With the economy in a bit of a pickle, the opening of a venue championing the poignant side of music was probably the best timed of 2009! I jest of course, for Charlotte Street Blues provided one of the most entertaining nights I’ve had in ages. Set in a characterful three storey converted Georgian house, Charlotte Street Blues lays claim to being the largest Blues Bar in London.
The atmospheric venue features live blues 7 nights a week, and boasts three bars, as well as over 100 varieties of bourbon. The cocktails are good and provide decent value too, at around £6 a pop. Its nightly rotating programme of events carries the intention of helping new British and Irish Blues bands make their mark in the industry, whilst also promoting more established home-grown and international groups.
Due to its immense popularity, the venue recently decided to double the fun with the launch of The Juke Joint – a brand new venue in their basement with more live bands, DJs, films and open-mic nights. Highlights include Highway 74 on Mondays, showcasing the hottest bands playing anything from blues to hip hop; and Sunday Movie Nights where visitors can enjoy an eclectic variety of classic films!
We went down on a Wednesday evening – their open mic night – and was pleasantly surprised by the eclectic and friendly crowd. Groups of suits sat comfortably alongside young hipsters, a few old-time rockers and shrieking media girls.
Obviously, the food is a sideshow to the overall experience, but it was more than fit for purpose. A massive plate of Chicken nachos and some Cajun blackened chicken for around £5 a pop were great to nibble on over a few beers. Burgers were also a case of quantity over quality, although they were plenty good enough, featuring juicy meat smothered with cheesy cheese and crisp bacon.
For a cheap and fun night out in London, Charlotte Street Blues is definitely up there with the best!
Food: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Value: 4/5
(Fun): 5/5
Cuisine type: American
Meal for two (excluding drinks): £30
Beers: £3.50
Cocktails: £6
Charlotte Street Blues
74 Charlotte Street,
London, W1T 4QH
Tel: 0207 580 0113
