London Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH (Last updated 30.11.2024).
The architectural dream that is The Roundhouse remained elusive for me for so long, but as time goes on it’s a more regular trip. Strange, as when I started gig-going from the London suburbs in 1979 I didn’t get to go there – I had to wait until 2011, when living in Dorset. As a teenager I focused on West/Central London venues and very rarely ventured north to Camden or Islington.
The Roundhouse was first on the radar for me in 1977 when The Stranglers recorded much of their Live X-Cert album there and it’s now unlikely to be forgotten as I proposed to my wife there in 2019, at a Rifles gig. (My blog of that one linked here.)
My visits have taken in bands such as Sparks, Psychedelic Furs, The Lathums, Echo and the Bunnymen, Sisters of Mercy, The Skids and Killing Joke. I’ve always found I have enjoyed the venue. Latest visit was for Hard-Fi on 30.11.2024, before that The Jesus and Mary Chain on 30.3.2024. (Links to my blog of that one.)
It was once an old train shed that was used to turn engines around in on a turntable – hence the beautiful and unusual round shape.
Inside, the ornate arrangement of refurbished industrial ironworks supports the roof. The pillars do make for a reason to choose a standing position thoughtfully, and if able to get a relatively exclusive seat, then even more carefully.
Standing just in front of a pillar limits passing traffic, pushing through to the front. It’s also handy for taking photos without getting in the way. Front left is a good spot and I’m also happy around the mixing desk.
There’s plenty of more detailed venue info on the Roundhouse website. The capacity is still a bit unclear. I think it’s 1800 for standing gigs, which includes the fairly small circular balcony.
At standing gigs there is that seated balcony. There are eight rows of balcony seats, curving right round between two private viewing areas, one to the left of the stage being the members’ bar.
A downside is the toilet provision, unless you’re lucky enough to have access to the members’ area. Don’t bother fighting it in an interval. You need to pick your moments.
The ales in The Roundhouse are pretty good and service works. Rear of the main auditorium downstairs bar is often the best option.
Pre-Gig Options
Camden is your oyster… and The Roundhouse is just north-west of the heart of it. So many options. As you come up from around Camden Town tube (or down a bit from Chalk Farm – also on the Northern Line) there are so many decent pubs (including the Hawley Arms; The Lock Tavern; Camden Assembly Pub). There are the food stalls in the market and the Vietnamese restaurant Thanh Binh, just north of the bridge.
The Muang Thai restaurant on the main drag opposite the venue is another great spot to eat and wait for doors to open or queues to subside.
I used to aim for Joe’s Bar on the main drag but it’s all closed up, making The Enterprise even more rammed than it might be on a gig night, good boozer though it is.
Another different option is Powerplant (89 Chalk Farm Road): vegan heaven, with some decent canned ales in the fridge.
Venturing up passed the Roundhouse and over the railway bridge there is The Pembroke Castle, with decent outside space, just out of the way. Often pleasantly busy. Good ale selection on the pumps and if very full then pop and sit in the upstairs bar area.
The London Roundhouse continues to be a highlight of many a tour and I will never tire of the selection of pubs to enjoy before you get there.
Gigs with Ivan 