Around the UK in 80 Venues: Hoxton Hall, London

Posted on Aug 5th 2010 5:25AM by Emily Kendrick
Comments

Location: Hoxton Street, East London

Website: www.hoxtonhall.co.uk

Capacity: 120 - 40 of which can be seated on the upper balcony.

Come to See: Although not strictly marketing itself on the basis of booking for serious musicians, Hoxton Hall really does not suit walls of guitar noise and ear-bursting drums. However, from seven-piece folk bands to a trio of electronic hipsters there is more than enough variety to their live music events, many of which will be exclusives for larger acts, or the only time rising stars will hit such a tiny venue on their way to the top.

The Atmosphere: The more modest dimensions of Hoxton Hall give very little space for illusion between artist and fans. When asked why bands choose to stage their shows there, Programme and Leases Manager Siva Zagel said: "It's the one to one intimacy with the artists I think, for example Foals hosted a competition for 80 winners to see them and it's being able to cater to that exclusivity." And it's all the better for it - intense music that feeds on the brilliant acoustics of the venue works so well here, creating a unique experience that borders on being uncomfortably close to the music.

You Saw Them Here First: Boasting no guest list, Hoxton Hall was the site of the XX's first headline show (Aug. 2009), since which time the four have become three and gone on to become household names in the UK. Alongside the former are another two of this year's Mercury Prize nominees, Wild Beasts who played Aug. 2009 and Foals. Whilst live music bookings for the venue are dealt with by hiring a more specialist affair, there have still been a variety of acts who have grown to wider acclaim since playing here. Broken Records, DM Stith, Klak Tik and One Republic all feature in the venue's archive of bands to watch. Hoxton Hall also has a keen eye this year, with bookings including those on the fast-track to notoriety such as Chew Lips and Perfume Genius.

Claim to Fame: At almost 150 years old, there is very much a weight of respect about the place and in its time has remained the centre of the Hoxton community, as one of the only surviving original music saloon bars. The hall, a Grade II listed building, feels like a genuine one-off with such ornate features in the wrought iron balcony spindles, an upright piano in the cafe bar, along with a bar barely big enough to accommodate the two staff running it.

You Should Also Know: Built in 1863, 2010 to 2011 marks the hall's restoration period, where spaces are being given an upgrade, and it is hoped the venue will be a beacon for regeneration in the area. Renovation works will retain the quirky character of the building, but as Siva says, "we're looking to expand the capacity, as the 120 is currently for the whole building. We'd like to open up the opposite balcony in Stuart Hall to seat 20 more, and there will be a 70-seater studio in the adjacent dance hall, where you will see the bar ordinarily, which will have sound proofing between that and the Hall."

At its birth, the hall was set the mission of providing entertainment to the "humbler classes", and has in its time been used for theatre, music, dance and as a children's centre, as well as serving as an air raid shelter. The venue still retains that multi-functional aspect, promoting youth arts in Hackney and stretching out into London, with more to come as rehearsal rooms are improved. Hoxton Hall was also owned, at one point, by the manufacturers of Quaker biscuits.

Booking Now: Marmaduke Dando as well as various theatrical and art events.