREE ENTRY FOR ALL! Tell your friends!

Starring the mighty DUB ORGANISER SOUND CREW aka ITAL STU TOLHURST & KOOL KEITH LAWRENCE spinning classic & rare Greensleeves all night long alongside your regular host MISTAH BROWN (Tighten Up).

From Alimantado to Alborosie for forty years Greensleeves Records has stayed on top of the game in presenting the very best in reggae music. Through the dancehall dominance of ‘Junjo’ Lawes, King Jammy & Gussie Clarke to the outernational success of Barrington Levy, Eek-a-Mouse, Yellowman, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Shaggy, Beanie Man, Black Uhuru, The Wailing Souls and Mr Vegas to name but a few, Greensleeves has been the benchmark of quality since 1977!

Now teaming up with the world-famous London Intl Ska Festival, Greensleeves Records official club night hits London's West End on the first Saturday of every month with world class DJs selecting the tunes that first inspired them from one of the greatest back catalogues of our times! And it's 100% FREE!

REACH! And SKANK!

Trojan

carl — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 15:47:07 +0000

The London Intl Ska Festival presents…

TROJAN

Trojan Records official club night

Since its launch in the summer of 1968, Trojan Records has continually led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican music to fans the world over.

During its early days, the company was instrumental introducing reggae into the mainstream, enjoying no less than 36 major UK hits between 1969 and 1975 and in so doing introducing the likes of Ken Boothe, Bob & Marcia, John Holt, Jimmy Cliff, and The Maytals to a global audience.

Today, as Trojan approaches its 50th anniversary, it continues its long-standing undertaking of presenting only the very best in vintage ska, rock steady and reggae sounds.

Teaming up with the world-famous London Intl Ska Festival, Trojan Records official club night hits London’s west end on the second Saturday of every month. What’s more entry is free for everyone!

April 2017’s edition (Sat 13th May) features The Rocksteady Daddy – Asher G and Mistah Brown (Tighten Up) at The Social control tower.

Asher remains one of the most revered selectors on the revival scene and, as someone who learned much about this music listening to his radio shows back in the 80s, I’m well chuffed to have him on board. Can’t wait to hear what he’s gonna draw for. Bet you can’t either… REACH!

Come join us for this unique celebration of the world’s best-loved and most iconic Jamaican music label and all its incredible legacy!

Bugged Out's Little Bugger

carl — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:07:46 +0000

It is a big one this. Our new Thursday night party with Bugged Out! BUGGED OUT’S LITTLE BUGGER Every Thursday After roaming festival dance stages and changing the face of pub raves forever, Bugged Out’s Little Bugger has found a weekly home every Thursday night at Central London’s famed institution The Social. Despite being a long running mutant techno night, Bugged Out has always found time to let its hair down and party. Their New Years Day parties have become the stuff of legend and they’ve taken this pop spirit to festivals mixing classic Bugged Out tunes with house party pop and R&B. This is what Little Bugger is all about - join us after work to start the weekend early. Helming Little Bugger will be residents Lemmy Ashton and Johnno, with special guests making unannounced appearances in the award winning London landmark.

Snap Election Section

carl — Wed, 03 May 2017 10:04:43 +0000

An election can only mean one thing... the return of the triumphant Election Section at The Social. When the Conservatives won an unexpected majority? We were there. When Trump won an unexpected Presidency? We were there. Whatever happens on June the 8th - we'll be there watching it unfurl, live. Things not going your way? Fear not, there is one of the best-stocked bars in London. Feel like celebrating? Please. We've got you covered. We'll be open from 10 until 6. The Simple Politics Team will be around should you need some clarity on anything. Or drink recommendations. We're good at that, too. We'll have a few games to play, including election night bingo and more. TICKETS

Our Monthly Ambient Party Welcomes Weatherall!

carl — Tue, 23 May 2017 12:37:44 +0000

Tuesday 30th May XAM Duo meet The Early Years uptown (live) Andrew Weatherall (DJ set) The monthly night from Ulrich Schnauss and Nathaniel Cramp (Sonic Cathedral)launched as a spin-off from their online radio show Sonic Realities, playing atmospheric sounds from Aphex to Eno, Terry Riley to Vini Reilly. The hosts will be manning the decks, alongside guest DJ, the legendary Andrew Weatherall, who will be playing a special ambient set around live analogue electronics and drones courtesy of XAM Duo and The Early Years, who will be joining forces for this very special, totally improvised performance for one night only.

New Exhibition: George Greaves

carl — Fri, 26 May 2017 17:27:46 +0000

NEW EXHIBITION ON NOW GEORGE GREAVES Bristol-based George Greaves studied illustration and visual communication at Westminster University and, after a stint working outside of the creative industry, has focused on producing creative projects for the past year and a half. George creates work that’s inspired by architecture and the built environments, drawing on influences that include Georgio De Chico, David Hockney, Matisse, Magritte and Escher. The careful composition of his artworks and bold graphic style has seen George produce works for the likes of Crack, Tom Dixon, The Financial Times and Stella Artios. Working almost exclusively in Photoshop, George relies on his instincts when creating images. “My creative process is very intuitive, I usually start with a vague idea and just see where it takes me,” he says. Prints are available from printedgoods.net. Prices start at £10. www.printedgoods.net www.george-greaves.tumblr.com

Greensleeves Grenfell Tower Fundraiser

carl — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 20:57:49 +0000

The official Greensleves Records club night hits The Social in London's West End on the first Saturday of every month.

Next session: SAT 1st JULY'17 GREENSLEEVES GRENFELL TOWER FUNDRAISER From it’s birth in 1975 Greensleeves Records has always had it’s home in West London. It seems only fitting that all money raised at the next official Greensleeves Record club night goes to the Grenfell Tower Fire Relief fund. Please come and support. Saturday 1st July (7pm-1am). at The Social, 5 Little Portland St, London W1 Entry by donation - all money raised goes to the Grenfell Tower Fire Relief Fund. DJs Keith Lawrence (Mi-Soul/Dub Organiser) Champian & Mistah Brown (Tighten Up) and Oxman (Dub Vendor/Soho Radio). * * * * * *

From Alimantado to Alborosie for forty years Greensleeves Records has stayed on top of the game in presenting the very best in reggae music. Through the dancehall dominance of ‘Junjo’ Lawes, King Jammy & Gussie Clarke to the outernational success of Barrington Levy, Eek-a-Mouse, Yellowman, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Shaggy, Beanie Man, Black Uhuru, The Wailing Souls and Mr Vegas to name but a few, Greensleeves has been the benchmark of quality since 1977!

You Love Us: Manic Street Preachers in Photographs 1991-2001 - Book Launch

carl — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:24:44 +0000

Join us from 7.30pm on Thursday 6^th July for the launch of YOU LOVE US: MANIC STREET PREACHERS IN PHOTOGRAPHS 1991-2001 by TOM SHEEHAN.

Available in a Deluxe and Super-Deluxe edition, the latest in the series of books from the archives of legendary music photographer Tom Sheehan, features his extensive work with one of the most important and successful UK bands of the last quarter century and welsh rock icons, Manic Street Preachers.

Tom will be in attendance signing copies of the book and we’ll be displaying some very special and iconic Manics images from Tom's archives on the night as well!

Michael Pedersen's Oyster

carl — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:05:15 +0000

Oyster Book Launch London Thursday 14th September, The Social, London, 19:00 -21:00 Neu! Reekie! co-chief & prize-winning poet Michael Pedersen launches his second collection illustrated by / a collaboration with Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison. On the night Michael & Scott will perform unique sets with special guest appearances from some of the best in the business (to be announced soon but don't dally). Praise for Oyster: 'Michael Pedersens poems get under my skin. And I always feel more upbeat and hopeful after having read them. You really cant ask much more from a poet' - Irvine Welsh 'A cosmic, playful, weird and extravagant striptease of words for the brain, genitals and tender hearts . . . - I LOVE it' - Charlotte Church 'Michaels poems are so physical you can almost touch the images in them. Fabulously sensual and alive. I adore poetry like this' - Stephen Fry FRIGHTENED RABBIT are an internationally renowned Scottish indie rock band who've conquered the UK Top Ten Album charts at the same time as retaining a cult following. Scott Hutchison is the founder / songwriter / chieftan. TICKETS

Half Price Beer Festival

carl — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:47:31 +0000

We're celebrating summer and all the new beers we now stock on Monday and Tuesday (17th and 18th July) . . by having a half price beer festival! Come and join us from 4pm until close (or we run out!) and enjoy all of these beers (and more) half price. No need for a membership card but you can book a table if you like. Pass it on! Xx

Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Sumpin' Ale (7.5%)

Way smooth and silky with a nice wheatly-esque-ishness. A truly unique style featuring a strong hop finish on a silky body. A hoppy pale wheat ale that is great for IPA fans but so smooth that the hefeweizen fans dig it too.

Lagunitas Aunt Sally - Sour Mash Ale (5.7%)

We soured the wort on the Hot Side with Lactobacillus for a few days and then brewed up this smooth and hoppy sour. It tastes like a big bowl of fruity candy or some chewable flavored vitamins, but what's the difference? It's sweet, tart, and sassy, just like the tasty cherry pie that your favorite aunt makes. For all the Aunt Sally's out there, You know who you are...

Lagunitas High West-ified Imperial Coffee Stout (12%)

Ale Brewed with Coffee and then Aged in High West Whiskey Barrels

This beer couldn't have been done without the help from our friends at High West Distillery in Park City, UT and Chicago's-own Metropolis Coffee. We brewed a rich, malty Imperial Stout with some of Metropolis' Spice Island blend, then let it vintag-ize in High West Rye and Bourbon Barrels for up to 17 FREAKING MONTHS. It's good to have friends!

Lagunitas 12th of Never Ale (5.5%)

Tropically Hoppy. Light, yet Full-Bodied. Bright and Citrusy. Word.

The magical, mystical 12th of Never is a blend of Old and New School hops that play bright citrus, rich coconut, and papaya-esque flavors, all on a solid stage of English puffed wheat. Tropically hoppy. Light, yet full-bodied. Bright and citrusy. The 12th of Never Ale is everything we’ve learned about making hop-forward beer expressed in a moderate voice. Pale, cold, slightly alcoholic and bitter. It’s all we know.

Camden Town Brewery Inner City Green - Summertime lager (3.9%)

Blossom, bank holidays, and trainers with no socks, the first outdoor ice cream – or beer – of the year – everyone has their springtime signifier. For us, spring hasn’t properly sprung until we’ve had our first pint of hoppy, juicy, fresh Inner City Green

Two Roads Road Jam - Raspberry wheat beer (5%)

A wheat ale fermented with real red and black raspberries and accented with fresh lemongrass. It has a stunning red color and mouth-watering berry aroma. Fruity and refreshingly dry.

Sasha Adamczewski Residency

carl — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 11:49:33 +0000

Sasha Adamczewski is a 23 year old man from South East London with a powerful voice. From a young age he has played, written and performed his own material. Sasha’s influences have grown from figures such as John Martyn and Tom Waits, to a darker and blues driven sound with inspiration from artists such as Howling Wolf, Dr Feelgood and Screamin Jay Hawkins. We're delighted and honoured to have Sasha and his band join us for a four date residency this summer . . starting on August 7th - support artists below Tickets for all shows on sale now - including limited £15 tickets for 4 four dates! Tin Foil Astronaut (7th August) Canterbury based Psych Pop outfit, whom combine Huge glacial pop with catchy hooks to create a sound that rivals a full string band being beamed in from outer space. Doo wop inspired melodies and ambitious songcraft that is both classic and modern. The Honkies (21st August) Premium synth infused country honky-tonk from South London. Bad Parents (4th Sept) Bad Parents are a two-piece from South London working independently. Inspired by collaboration, improvisation and falling in love with music again! We recorded our EP in January with Margo Broom at Hermitage Works Studios in London. Some of our talented and good friends came down and got involved to make it special! Lan Dyons & The Wet Nurse (18th Sept) Over the past five years Lan Dyons (aka Dan Lyons) had perhaps been best known as the drummer for bands such as Fat White Family, Misty Miller and Phobophobes, but his real job is a songwriter. Since a teen in several Kent bands in the late-noughties he’s been busy writing, and the The Wet Nurse project has been tried and tested at various opening slots and open mics across London. Now with an album recorded, and a live band featuring some of the best musicians from the South London scene, Lan Dyons & The Wet Nurse is officially up and running

Little Bugger Summer Special

carl — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 14:11:26 +0000

THIS THURSDAY! Continuing on their weekly residency at The Social, Bugged Out are bringing down 10 DJs to play us their top 10 summer records! We’re running 2-4-1 on selected beers and cocktails in the basement, and it’s free entry! After roaming festival dance stages and changing the face of pub raves forever, Bugged Out’s Little Bugger has found a weekly home every Thursday night at Central London’s famed institution The Social. Despite being a long running mutant techno night, Bugged Out has always found time to let its hair down and party. Their New Years Day parties have become the stuff of legend and they’ve taken this pop spirit to festivals mixing classic Bugged Out tunes with house party pop and R&B. This is what Little Bugger is all about – join us after work to start the weekend early. Helming Little Bugger will be residents Lemmy Ashton and Johnno, with special guests making unannounced appearances in the award winning London landmark.

Sonic Sandwich

carl — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 09:15:36 +0000

Bank Holiday Comedown ?

carl — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 11:09:45 +0000

. . Join us tonight for free ambient relief

The monthly night from Ulrich Schnauss and Nathaniel Cramp (Sonic Cathedral) is back. Launched as a spin-off from their online radio show Sonic Realities, playing atmospheric sounds from Aphex to Eno, Terry Riley to Vini Reilly. The hosts will be manning the decks, alongside guest DJ, Paul Hammond, one half of the legendary pastoral techno duo Ultramarine, plus a live set courtesy of Nottingham-based Welshman Plyci who mixes melodic ambient soundcapes with raucous electronica.

Ambient music + 241 beer and cocktails + London's best fish finger sandwich

= the answer

Christmas at The Social

carl — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 08:24:39 +0000

Christmas bookings are now OPEN at The Social for 2017. We can hold parties for smaller groups – reserving booths on either floor – or big parties with both spaces bars available to hire for up to 250 people. Dates and space are limited so drop us an email to request availability and more info. THE UPSTAIRS BAR (holds up to 75 people - licensed until 1am) The upstairs bar can hold up to 75 people, offering a sanctuary from madness of Oxford Street, a bolthole for skivers and barflies; somewhere where the days blur into nights and the dusty light is always conducive to losing a few hours to alcohol and good company. Unchanged in a decade and a half, it’s made up of 5 large leather booths each set around an aged gunmetal grey table. The room itself is entirely clad in wood. Originally sauna-like, the walls have fully matured like a Soho dandy due to years of excessive smoking and drinking. Ever-present in the corner is our beautiful, hard working AMI Continental Jukebox. It’s soundtracked countless first dates, birthdays, after shows and lost weekends… even the odd wake. Although listings and features on the bar tend to focus on the nightly events in the basement (a space we couldn’t be prouder of), for many people the Upstairs Bar is truly the heart of The Social. BASEMENT (holds up to 150 - licensed until 1am) The Basement is where the big partying usually happens (although to be honest upstairs is not shy!) with a full club PA, DJ set up and live stage. We can host 150 people downstairs and have limited availability for private hires in December Designed back in 1999 by a partnership of David Adjaye and Will Russell (now of Pentagram) with the proviso of withstanding nuclear attack or – at the very least – the worst that people could chuck at it, The Social basement has launched over a million hugely successful hangovers

Behind The Sun

carl — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 13:38:31 +0000

Opening on October 5th at the social, Behind The Sun is an exhibition of graphic art and illustration, featuring works from the USA, Canda, UK, Germany and Ireland. The title is drawn from the Bert Jansh track ‘October song’. "Quite simply the song was the reasoning for the show as well as being a great opportunity to to collaborate with other artists and designers," explains John Slade of H.Y.T. studio, who has organised the show with frequent collaborators and infamous central London music venue, The Social, on Little Portland Street.

Artists include: Chris Harnan. A ‘Berlin and London-based image maker Chris’ style is process driven and he putting an emphasis on “play and experimentation”, forcing himself to “follow tangents that develop from accidents”. His works are a hybrid of handmade elements with computer created imagery.’ Daniel David Freeman. ‘Daniel David Freeman is an artist and designer from London. He has worked commercially for clients including Vice, Dazed, Uniqlo, Puma, Adidas and Converse. He has exhibited in group shows across London, New York, L.A and Hong Kong as well as solo shows at Beach London. “His drawings work to shrug his arts education and imagine himself as an outsider who draws from imagination, influenced purely niche communities that other people rarely, if ever, get a glimpse of.” Ellie Andrews. “South London graphic artist Ellie Andrews’ work is as bold and distinctive, partly due to her repetitious use of a “particularly satisfying” hue of royal blue, but also down to her cheekily cute characters. “I really enjoy designing logos and typefaces for branding, so whenever I get the opportunity I love to put my own concepts together.” she’s worked with big brands like Urban Outfitters Fred Perry, MTV, New York Times, Bloomberg Vew, The Debrief, Lazy Oaf, Business Week”. H.Y.T. is a graphic and illustration studio that was established as an avenue for artist and designer John Slade to showcase his commercial work. Since it began in 2009, the studio has grown an impressive client base that includes Nike, Tate Modern, Transport for London, Lazy oaf. According to the studio, the stylistic output of H.Y.T. is an extension of Johns’ enjoyment for “bold, striking, conceptual graphics and illustrations.” H.Y.T. studio keeps it’s approach fresh by working across a variety of techniques and mediums whilst still experimenting with styles to suit particular briefs and create impactful outcomes. Nejc Prah. Graphic designer Nejc Prah works with vibrant colours and crazy shapes creating work that combines 80s club typography with fourth dimension landscapes. The Slovenian- born, New York-based designer has produced work across print and digital that is disruptive, vibrant and unique. By day he works in the creative team at Bloomberg Business Week. His personal projects include poster series for musicians, hardware store catalogues and identity and publication designs. Noah Butkus. Growing up, Noah found himself spending all of his time with skateboards and comic books. This is where he found all his inspiration, and for the most part still does. Aside from art and design for the band Death Threat, his first widely recognised output appeared on graphics for Burton Snow- boards. This work was followed by commissions for posters, ads, catalogues, and product applications from a wide variety of companies. now living in Manhattan. At 32, he has already paid considerable dues in the art world. No longer tied to a company desk he spends his days at his studio, balancing commercial and personal work. In recent years he has also begun exhibiting his work in both solo and group exhibitions.

Rob Whoriskey. Rob is an illustrator, printer, painter and visual collaborator living in Dalston, London. Robs’ work depicts London culture in pop art style. His subjects range from chicken shop logos, images of the band Crass, cigarette butts, pigeons and many more subjects that are icons of the city. Apart from interesting personal work he also has an impressive commercial client list including Fred Perry and Dover street Market. Tylor Macmillan. Tylor is a designer and artist living and working in Vancouver, Canada. His work is a hybrid between drawing and graphic design where his one-page creations become neatly composed formations of illustrations and graphic icons. Throughout Tylor Macmillens’ work is a focus on how the mediums he uses interact with experimental printing processes. This means the sharp, cartoon aesthetic to the different components is offset wonderfully by the grainy texture and tone of Tylor’s chosen printing method. This adds another dimension to his posters and zines. The symbols and icons Tylor creates are full of pop culture references that hark back to old video games, familiar toys and the internet. As a result the visual language he’s created feels familiar but still cryptic enough to engage viewers. Tim Head. Tim is a British artist living and working in London. Working across a wide range of mediums Tims’ work has persisted to maintain the highest standard, weather design, art, film making, illustrating, curating, photography, etc. He has produced work for brands such as Carhartt, Champion, Law magazine, Converse, Warp and NTS Radio. The exhibition poster is designed by Paul Camo Roberts,a graphic designer who has exhibited drawings in London and Japan, made short films for Raindance Film Festival, co-founded clothing brand Crossover and was an integral part of setting up the London based trainer store Slamminkicks. He is also known for his work with Plastic People, Werk Discs and most recently MIC Records. Paul is also the founder of the legendary ‘We Are...’ show, an infamous radio show now running bi-weekly on London’s NTS Radio.

Students!

carl — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:47:29 +0000

Students of London, welcome to The Social. A small piece of sanity in Central London . . music venue, bar, exhibition space, local pub, club and safe haven. Show us your NUS or student card and get 241 booze offers every day before 8pm. . . . Believe in Magic?

Ambience Chasers #9 Halloween Special

carl — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:31:16 +0000

A HALLOWEEN AMBIENCE CHASER SPECIAL

Tuesday 31st October

Ambience Chasers #9

Komodo Kolektif (live)

ADSL Camels (live)

Andrew Weatherall (DJ)

The monthly night from Ulrich Schnauss and Nathaniel Cramp (Sonic Cathedral) launched as a spin-off from their online radio show Sonic Realities, playing atmospheric sounds from Aphex to Eno, Terry Riley to Vini Reilly.

For this Halloween special expect frightening films and scary soundtracks. As well as the hosts, the legendary Andrew Weatherall will be manning the decks with a selection of dark ambience, terrifying techno and death rattle dub either side of live performances by ADSL Camels (lo-fi electronic loveliness from London) and Komodo Kolektif (psychotropic synth oddess from Scotland).

FREE ENTRY TICKETS

H&M Early Session Starts This Week

carl — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 13:52:13 +0000

H&M Early Sessions is a brand new showcase and industry networking event showcasing some of the most exciting talent around. Curated and hosted by Hardwick & Morris, the events will take place on the last Thursday of every month at the Little Portland Street venue (except December). Live: TRUDY AND THE ROMANCE https://www.facebook.com/trudymylove/ FAKE LAUGH https://www.facebook.com/fakelaughmusic/ THYLA https://www.facebook.com/trudymylove/ As the name suggests, doors will be at 6pm making it the perfect pit-stop pre-gig (or pre Bugged Out which runs every Thursday) with three artists each playing 30 min sets starting at 6.30pm. Drinks and networking will follow. The first event will be on Thursday 26th October with Thyla opening followed by Fake Laugh and Trudy and the Romance headlining. Run in partnership with I Like The Sound Of That, the company behind Independent Venue Week, gigs will be free to attend but strictly only via a RSVP to chloe@ilikethesoundofthat.com. Anyone wishing to have their artists play or for artists to apply directly, please contact sam@ilikethesoundofthat.com. www.hardwickandmorris.co.uk

The Social Christmas Market

carl — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 10:28:13 +0000

Our Christmas Market is back in the upstairs bar in December and this year for one date only . .

'so many good eggs in one room, you’ll think it’s Easter' Time Out - Top 10 Alternative Christmas Markets

The Social Christmas Market takes place every year on Little Portland St with a handful of friends invited to stall-out with a selection of amazing records and books, tshirts and tea towels, maps, cards, calendars and socks, artwork and other beautiful objects and ephemera for the soul.

It is one of our favourite days of the year here at the Social and Heavenly HQ. An afternoon of friends, beer and wine, music and proof that Christmas shopping can be enjoyable.

Stalls this year include market regulars Caught by the River, Heavenly Recordings, Pete Fowler, Andrews of Arcadia, The Empress and Suna Socks, plus special appearances from Friendly Records, Harry Langworthy and Sarah Edmonds.

In previous years we’ve always had a couple of markets in the run up to Christmas but have decided to go all out on one date in 2017. So get Saturday 16th December in your diary, doors open at midday, free mulled wine before 1pm and guaranteed good vibes until 6pm.

. . Believe in Christmas Magic

The Social NYE

carl — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:30:09 +0000

Live:

CREATURES

+ BAD PARENTS

DJs:

Rough Trade, Heavenly Jukebox + more to be announced

Last year The Parrots and Yassassin saw off 2016 in style. They brought smiles to our faces and poured love into our hearts . . we decided that morning in the afterglow that we’d do it all again, put on bands we love and of course get back the Rough Trade DJs who were amazing upstairs until whatever time it was we stopped.

So this year we’re over the moon to have CREATURES, one of our favourite bands of the year, headlining our party on Little Portland St.

“Picture a band dreamt up by Wes Anderson. A band of 70s looking cowboys straight out of Westworld armed with psychedelic guitar riffs and all the hair” Northern Exposure

They’ll be joined by South London duo BAD PARENTS aka Misty Miller and Tom Shelton.

+ a cast of DJs, fun loving party people, friends, family, Tall Paul, our lovely staff . . and hopefully YOU.

Last remaining tickets

New Exhibition: Babak Ganjei

carl — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 10:41:45 +0000

NEW EXHIBITION: BABAK GANJEI (Starts Friday 15th December)

After graduating from Saint Martins with a FIne Art degree Babak Ganjei's multi disciplined practice has covered stints playing in bands (Absentee, Wet Paint) and publishing a few autobiographical comic books, as well as a fully illustrated reworking of the Patrick Swayze movie Road House. Recent projects have included turning entire books by Jeremy Clarkson, Nigel Farage and Donald Trump into blackout poetry, and selling some twigs from a fancy neighbourhood on ebay. He is currently reclaiming lost film pitches he had been tweeting over the last five years.

www.babakganjeiworks.com

The Social NYE

carl — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 17:03:10 +0000

Live:

CREATURES

+ BAD PARENTS

DJs:

Rough Trade, Heavenly Jukebox + more to be announced

So this year we’re over the moon to have CREATURES, one of our favourite bands of the year, headlining our party on Little Portland St.

“Picture a band dreamt up by Wes Anderson. A band of 70s looking cowboys straight out of Westworld armed with psychedelic guitar riffs and all the hair” Northern Exposure

They’ll be joined by South London duo BAD PARENTS aka Misty Miller and Tom Shelton.

+ a cast of DJs, fun loving party people, friends, family, Tall Paul, our lovely staff . . and hopefully YOU.

Last remaining tickets

Huw Stephens Presents 2018

carl — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 11:08:52 +0000

Huw Stephens has been putting on the very best new bands and acts at The Social for over ten years . . and is back for 2018! On the second Tuesday of the month we open the doors to the basement at 7pm and welcome three amazing new artists chosen by Huw. Always free entry and always brilliant. The first show of this year is on Tuesday 9th Jan >>> Line up: Girlhood Kizzy Crawford + Nabihah Iqbal (DJ set) Girlhood Girlhood features the production work of Christian Pinchbeck and vocal talents of Tessa Cavanna plus a revolving collective of musicians and vocalists. When they met in late 2015, it was the right time to cross paths; Christian was looking for a new creative outlet having suffered broken hearts and broken bones when his previous band split whilst Kenya raised Tessa wanted to work on something removed from her neo-soul roots. Bonding over a shared love of Barry White, The Fugees and late 80s hip hop, Girlhood record at Christian’s narrow boat “Molotov” on London’s Regents Canal. Kizzy Crawford A Welsh speaker with Bajan heritage, 20 year old Kizzy Crawford’s solo career began just a few years ago. In that time, Kizzy has developed an increasing sophistication to her songwriting and performance, which is complimented by her soaring voice that boasts both range and charisma. “Real talent” Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1 “Wonderful” Richard Coles, BBC Radio 4 “A star in the making. Not only a great songwriter but also an experienced, polished performer.” Stereoboard “She’s overflowing with a comfortable self-confidence and has every right to be” Big Issue Nabihah Iqbal (DJ SET) Formerly known as Throwing Shade, Nabihah Iqbal is set to release her debut full-length album “Weighing of the Heart” via Ninja Tune in December 2017. Her first release was on Kassem Mosse's Ominira imprint in 2013. Following on from that, she put out two EPs on No Pain In Pop, a dance 12" on Happy Skull, and Ninja Tune released her 'House Of Silk' EP in 2016. Born in London in the late ‘80s, she attended music school from a young age, learning the piano, flute and guitar. Her listening habits started with Michael Jackson and Oasis. In her early teens, she got into punk and metal. At around 16, her tastes broadened out, encountering the likes of Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Explosions In The Sky alongside older bands too, like The Cure, Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Nabihah studied a joint honours BA in History and Ethnomusicology at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and it was during her time as an undergraduate that her musical horizons widened further. She took classes in various music styles including Gamelan and the Turkish classical tradition. Her main performance instrument was the Sitar. After SOAS she moved to Cambridge to study a postgraduate MPhil focused on South African history. She then moved back to London, where she did a law conversion degree and simultaneously started getting more involved in throwing parties and making music. Nabihah has been focusing fully on her music career since October 2013 and now in December 2017, she prepares to release her debut album “Weighing of the Heart”. Taking her sound in a different direction from the music she was making as ‘Throwing Shade’, Nabihah puts more focus on live instruments, charting the waters where dance music and pop meet. Recorded in her studio space, Nabihah approached the recording sessions with an open mind, playing all of the parts on the album herself. The album was mixed by Studio 13's Stephen Sedgwick and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis. Aside from her music production, Nabihah has also been presenting a bi-weekly show on NTS Radio since early 2013, where she explores music from different parts of the world. Other projects include presenting a four-part documentary series ‘Relocate’, for i-D Magazine and Volkswagen, a collaboration with Chinese artist Zhang Ding, a commission by the Tate to compose music for the Turner Prize and a collaboration with Wolfgang Tillmans as part of his recent Tate Modern exhibition. She has performed live at both the Tate Modern and Tate Britain, as well as the Institute of Contemporary Arts and she also took part in a group performance as part of the Barbican’s Basquiat retrospective. [embed]https://open.spotify.com/user/sociallondon/playlist/3TMA1jnVcbVTpph3UUMj5h[/embed]

Faber Social and The Quietus Presents Art Sex Music with Cosey Fanni Tutti

carl — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 17:16:40 +0000

Faber Social and The Quietus Present: ART SEX MUSIC Featuring... Cosey Fanni Tutti (in conversation with Laura Snapes) Chris Carter (Live) Lilith Whittles (Talk) The Quietus (DJs) Hosted by Luke Turner TICKETS

The Social Super Bowl Party

carl — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 16:42:24 +0000

We’ll be opening our doors once again for a super-no-nonsense Super Bowl 2018 party on Little Portland St.

A London Super Bowl fixture. Big screens, big American beers and burgers and of course excellent music too

Early bird tickets are just £5 but you’ll need to be quick to get one of those!

Doors 8pm-late

TICKETS The Social 5 Little Portland St, Fitzrovia, W1 Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

The Social Super Bowl Party

carl — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 16:04:01 +0000

We’ll be opening our doors once again for a super-no-nonsense Super Bowl 2018 party on Little Portland St.

A London Super Bowl fixture. Big screens, big American beers and burgers and of course excellent music too

Early bird tickets are just £5 but you’ll need to be quick to get one of those!

Doors 8pm-late

TICKETS The Social 5 Little Portland St, Fitzrovia, W1 Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Go-Kart Mozart

carl — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 11:38:03 +0000

Wednesday 21st Feb Live: Go-Kart Mozart People of the past were known to use that most notable phrase: ‘to blow your mind’ – I think it is time to scatter the dust off this old expression and to reinstate it because I can think of no better epithet to describe the effect these songs will have on the discerning listener other than to say they will positively ‘blow your mind’!!

Come and have your mind blown by Go-Kart Mozart live at the Mozart’s Mini-Mart album launch party. Includes appearances from special guest DJs. Tickets, priced £8 (+ booking fee)

Bugged Out’s Little Bugger - Feb Thirst Free Party!

carl — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 15:58:30 +0000

Next week it is Feb first and we have a Feb thirst! Dryness be gone! We’re throwing a FREE PARTY with some FREE BEERS and some of our favourite DJs to celebrate the end of January! Join us, Lemmy and the guys from Bugged Out!, the Heavenly Jukebox, our friends from Camden Town Brewery and some special guest DJs for this Thursday night drink and dance.

Join us, Lemmy and the guys from Bugged Out, the Heavenly Jukebox, our friends from Camden Town Brewery and some special guest DJs for this Thursday night drink and dance.

When: 7pm-1am

Where: Social basement

Cost: Free

New Exhibition - Social Change

carl — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 18:59:37 +0000

Launch party Thursday night! Feb 1st

SOCIAL/CHANGE is a collection of selected work by Mark James_Works. An artist, designer and filmmaker.

His work includes art direction, video direction, photography, illustration and graphic design. He has designed record covers for various artists over the last 20 years. His conceptual work is inspired by a mix of popular culture and social commentary and has gained a reputation for being challenging and controversial.

He made news headlines around the world on numerous occasions with his artwork. From a football hooligan action figure in 2004, which was condemned by the FA, to his phallic chicken shop branding that went viral in 2014. He again hit the headlines in 2016 by faking a meteor falling over South Wales as part of an art installation for Cardiff Contemporary Arts Festival.

www.markjamesworks.com

Flying Mojito Bros Live!

carl — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:20:33 +0000

Big big Saturday night! Saturday 17th Feb Join the Flying Mojito Bros as they bring their unique live baggy-country-disco-acid-house (!) productions and peachy, trippy visuals to The Social's good-time basement. They'll be joined by two fellow different-disco compadres -- DJ / sultry disco botherer Citizen Helene -- and DJ Algy Strutt from soundcloud's *mammoth* re-edits blog Gouranga. Hoo-eeeeeeee

Thursdays Upstairs at The Social

carl — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 10:18:44 +0000

We're now inviting some top selectors every week to play records in the upstairs bar

Head down each week and find some of London's best DJs and music lovers laying down nothing but good music. No dancefloor pressure, no genre, just great records.

Featuring ANNE FRANKENSTEIN (March 8) and her collection of sublime vinyl, ROUGH TRADE DJs (March 22) Sid and Phil showing us all the best new cuts from the legendary record shop, BUGGED OUT’S LITTLE BUGGER (March 1) mixing everything from techno to rnb and original Social crew GOOD BLOCK (March 15) bringing the deeper side of their club sound to The Social and more coming soon each month!

Every Thursday night from 8pm until close - Free entry

The Fix

carl — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:44:26 +0000

THE FIX continues our fifth year down The Social, featuring the best new breaking bands and as always, it's FREE ENTRY all night! Tuesday 6th March

MONCRIEFF (Stage time - 9.45pm)

There’s a lot of buzz about this new artist and former backing singer for Adele who describes his music as ‘neo-noir’. His debut single ’Symptoms’ was an anthemic, bold modern rock/soul cut that fans of Rag N Bone Man or Tom Grennan will instantly connect with. We’re really excited to have him headline our second edition of THE FIX for 2018, as this artist is set to have a huge 12 months.

TURAN (Stage time - 9pm)

A gifted new singer-songwriter, Turan’s brooding emotional guitar soundscapes have hints of Ghostpoet and Massive Attack and his early songs already sound built for big stages. This will feel very special indeed down in The Social basement.

CHARLI TAFT (Stage time - 8.20pm)

Bursting onto the pop world last year with a brilliant first single ‘Love Like You’ (which quickly became Radio 1’s Tune Of The Week) Charli Taft is also a successful songwriter penning huge hits for K-Pop acts like Girls Generation. We can’t wait to hear new music after her exiting debut cut.

SPHYNX (Stage time - 7.45pm)

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Sphynx are an exciting new synth-pop band with a thrilling live sound. Fans of Passion Pit will instantly fall for their charms and we can't wait to have them open the night.

Thursdays Upstairs at The Social

carl — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:20:10 +0000

We're now inviting some top selectors every week to play records in the upstairs bar

Head down each week and find some of London's best DJs and music lovers laying down nothing but good music. No dancefloor pressure, no genre, just great records.

Featuring ANNE FRANKENSTEIN and her collection of sublime vinyl, ROUGH TRADE DJs Sid and Phil showing us all the best new cuts from the legendary record shop, BUGGED OUT’S LITTLE BUGGER mixing everything from techno to rnb and original Social crew GOOD BLOCK bringing the deeper side of their club sound to The Social and more coming soon each month!

Every Thursday night from 8pm until close - Free entry

Lucy Cooke

carl — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:52:46 +0000

Monday 12th March

Zoologist, author and filmmaker Lucy Cooke (often spotted presenting on Springwatch and various other BBC natural history shows) is coming to the Social to give a talk based on her latest book, THE UNEXPECTED TRUTH ABOUT ANIMALS which explores and explodes our biggest myths and misconceptions about animals from Aristotle to Disney.

Hear about how the enigmatic sex life of the eel tortured a young Sigmund Freud and spawned a 2000 year hunt for the slippery fish’s missing gonads. Why hyenas are the feminist icons of the animal kingdom and how beavers were hunted to extinction in Europe for their medicinal testicles (said to be a cure for hysteria in woman).

Lucy’s book has received rave reviews from Chris Packham (‘An eye-opening, informative and hysterical history of our ideas about animals – very funny’) Richard Dawkins (‘Lucy Cooke’s modern bestiary is as well-informed as you’d expect from an Oxford zoologist. It’s also downright funny.’) and Robin Ince (‘A compendium of intriguing and revelatory animal information – you may find dolphins go down in your estimation, while hyenas go up’).

Join Lucy for an evening of animal revelations and you will never look at a penguin in quite the same way again.

TICKETS

Alt-Classic Album Playbacks come to The Social

carl — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 12:56:27 +0000

We're very happy to welcome Alt-Classic Album Playbacks to The Social - the first event is March 17th and it features My Bloody Valentine's 'Loveless' in full Are you tired of listening to music on playlists and shuffle and would rather experience it the way it was intended? For free! Whilst drinking beer with mates, in a great bar? Ok then . . Come along and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a classic album by one of Ireland's most iconic bands - My Bloody Valentine. This unique vinyl listening event gives you the chance to hear the iconic shoegaze album 'Loveless' all the way through. Audience members will also have the opportunity to win free vinyl! As usual, the album playback will be preceded by a handful of songs by artists that inspired My Bloody Valentine. Saturday March 17th // 1630-1830 // Free entry

The Quietus Social with Goat Girl

carl — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:30:01 +0000

GOAT GIRL headline the very first Quietus Social night next week.

After years, nay decades, of going to The Social to meet, eat, drink, dance, listen to great writers and hear great music, The Quietus is collaborating with the beloved venue for an ongoing series of gigs and get-togethers: The Quietus Social. (Took us ages to think of that name.)

Every three months - spring! summer! autumn! winter! - there’ll be bands, DJs, special little treats and very special guests. The first one is NEXT WEEK - on Wednesday 7 March - and tickets will be £5. We’ve just confirmed Goat Girl as our headliners and we are very excited. There’ll be other special guests and special treats, and we can’t wait to see you there.

TICKETS

Trojan - This Saturday - 2nd Birthday!

carl — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 15:14:25 +0000

St. Patrick’s Day – Saturday 17th March 2018’s edition of Trojan Records official club night (brought to you by The London International Ska Festival) sees a triple celebration . .

It’s the official warm up for The London Intl Ska Festival 2018 / 30th anniversary (29 Mar-1 April); it’s the club nights 2nd birthday and it’s St. Patrick’s Day! It stars guest DJ Eddie Piller of Acid Jazz fame and your host Mistah Brown (Tighten Up!) spinning 100% rare and classic Trojan sounds! Since its launch in the summer of 1968, Trojan Records has continually led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican music to fans the world over. During its early days, the company was instrumental introducing reggae into the mainstream, enjoying no less than 36 majo r UK hits between 1969 and 1975 and in so doing introducing the likes of Ken Boothe, Bob & Marcia, John Holt, Jimmy Cliff, and The Maytals to a global audience. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Trojan Records continues its long-standing tradition of presenting only the very best in vintage ska, rock steady and reggae sounds for your musical pleasure! Now, teaming up with the world-famous London Intl Ska Festival, the Trojan Records official club night hits London’s west end on the second Saturday of every month! What’s more entry is FREE for all! Dancing shoes mandatory! REACH!

Heavenly Jukebox Easter Special

carl — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:22:22 +0000

Thursday 29th March 1800-late Free entry all night Very happy to announce that the full Heavenly Jukebox crew and friends will be out on Good Thursday for a big bank holiday blowout. And we're even happier to officially announce a new addition to the Heavenly Recordings family. audiobooks ride the sharp neon ley-lines that run between the north Wales coast and the grubby heart of after hours London. These songs are Pulp fictions by an inhuman league. They’re our new favourite band. Start following the story now. There's no music online for these guys . . for the time being you'll just have to get down to this show to see what everyone's talking about! Live: AUDIOBOOKS DJs: HEAVENLY JUKEBOX (JEFF, DANNY & CARL) + C&S DEATH AND TAXES 99% JUKEBOX JUNIORS PHONO + STEREO + MORE! Free entry all night! Xx

New Exhibition: Frances Castle (Clay Pipe Music)

carl — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:24:24 +0000

A display of cover artwork from the label Clay Pipe Music, by illustrator Frances Castle.

Clay Pipe Music, is a London based record label run by illustrator and designer Frances Castle. From the 9th April she will be displaying artwork from the label in the bar at the Heavenly Social. Clay Pipe specialises in releasing beautifully packaged vinyl LPs of atmospheric instrumental music, with a strong theme or sense of place. Newest release is ‘Galactic Sounds’ a space inspired LP of vintage Farfisa based melodies from Swedish musician and artist Retep Folo.

www.claypipemusic.co.uk

Launches upstairs Monday April 9th before this cracking Caught by the River event on the same night in the basement at which Frances will also be DJing!

Steve Davis & Kavus Torabi's Interesting Alternative - Free Party!

carl — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 11:57:43 +0000

Steve Davis & Kavus Torabi's Interesting Alternative - Free Party! Saturday 7th April Former World Snooker Champion Steve Davis is coming to the Social basement for the first of a new series of irregular parties alongside his DJ partner Kavus Torabi (Gong / Cardiacs / Knifeworld) . . Together since their first surprise appearances at Bloc and Glastonbury back in 2016 they have travelled up and down the country playing some the best underground clubs and festivals. They bring a unique and totally banging prog-disco-electronic-psych-rock-techno-party everywhere they go. We're delighted to now be their occasional London home for 2018! >>>> This first party is FREE ENTRY but you'll need to grab a ticket << << DJ support from C&S

Alt-Classic Album Playback is Back! Record Store Day Special

carl — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 08:25:56 +0000

RECORD STORE DAY TRIPLE-ALBUM SPECIAL

Sat 21st April

Spent way too much £££ on that Cure remix album or Floyd mono re-release? Couldn't get your hands on that green Shaggy 7"? Console yourself with an amazing triple-header of albums played all the way through at The Social - for free!

From 14:00:

The Stooges - 'The Stooges'

From 16:00:

N.W.A. - 'Straight Outta Compton' (30th anniversary this year)

From 18:00:

Boards of Canada - 'Music Has the Right to Children' (20th anniversary this year)

A carefully-curated selection of artists who influenced each album will introduce the playbacks.

Andrew Weatherall's Moine Dubh

carl — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 12:25:56 +0000

This Thursday (19th April)! Andrew Weatherall's Moine Dubh label presents a new irregular residency at The Social on Little Portland St over 4 events in 2018 . .

The first event with feature Fireflies (Nina Walsh & Franck Alba) with poet Jo Duggan, Lowroad, Barry Woolnough and Alain Maclean with Andrew DJing

TICKETS UPSTAIRS Tonight: ROUGH TRADE DJs

Top selectors selecting every week in the upstairs bar – just good music. BUGGED OUT’S LITTLE BUGGER featuring Lemmy mixing everything from techno to rnb, ANNE FRANKENSTEIN and her collection of of sublime 7 inches and ROUGH TRADE DJs Sid and Phil showing us all the best new cuts from the legendary record shop and more each month – Free entry

Flying Mojito Bros Live with Very Special Guest Bill Brewster

carl — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 22:03:50 +0000

Cosmic-Americana-disco frontiersmen the Flying Mojito Bros continue their run of 'different disco' shows at The Social, this time with very special guest DJ Bill Brewster on Sat May 5th!

Former Fabric resident Bill, who literally wrote the definitive book on DJing ('Last Night A DJ Saved My Life', with Low Life parties partner Frank Broughton), is a much cherished DJ whose wide-ranging selections never fail to put smiles on faces -- and keep 'em there -- all night long. Bona fide legend!

FMB's good amigos Eastern Front Soundsystem will open proceedings on the night.

TURN IT LOOSE

TICKETS

Boy Azooga at The Social!

carl — Tue, 08 May 2018 11:35:12 +0000

Honey Fungus, The Social and Heavenly presents on Tuesday 22nd May It's Jeff's birthday and we have very special and until right now secret guests . . BOY AZOOGA ! + DJs: Heavenly Jukebox Jukebox Juniors C&S Honey Fungus DJs So happy to have Boy Azooga back at the venue! This is jefinitely going to be a proper party now. We have 100 tickets to give away for this show . . you'll need to head to Spotify and give Boy Azooga a follow to grab one! Sign up ->> HERE

Q Presents The Making Of… Be More Kind By Frank Turner

carl — Tue, 08 May 2018 11:40:31 +0000

On Thursday 24 May, Q Magazine will host a special, one-off, strictly-limited capacity live event at The Social in Little Portland Street, London W1 with Frank Turner. The folk-punk singer-songwriter will be interviewed on stage by Q’s Niall Doherty and the pair will discuss the genesis of his new album Be More Kind, discussing its creation, themes and recording, as well as fielding questions from the audience. Tickets for the intimate, 80-person event will go on sale from Dice.fm at 10am on Thursday 10 May, limited to two per person. Be More Kind, Turner’s seventh studio album, is out now. Pick up a copy of the new issue of Q for an eight-page interview with him on the road in Mexico.

New Exhibition: Autonomic Tarot

carl — Mon, 14 May 2018 12:26:07 +0000

New Exhibition Autonomic Tarot is the product of a collaboration between writer, David Keenan and artist, Sophy Hollington

The pair have combined forces to create a linocut tarot deck that retains an umbilical to the card’s archaic roots, yet future-visions it as a glam-punk portal deep into the Now. The deck accompanies (and was born from) Keenan’s experimental novella To Run Wild In It and both will be published by Rough Trade Books this summer.

Original prints of the tarot artwork by Sophy Hollington will be on display at The Social from 1st June - 24th July.

sophyhollington.com roughtradebooks.com

Prison Tan Series

carl — Thu, 17 May 2018 12:20:40 +0000

13 FREE parties with people we love this summer at The Social This one is goes out to the pale and interesting, all the sun haters, the hot under the collar and the aircon crew, the redheads and the regular sweaters. This year, like the last 18 before it, we’re working on our prison tans* here at The Social on Little Portland St. Over the course of 13 air conditioned Fridays this June, July and August we’re teaming up with some of the greatest labels in the land (and Nashville!) and a load of bands and zines we love to run a weekly festival in the basement. Always free entry, 241 drinks before 8pm and the best live music, DJs and vibes anywhere in W1.

Friday 29th June - THIRD MAN RECORDS TAKEOVER with YAK, SWAMP MEAT FAMILY BAND, WHIRLD FUZZ DJs + THIRD MAN DJs

Friday 6th July - HEAVENLY RECORDINGS with NIGHT BEATS + 77:78s DJs + HEAVENLY JUKEBOX + JUKEBOX JUNIORS Friday 13th July - INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS OF POP + ALAN POWER + C&S Friday 20th July - BANDS ON FILM #2 LAUNCH with CHEST PAINS + TERRAVI + CROWS DJs + BO NINGEN DJs Friday 27th July - SPEEDY WUNDERGROUND 'YEAR 3' LAUNCH with SCOTTI BRAINS + JW RIDLEY + DEWEY + SPEEDY WUNDERGROUND DJs + SPECIAL SURPRISES! FREE TICKETS

More parties in July and August with Speedy Wunderground, Nadine Shah, Friendly Records, Bands On Film, Art is Hard, a CALM fundraiser and more!

Launches Friday 1st June 2000 and finishes Friday 31st August at 0100 - every Friday night. *the pallid complexion of those who have spent the last few summers at her majesty's pleasure FOLLOW UPDATES ON FACEBOOK HERE

Prison Tan Series

carl — Tue, 22 May 2018 09:23:32 +0000

World Cup at The Social

carl — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 08:12:51 +0000

We'll be following Gareth all the way . . Book a table now for the semi final! over here ---->>>> ---->> x

June

carl — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:48:10 +0000

JUNE SOCIAL

PRISON TAN SERIES - FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER

The PRISON TAN SERIES lands for a summer takeover in the basement this June- FREE ENTRY live gigs and DJs every week. Over the course of 13 air conditioned Fridays this June, July and August we’re teaming up with some of the greatest labels in the land (and Nashville!) and a load of bands and zines we love to run a weekly festival in the basement. Always free entry, 241 drinks before 8pm and the best live music, DJs and vibes anywhere in W1.

Friday 1st June - LAUNCH PARTY with HEAVENLY JUKEBOX // JUKEBOX JUNIORS

Friday 8th June - THE BRISTOL GERM with MXLX // E B U // SCALPING DJs

Friday 15th June - COLD LIPS with SEX CELLS // VOODOOTRON // DOUGLAS HART // LOL HAMMOND // KIRSTY ALLISON // SUPER SPESH SECRET SURPRISE WRITER: BILLY CHILDISH

Friday 22nd June - CXR // BONES SHAKE

Friday 29th June - THIRD MAN RECORDS TAKEOVER

More parties in July and August with takeovers from Heavenly (featuring a special Night Beats show!), The International Teachers of Pop, Speedy Wunderground, Nadine Shah, Friendly Records, Girls On Film, Art is Hard, a CALM fundraiser and more!

Free entry - every Friday in June, July and August - check website for more details.

BAGGY MONDAYS GLASTONBURY THURSDAY SPECIAL MEETS ENGLAND VS BELGUIM IN THE WORLD CUP UPTOWN!

On Thursday 28th June what with Glastonbury having a year off it was a no brainer for us to invite BAGGY MONDAYS to host their now completely legendary Thursday night Glastonbury party with us back here at their original home. The Baggy basement takeover will also include full coverage of the probably crucial ENGLAND VS BELGIUM game at the WORLD CUP. The Social's longest-running night (Est. 2002) is back for more Madchester-powered indie disco mayhem. Expect the Roses, the Mondays, New Order, The Charlatans, Inspirals, Blur, Shed Seven and dancing on the concrete tables.

SATURDAYS

Perfect Social club takeovers every week in the basement + resident Social DJs every week in the top bar. BLUE RINSE is a trip through time and hit every decade head on - Disco, Indie, RnB, Motown, Hip Hop, Pop, Funk and Soul, plucking every musical heartstring along the way. Morrissey to Meatloaf, Elvis to Eminem. Sometimes going to the edge of cheese, sometimes the brink of obscure but they will always stay true to simply playing GREAT MUSIC! (2nd June). The mighty TROJAN RECORDS continue to celebrate their 50th anniversary and this time out Oxman’s birthday too with resident Mistah Brown at the controls (9th June). Whilst STUDIO 45 keeps everyone on their toes with their ska, reggae and soul scorchers and incredible special guest selectors Dave Edwards and French Fred + Dean Thatcher (30th June).

THURSDAYS

Head down each week and find some of London’s best DJs and music lovers laying down nothing but good music. No dancefloor pressure, no genre, just great records.

Including appearances from ANNE FRANKENSTEIN and her collection of sublime vinyl selections, BUGGED OUT’S LITTLE BUGGER mixing everything from techno to rnb, original Social crew GOOD BLOCK bringing the deeper side of their world club, ROUGH TRADE DJs, JACK SELLEN, HEAVENLY JUKEBOX and lots more - keep an eye on the website, our weekly mail out and Social media for news.

LIVE AT THE SOCIAL

Tuesday 5th June - THE FIX with RINA MUSHONGA // FREDDIE LONG // DOM McALLISTER // SPECIAL GUEST

Wednesday 6th June - THE QUIETUS SOCIAL with BLACK MIDI

Thursday 7th June - SINK YA TEETH // MK_ULTRA // A CERTAIN RATIO SOUND SYSTEM

Friday 8th June - THE BRISTOL GERM with MXLX // E B U // SCALPING DJs

Tuesday 8th May - HUW STEPHENS PRESENTS with DYLAN CARTLIDGE // PIZZA GIRL // SOCK

Monday 11th June - NEVERFADE SESSIONS with WARD THOMAS + ALICE + JAMIE YOST + MELANIE BAKER

Friday 15th June - COLD LIPS with SEX CELLS // VOODOOTRON // DOUGLAS HART // LOL HAMMOND // KIRSTY ALLISON // SUPER SPESH SECRET SURPRISE WRITER: BILLY CHILDISH

Wednesday 20th June - VENTURA NIGHTS with THE LUCK

Thursday 21st June - MOINE DUBH SUMMER SOLSTICE SPECIAL with MOINE DUBH LABLE CREW // ANDREW WEATHERALL DJ SET

Friday 22nd June - CXR // BONES SHAKE // C&S (DJ SET)

Tuesday 26th June - AMBIENCE CHASERS #16 with ULRICH SCHNAUSS (DJ SET // SONIC CATHEDRAL DJS // LIVE GUESTS

Wednesday 27th June - AMiR // GUESTS

Friday 29th June - THIRD MAN RECORDS TAKEOVER

TALKS AT THE SOCIAL

Wednesday 13th June - GREAT FOOTBALL ADVENTURES - A remote island in the Pacific. War-torn Lebanon. The heart of football’s spiritual home. Join us for an intimate look at the beautiful game in some of the world’s most unique places. An evening of talks with DARYL WILLARD about football in Azerbaijan, DOM BLISS author of Erbstein: Football’s Forgotten Pioneer and MATT WALKER photographer, writer and football fan who set himself a simple challenge: to experience top level football in all 55 of Europe’s football nations in one year.

Thursday 14th June - Q PRESENTS THE MAKING OF… - In the second of our Q Presents The Making Of… series, on Thursday 14 June we will host a special, strictly-limited capacity with Gruff Rhys. Q writer Tom Doyle will join the Super Furry Animals frontman for an intimate evening of conversation about the making of Gruff’s brilliant new album, Babelsberg. What are the songs about? How did he design them? Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, Gruff will reveal all. He’ll also sign and sell copies too.

Monday 18th June - FABER SOCIAL PRESENTS PALFEST - Faber Social are back for a second year with the Palfest with an extraordinary bill featuring TEJU COLE, EDNA O’BRIEN, OMAR ROBERT HAMILTON, SABRINA MAHFOUZ, RICHARD SCOTT + music from the HEAVENLY JUKEBOX.

EXHIBITIONS AT THE SOCIAL

AUTONOMIC TAROT - Sophy Hollington and David Keenan (starts June 1st)

Autonomic Tarot is the product of a collaboration between writer, David Keenan and artist, Sophy Hollington. The pair have combined forces to create a linocut tarot deck that retains an umbilical to the card’s archaic roots, yet future-visions it as a glam-punk portal deep into the Now. The deck accompanies (and was born from) Keenan’s experimental novella To Run Wild In It and both will be published by Rough Trade Books this summer. Original prints of the tarot artwork by Sophy Hollington will be on display at The Social from 1st June - 24th July.

WORLD CUP AT THE SOCIAL

We’ll be showing all the big game at the bar including of course all the England matches on big screens - drop us a line to book a table

Q Presents The Making Of...Gruff Rhys, Babelsberg

carl — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:04:30 +0000

In the second of our Q Presents The Making Of... series, on Thursday 14 June we will host a special, strictly-limited capacity event at The Social in Little Portland Street, London, W1 with Gruff Rhys. Q writer Tom Doyle will join the Super Furry Animals frontman for an intimate evening of conversation about the making of Gruff’s brilliant new album, Babelsberg. What are the songs about? How did he design them? Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, Gruff will reveal all. He’ll also sign and sell copies too. Tickets are limited and on sale now from here

NIGHT BEATS at The Social!!

carl — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 12:35:41 +0000

HEAVENLY RECORDINGS presents: Night Beats Night Beats bring their sexy, raucous revved up psychedelic R&B to The Social for Prison Tan Series! LIVE NIGHT BEATS DJs Aaron Fletcher (77:78) Heavenly Jukebox +more Night Beats play pure psychedelic R&B music that spikes the punch and drowns your third eye in sonic waves of colour. Theirs is a bastard blues, contorted and distorted into new shapes for 21st century wastoids - once tasted never forgotten. This is music to melt your sorry little minds. FREE TICKET

Third Man at The Social

carl — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 08:26:08 +0000

Some words from TMR in Nashville . . 'Friday June 29th, join us at The Social to celebrate a week of sold out Jack White shows in London with a takeover of the Social, curated by Third Man Records. The Social, with it's familial atmosphere, eclectic and soulful programming, and goofball decadence is in many ways a UK based home away from home for Third Man Records. London noise pop deconstructionists, YAK, headline amid a din of chaos and Birmingham scumbag rock n rollers Swampmeat Family Band warm your greasy cockles to start out the live duties. Third Man DJs start the night and NTS DJs Whirldfuzzz join on the 1's and 2's with garage and psych from around the world.' The initial FREE tickets allocation for this show is now gone . . we'll be releasing another bunch in the coming weeks: JOIN THE MAILING HERE TO FIND OUT FIRST ABOUT THEM BEING RELEASED

Rough Trade Books presents… The Editions

carl — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:40:21 +0000

Rough Trade Books presents… The Editions Monday 23rd July

Rough Trade Editions comes hurtling out of the blocks with their first twelve pamphlets—twelve small good things to encourage, console, renew and rewire the world for their readers. Come celebrate at the launch party on Monday 23rd July at The Social, Little Portland Street where Salena Godden brings forth the fire of her recent work on resistance and rebellion, Olly Todd reconfigures a world of fractured time, the slipperiness of memory and dislocation and Joe Dunthorne lovingly skewers the eccentric heroism of the small poetry presses in a new short fiction. David Keenan and Sophy Hollington re-build our symbolic present with a radical tarot for the counter-culture presented as a work of experimental fiction (check out the exhibition in the upstairs bar whilst you’re there too). Kirk Lake tells the last act of the story of Randolph Turpin, the Leamington Licker, and through it a story of the corruption of capital, pride and identity, while Babak Ganjei’s acts as DJ for the evening playing music that might soundtrack his pamphlet Film Ideas which presents a simultaneously melancholy and hilarious satire of the film world.

TICKETS

Q Presents The Making Of... Resistance Is Futile By Manic Street Preachers

carl — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 22:27:44 +0000

In the third instalment of our Q The Making Of... series on the 19th July we host a special, one-off, strictly-limited capacity event with James Dean Bradfield of Manic Street Preachers. The singer, guitarist and co-songwriter will be joined by producer and long-term Manics collaborator Dave Eringa as the pair discuss the genesis of the band’s brilliant 13th album Resistance Is Futile. The album reached number two in the UK charts upon its release in April. In a 4/5 review, Q said that the band “sound revitalized by the radiance of these songs.” Bradfield and Eringa will reveal if that was the case during an evening of conversation with Q’s Niall Doherty, touching on the creation and journey of each track, as well as fielding questions from the audience and treating the crowd to a few stripped-down renditions. Tickets for the intimate event are available from DICE here. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RZzxbZ6WWY[/embed]

Trojan This Saturday!

carl — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 11:50:40 +0000

T R O J A N Trojan Records' Official Club Night presents... SIR NATION meets HOTSPUR HI-POWAH Saturday 11th Aug - 1900-0100 - Free entry This month we welcome revival scene legend PINTY (Sir Nation Sound System) and top selector MARK HARRIS (Hotspur Hi-Powah) to the Social controls for August's edition of the official Trojan Records party! They'll be digging extra deep to unearth more hidden treasures from one if the greatest musical back catalogues of all time! And then playing them to us! Dancing shoes, as always, mandatory! Since its launch in the summer of 1968, Trojan Records has continually led the way in presenting the very best in classic Jamaican music to fans the world over. During its early days, the company was instrumental introducing reggae into the mainstream, enjoying no less than 36 major UK hits between 1969 and 1975 and, in so doing, introducing the likes of Ken Boothe, Bob & Marcia, John Holt, Jimmy Cliff and The Maytals to a global audience. Now in its 50th year, Trojan Records continues its long-standing tradition of presenting the very best in vintage ska, rocksteady and reggae sounds for your dancing pleasure! Run come celebrate with us on the 2nd Saturday of EVERY month!

The Quietus Social 5th September - Gently Tender

carl — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 19:48:46 +0000

The clue really is in the name here. After years of going to The Social to meet, eat, drink, dance, listen to great writers and hear great music, The Quietus is collaborating with the boss venue for an ongoing series of gigs and get-togethers: The Quietus Social. Kicking off once every three months, the lineups always packed with indie splurge. Always on the pulse, The Quietus have brought us Goat Girl, they've brought us Black Midi and now... They bring us Gently Tender on 5th September! Gently Tender, named for the Invisible String Band track of the same title, were formed by Sam Fryer, Pete Mayhew and Will Doyle from the ashes of their old band Palma Violets, along with The Big Moon’s Celia Archer on keyboard and guitarist Adam Brown. LIVE Gently Tender + Special treats + Quietus DJs TICKETS

Not Going to Green Man, Man (at Prison Tan)

carl — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 14:27:03 +0000

Friday 17th August DJs: Pete Fowler, Sid Newman + Acid Mojito!

We LOVE Green Man, easily one of the best festivals anywhere in the world so we are a tiny bit gutted to be missing it.

The bloody Heavenly Jukebox and Token Girl DJs have gone en masse to Green Man to witness King Gizzard in all their might tear the main stage to pieces . . BUT WHO CARES because Prison Tan continues so come and here and listen to a load of fantastic Green Man inspired music in W1 and of course it's FREE. Graeme and the Social crew are going to make sure Little Portland St is just as much fun, almost, probably.

NEWS JUST IN: Pete Fowler is playing tonight! We're getting Pete out of the studio and into the basement for a rare treat downstairs from 2000-2300, so be an early bird.

Sid from Rough Trade will be taking care of upstairs all night with the coolest house-party-meets-record-shop-uptown selections.

Whilst downstairs our very own Acid Mojito is going to do a special Gizzard inspired set at the same time the band hit the main stage in Wales + and then goes full acid-house-big-beat-twerk-out to keep things rocking until 1am.

Free entry

241 beer and cocktail until 9pm with a free membership card

Always good vibes . .

PS. To all those down there on site - rock it man, we know you will!

New Exhibition: Laura Lewis - Passion 202

carl — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:17:52 +0000

Nicotine-stained walls, garish and dated design, practical wipe-clean furniture: the love hotel rooms documented in Passion 202 aren't perhaps the environment everyone fantasises about for a romantic rendezvous.

Photographer Laura Lewis discovered her fascination for the interiors of Tokyo love hotels while shooting in Japan. Photographed on 35mm film with an almost forensic approach, this series uncovers the rooms that numerous couples have hired for intimacy, anonymity and privacy. The series focuses on the rooms' dated, slightly grubby, and gross-yet-beautiful interiors. We are shown the perfunctory, prescriptive and precision-placed articles and objects that act as the punctuation to sex, and are guided into the transient world of rooms hired for lovers' fleeting encounters.

Exhibition runs at The Social from Sept 10th until October 15th in association with the good people at Rough Trade Books

Prison Tan with Suitman Jungle + Vonica

carl — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:33:53 +0000

Friday 31st August The final Prison Tan party of the year . . our series of 13 free Fridays night parties comes to close on the very last day of summer. TICKETS Thanks to all who have made them so special. Could not be happier to announce that Suitman Jungle and Vonica are our guests for tomorrow's party (Friday 31st) + DJs. Same plan as the last 12 weeks - drinks out from from after work until basement doors at 8pm. Upstairs bar open all day! 241 beers and cocktails before 9pm! FREE ENTRY Suitman Jungle plays live jungle and drum and bass mash-ups using a cocktail drumkit and an SPD-SX. It's incredible. Vonica brings a heady, euphoric and beautifully hypnotic mix of colour in support. Stage times 2100 and 2200.

Some September Highlights

carl — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 12:29:59 +0000

SEPTEMBER SOCIAL Here’s some highlights of what you can find at The Social this September - live shows, club nights, a new exhibition and, of course, always good vibes . . believe in magic. LIVE SHOWS The Quietus Social with Gently Tender Wednesday 5th Sept First of two Quietus Social events this month, featuring the new band Gently Tender, named for the Invisible String Band track of the same title, were formed by Sam Fryer, Pete Mayhew and Will Doyle from the ashes of their old band Palma Violets, along with The Big Moon’s Celia Archer on keyboard and guitarist Adam Brown. Huw Stephens Presents Adwaith + guests Tuesday 11th Sept Huw Stephens' (BBC Radio One) night in our basement is one of London’s longest running and very best new music nights. Every month presenting three new bands and always free for you to come and check stuff out. Adwaith from Carmarthen join us this month. Creation23 Presents Rubber Jaw Thursday 13th Sept 35 years after the birth of one of the most successful and iconic independent record labels, Creation Records, maverick founder and music mogul Alan McGee launches Creation23. First release on the new 7 inch label is Rubber Jaw who’ll be headlining tonight’s party. The Quietus Social with Black Country, New Road Wednesday 19th Sept The good people of Nervous Conditions are back with a new name and a beautifully adjusted lineup, and they are brill: Black Country, New Road make south London experimental rocknroll goodness with added violin and saxophone. With support from Self Help aka our own John Doran doing vocals with heavy electronics player Mark Dicker. Spectres + Bo Gritz Wednesday 26th Sept This September will see Spectres embarking on a selective run of dates to road test the new material from their forthcoming third LP, including a small London show right here at The Social. 100% one not to be missed. TOP CLUBS Trojan Records Saturday 8th Sept The official London club night of Trojan Records can be found every month here on Little Portland St. This month resident Mistah Brown is joined by the mighty Dub Organiser Sound Crew in the form of top selectors Stu Tolhurst and Keith Lawrence alongside the legend that is RS Digital! 8th World Friday 14th Sept The mysterious 8th World crew have been summoned back to the basement for another of their irregular parties. As ever it’s 'DJs TBC', but you can expect a mix of funk/soul/disco/house/techno/electro/hip-hop/dancehall . . and more. Lost In Disco Saturday 15th Sept Almost sold out! A new intimate home for the Lost In Disco crew, still the same raucous party with a soundtrack of disco, soul, funk, rare groove and assorted 70s and 80s dance bangers. Non-stop hip shaking from the off, with massive disco hits from the likes of Earth Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, The Jacksons and Chic, plus rare groove, the greatest in Philly dancefloor magic, dancers, face glitter and the spirit of Studio 54. Hot100 – London International Ska festival Saturday 22nd Sept A very special fundraiser for the irreplaceable London International Ska Festival. Starring 10 of their favourite DJs, singers & producers each selecting their 10 favourite ska, rocksteady & reggae dancefloor tunes. The place is going to be jumping! Featuring Lynval Golding (The Specials), Freddie Notes (Trojan legend), Wrongtom, Nick Manasseh, Mistah Brown, Alan Handscombe, Gio One Stop, Nanker Phelge, Simon Cobb + of course Sean Flowerdew. Studio 45 Saturday 29th Sept Soul. Reggae. Ska. R’n’B. Keeping you on your toes every month with resident selector Dean Thatcher plus this months’ special guests Dean Rudland and Adrian Jae. In loving memory of Stephen Saunders NEW EXHIBITION Laura Lewis – Passion 202 Photographer Laura Lewis discovered her fascination for the interiors of Tokyo love hotels while shooting in Japan. Photographed on 35mm film with an almost forensic approach, this series uncovers the rooms that numerous couples have hired for intimacy, anonymity and privacy. The series focuses on the rooms’ dated, slightly grubby, and gross-yet-beautiful interiors. We are shown the perfunctory, prescriptive and precision-placed articles and objects that act as the punctuation to sex, and are guided into the transient world of rooms hired for lovers’ fleeting encounters.

The Orielles and The Social Present: Disco Wrists

carl — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 10:25:29 +0000

A brand new free club night from The Orielles at Heavenly’s London venue The Social! LAUNCH PARTY FRIDAY 12TH OCT! When The Orielles are not out on the road playing gigs they spend their time listening to hot jams, assembling playlists for each another and spend many a night on the decks at friends’ parties. Recently the band decided to exhibit their disco-groove love in public - for The Pastels at their show in Manchester, Greenman Festival in Wales and a New Years Eve set in Manchester's Northern Quarter . . and now, we’re very excited to announce, a three date residency at The Social in London! The Orielles and friends will blend 90s dance grooves, 70s disco, world music and more to create a feel-good atmosphere that will have everyone boogying all night long! Launch Party on Friday 12th Oct and then two more parties before the end of the year on 30th Nov and 21st Dec for a special Christmas party. Free entry - 1900-0100 Join the Facebook event for updates

The Orielles and The Social Present: Disco Wrists

carl — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 10:30:17 +0000

A brand new free club night from The Orielles at Heavenly’s London venue The Social! LAUNCH PARTY FRIDAY 12TH OCT! When The Orielles are not out on the road playing gigs they spend their time listening to hot jams, assembling playlists for each another and spend many a night on the decks at friends’ parties. Recently the band decided to exhibit their disco-groove love in public – for The Pastels at their show in Manchester, Greenman Festival in Wales and a New Years Eve set in Manchester’s Northern Quarter . . and now, we’re very excited to announce, a three date residency at The Social in London! The Orielles and friends will blend 90s dance grooves, 70s disco, world music and more to create a feel-good atmosphere that will have everyone boogying all night long! Launch Party on Friday 12th Oct and then two more parties before the end of the year on 30th Nov and 21st Dec for a special Christmas party. Free entry – 1900-0100 Join the Facebook event for updates

Hot Wax

carl — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 09:41:52 +0000

Central London’s greatest new weekly party is here in one of W1’s last remaining and best loved music venues. The Social has been throwing parties for 20 years with everyone from Fatboy Slim to Fat White Family, The Chemical Brothers and Hot Chip, Aphex Twin and Adele all playing in the basement on Little Portland St. Now presenting it’s first ever dedicated student club night, HOT WAX every Thursday!! + CHEAP BEERS + CHEAP SHOTS + SUPER CHEAP ENTRY + GUARANTEED HOT WAX ON THE DECKS + STUDENT DISCOUNTS // MEMBERSHIP DEALS + 100% VIBES King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard//Tame Impala//Oh Sees//Shame//IDLES//Fat White Family//Blur//Goat Girl//LCD Soundsystem//The Libertines//ASAP Rocky//The Strokes//Franz Ferdinand//The Maccabees//Radiohead//New Order//Hot Chip//Gorillaz//Florence And The Machine//Jamie T//Ty Segall//Protomartyr//Parquet Courts//Childish Gambino//Black Lips//St Vincent//Kendrick Lamar//Arcade Fire//OutKast//Tribe Called Quest//MGMT//Lorde//MF Doom//Arctic Monkeys//The Horrors//Kasabian//Wolf Alice//King Krule//The Orielles//Kanye West//Courtney Barnett//Beyonce//The XX//MIA//Queens Of The Stone Age//Run The Jewels//Wu-Tang Clan//Charlotte Gainsbourg//Omni//Ought//Yeah Yeah Yeahs//Ghostpoet//Nadine Shah//HMLTD//Vampire Weekend//Nirvana//The White Stripes//Beck//Mac DeMarco//Car Seat Headrest//Pond//Temples//Ariel Pink//The Growlers//Twin Peaks//Fidlar//Hookworms//The Lemon Twigs//Drenge//Conan Mockasin//The Modern Lovers//Hinds//The Kills//OFWGKTA//Beastie Boys and MORE! Starts 8pm upstairs – then until LATE in the basement £3 on the door Free guest list via DICE. EVERY THURSDAY Join the Social family . . . Believe in Magic!