Restaurants

Alternatives
Cocomo
This barely lit DIY Moroccan bar is loved by locals not up for the new rave sounds pounding out of most clubs and bars in the area. First Monday of the month is a folky acoustic open mic session, email chrisrotter666@hotmail.com to get your name down.
Diary date Dec 4, free.
Cocomo, 323 Old St, EC1 (020 7603 0315) Old St tube/rail.

Duke of Uke
The Spitalfields ukulele and banjo emporium heads down Bethnal Green way for its monthly celebration of all things twangy. This one’s also the Christmas party, so expect the odd Chrimbo carol remixed in a banjo style.
Diary date Dec 17, 8pm-11pm, £6.
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, 42-44 Pollard Row, E2 (www.dukeofuke.co.uk) Bethnal Green tube. Feature continues

Raison d’Etre Lady Soul Sessions
This one’s just for the ladies (well, behind the mic anyway). Seeking out talent for their excelent Raison d’Etre parties across London, a midweek acoustic session in an excellent west London pub.
Diary date Dec 13, 8pm-12midnight, free.
Raison d’Etre, The Pelican, 45 All Saints Rd, W11 (020 7792 3073) Westbourne Park tube

Rock ’n’ Roll Cinema
Returning just for the autumn and winter season, this offers short flicks and comfy vintage red seats, girls on rollerskates bringing popcorn and drinks, rock’n’roll bands, DJs and a crowd that cause mayhem and bruises on the dancefloor. Sunday evenings were made for this!
Diary date Dec 3, 4pm-10.30pm, £5.
Rock ’n’ Roll Cinema, 93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane, E1 (www.93feeteast.com) Liverpool St tube/rail.

Trial & Error
Bringing together up-and-coming alternative folk talent (call them ‘modern troubadours’ if you want to sound the part), the next date sees ‘the next José González’, Findlay Brown, plus David Viner and The Alberta Cross.
Diary date Nov 23, 8pm-1am, £8.
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 (www.trialanderrorrecordings.com) Old St tube/rail.