The Astoria

Enjoy it while it's still here... (sniff)

06 May 08, 00:37 As expected

The Astoria is certainly one of the dirtier venues of London. In fact it was a bit of a shock when the smoking ban came in and everyone realised what the place actually smelt like when it wasn’t pumped full of cigarette smoke…

The bar on the way up to the balcony gets top marks purely for being called the Keith Moon bar (top tip – you can always get served quickly here – it’s worth nipping out to even if you’re on the ground floor!)

Downstairs the view can be quite restricted at the back so at the risk of sounding old this is the one venue in London where I actually prefer to get there early and grab a table upstairs. Yes – tables! Genius.

(If you don't want to see the Astoria demolished for yet more offices/shops please sign the petition. Save The Astoria: http://www.petitiononline.com/savethea/)

Fabulous Darling

28 Apr 08, 12:22 Beyond expectations

I've seen sooo many bads miming here .. its great. Dark, pokey and definately for the discerning clubber. Its all about the atmosphere. Warm friendly crowd. I have lost count of the bands i have seen here. Steps, Gina G, Mc Fly and a whole selection of random acts including Scooch. If ur into ur 80s disco, head for Camp Attack nights, you wont be disappointed.

Legendry venue!

17 Apr 08, 13:33 Above expectations

I've been to the Astoria a few times - to see bands and for the hugely popular G-A-Y night and really enjoyed myself every time!

It's not the big bright shining mecca that some expect, in fact it's a dirty dingy box, but this is definitely all about the atmosphere rather than the setting, and the G-A-Y nights are always a great laugh, especially Saturdays as there's usually some popstar or other on stage who's then all over the papers the following week!

Oh... but it's soon to be knocked down to make way for the new London above-ground train project. Hmmm....

Listen

16 Apr 08, 02:04 Above expectations

It always feels a bit like The Astoria is crumbling and covered in filth but it's a very popular gig venue.

If you're not bothered about being in touching distance of a band and feel a bit old, my tip would be to go upstairs and get a good table. Then you can sit all night and enjoy a great view. There are lots of bars to keep you fluid also.

It also hosts the tired and predictable G-a-y night which may get great acts due to it's corporate status, but doesn't exactly play the best music. Go to wig out at ghetto instead.

Fantastic gay night

01 May 07, 10:46 Beyond expectations

This is somewhat of an institution in London's gay scene. Every Saturday night thousands of people get dressed up and dance the night away at the impressive Astoria venue. Big name popstars like Kylie come on at about 1am, and it's always a fantastic show. A really fun and camp night out.

The Astoria

01 May 07, 10:07 Above expectations

Music gig and club venue. As it is not massive it's great if you can see a big band here. There is a choice of going upstairs to watch from the balcony or downstairs. Each has its perks; upstairs offers a good view of the stage but the wideish standing area offers great atmosphere. The bar is not cheap but not hugely overpriced and offers a narrow choice of drinks , fairly standard for London venues but this won't be your main reason for going. The sound has always been good when I've been. I loved seeing Supergrass here on the 10 year anniversary tour, the crowd was great.