Strongroom

Since opening in 2000 - in the midst of Shoreditch's sea of pubs and clubs - this venue has been an unhurried but consistent success story. It is attached to the Strongrooms recording studio and occasional rumblings can be heard through the walls. The mood is laid back and unpretentious with a crowd of similarly relaxed 20-somethings propping up the bar. The interior follows the same blueprint: colourful but functional rather than decorative. There's a decent amount of seating but it doesn't get in the way of space to dance. This is a great spot to spend an entire day. Sit outside in the courtyard for a few pints through the afternoon, indulge in a filling gourmet burger to ward off hunger and finally descend into the basement to strut your stuff till the small hours. Music changes depending on the night: acoustic, folk, 60s, rock, and electro have all featured recently. On weekends - from seemingly still beginnings - the ground floor can degenerate into a sweaty pit of flailing arms as the DJ whips up the crowd. There's no dress code - in fact they specify: "strictly no suits"- and it's even free to get in.