In a nutshell...
It’s a big cinema-turned-music venue which hosts eclectic events in an electric atmosphere.
Where is it?
On the corner of Pentonville Road – just a two-minute saunter from King’s Cross St Pancras.
What’s the vibe?
It’s the Freddie Flintoff of venues. If that metaphor stumped you, we mean: it’s an all-rounder that’s reliable and doesn’t take itself too seriously. With several rooms and bars to get stuck into, it can be the perfect size for any gig-going Goldilocks: not too small, not too big, just right.
What makes it a great venue?
For starters, the place boasts a cracking history that’s focused on being alternative. It was the only venue to ever host (and somehow insure itself against) Iggy & The Stooges, in 1972, and illegally showed ‘A Clockwork Orange’ in 1993, leading it to almost going bankrupt. Yet, at nearly 100 years old, it’s as forward-looking as it is historic. Line-ups here are ridiculously varied, ranging from four-to-the-floor beats on its four floors to live guitar music and everything in between.
What’s the booze situation?
Scala is reasonably priced compared to most London venues – and you can enjoy drinking in either its Foyer bar, upstairs Glass bar or Balcony bar.
What’s coming up?
Remember how varied we said it was? This month alone there’s a massive salsa and Afro-Latin night, ’90s indie (Shed Seven!) and a University of Dub ‘history roots and culture’ event. This week though look out for Sandy, aka the artist formerly known as Alex G.
