KOKO in London is known as one of the best nightclubs in the city for so many good reasons. Set in the old Camden Theatre, it retains many of the fixtures and all of the charm of the circa 1900s entertainment venue. It has a long and checkered history over the years.

The Camden Theatre hosted variety shows, like Charlie Chaplin, until it began showing films in 1913.

From the 1940s to 1960s, it was used as a BBC theatre, and then in the 1970s it became a punk rock venue called the Music Machine, playing host to legendary rockers like The Clash and The Sex Pistols.

In the 1980s it was renamed the Camden Palace and hosted acts like Madness, Madonna, and the Eurythmics.

It lingered on as a club through the 1990s, getting more and more run down until it was renovated and reopened in 2004 as KOKO. Now it attracts musical acts like Coldplay, Babyshambles, and Mudhoney.

They have club nights and variety nights, and are well known for their alternative music nights. They also have special events, like a recent Agent Provocateur catwalk show and party, so be on the lookout for anything!

KOKO is a lovely old venue, decorated in rich red and gold, all long curtains, carved walls, and beautiful vintage fixtures. It has a decadent Moulin Rouge feel to it, which is the perfect setting for a fantastic club night out. Its huge stage makes it a great gig venue, and chandeliers share ceiling space with a giant disco ball. Thick carpeting and plush balcony boxes give it the feel of a rock concert in an opera house.

Downstairs at KOKO there is a glass bar lit with coloured lights, an interesting modern counterpoint to the baroque surroundings. There are also bars upstairs, which are a nice place to take a break from the dancing below. KOKO is spread over three tiers, with a bar on each, so service is brisk and friendly.

KOKO in London is a great place to see live music in a wonderful vintage setting.

Visiting KOKO

1A Camden High Street, Camden Town, NW1 7JE

Telephone: 0870 432 5527

Photo courtesy: wetwebwork

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