The Luminaire - DO NOT USE VENUE CLOSED

The Luminaire is one of Kilburn's shining beacons of culture, joining the Tricyle and the Good Ship in the growing list of reasons to visit the north London pocket. Opened in 2005, the Luminaire set out to create a new gig-going experience, one where bar staff are friendly and sound engineers obliging. Indeed, it won Time Out and Music Week awards for best live venue in its first few years, and it continues to get it right. Good manners aside, its fantastically broad booking policy deserves credit, the intimate venue inviting quality acts from Acoustic Ladyland to Malcolm Middleton on stage. And, if you still need convincing, note that the soundsystem is up to scratch, the decor is stylish and the drinks are fairly priced.