Archer Street Live

Have you ever accidentally gone to the wrong party but stuck around anyway because you were enjoying yourself? Yeah no, me neither… However when I recently went to Archer Street Live it felt a bit like that. Everywhere I looked people were pulling out musical instruments from their bags, pockets – one girl pulled a harmonica out of what looked like her makeup case. Everyone was a musician and they all seemed to know each other…

The night feels like an open-mic comedy club except rather than the miserable-looking acts muttering their jokes to themselves in the corner, these people look happy. Even the staff are musicians – in fact, I soon learned, it is a prerequisite to getting a job there. There is a genuine love for music which was no more apparent than when I was greeted by the host and singer/songwriter Portia Emare. She explained that these nights positively welcome and nurture new talent then she promptly walked on stage and belted out several numbers with an excellent jazz band.

All of the music was brilliant and the live acts were broken up by well chosen filler songs. The atmosphere was relaxed and the musical passion infectious. If you are a music lover it’s definitely a place to experience and if you play an instrument take it with you as you may even get a change to perform. The guests were an eclectic bunch and there were some brilliant paradoxes. One man – looking like a young Ja Rule (dressed in bandana and trousers so low they defied gravity)- sensibly sipped on a glass of red all night, occasionally fixing his discretely fitted ear plugs.

The venue itself is cosy, with booth furniture and atmospheric lighting. The doorman was friendly and the staff were knowledgeable. I decided against getting a cocktail – at £11 each – when I discovered a B@1 across the road which does Buy-1-get-1-Free cocktails for £8.50. However, later on, feeling Inspired by the fella with the earplugs and bandana I did order a glass of merlot… glad I did.

A great night – especially for music lovers and musicians. Check Archer Street’s website for more listings. Archer Street Live guests who reserve in advance will receive a 20% discount? Bookings can be made to [email protected].

Archer Street

3-4 Archer Street

Soho

W1D 7AP

Gareth is a writer on our collaborative story High Society. The latest part can be read here.

Check out Gareth’s Youtube Channel and Booksie Page for his films and short stories.