London

Rock out: our favourite club - Barden's Boudoir

Myth 3 ‘It rocked back in 1996, but it’s so over now’
Barden’s Boudoir
A favourite of many Time Outers (we’re listing begrudgingly, we don’t actually want anyone else to know about it), this small basement venue is home to sizzling live gigs and indie-centric club nights with some 14 curious alcoves decorated in a modern art student style to try and squeeze into.
38-44 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 (020 020 7249 9557/www.bardensbar.co.uk) Dalston Kingsland rail. Feature continues

Bistrotheque
Not the easiest venue to find, but retrace your steps until you do: there’s a cabaret bar that’s home to the twisted likes of the Bistrotheque Christmas Drag Panto, co-written by Jonny Woo, from December 1, plus a candle-lit dining room for brunch, lunch and dinner and an antique mahogany bar.
23-27 Wadeson St, off Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 (020 8983 7900/www.bistrotheque.com) Bethnal Green tube. Brunch: Sat, Sun, bank holidays 11am-4pm. Dinner: Mon-Sun 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Melange Social Club
The Oarsman, a traditional canalside boozer, has been overrun by an ‘art collective’ who have installed the likes of new rave indie upstarts the Teens of Thailand to handle the Monday comedown session (‘Hands Up! Who Wants To Die?’).
281 Kingsland Rd, E2 (07896 350086) Dalston Kingsland rail.

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
With queues round the block by 8.45pm most nights, this place begged us not to say anything about its burlesque try-out parties, hilarious DIY cabaret or dress-up rockabilly nights. So we haven’t. Not really.
44-46 Pollard Row, E2. Bethnal Green tube. For events see www.workersplaytime.net

Passing Clouds
Down a back alley and alongside a disused train track lies this intriguing mixed-use arts and music space that’s seen midnight movies, ska nights and record label launches since its opening in June. Rumours about licensing persist: double-check before you make the trek up Kingsland Road.
Richmond Rd, E8 (020 7168 7146/ www.myspace.com/passingclouds) Dalston Kingsland rail.