Bar Rumba Relaunches
Legendary London venue Bar Rumba relaunches with refreshed techno slanted music policy
Words: Allan McGrath
A venue ingrained with clubbing history, Shaftsbury Avenue's legendary Bar Rumba is re-launching with a refreshed music program that promises to bring it back in line with the cutting-edge of current clubbing trends.
An institution in London's clubbing scene, Bar Rumba has played host to some of London's most legendary nights including one of breakbeat's original defining club nights in Adam Freeland, Rennie Pilgrim and Tayo's Friction, the eclectic That's How It Is with Gilles Peterson, gay party DTPM and Thursday night d&b institution Movement.
Recent years have seen it slip off the radar but a new roster promises deep, dirty and cutting edge techno from outfits like Shane Watcha's Zombies At My Brain, Matt Tolfrey's Leftroom, Latenightaudio and LT Editions whilst a new dubstep promotion is also planned. Movement, meanwhile, moves fortnightly in an effort to bolster their events with even more talent that previously as they go all out of their DJ and MC line-ups.
"The relaauch is about returning to the pioneering spirit of the original Bar Rumba," said new musical director James Manero. "This city used to be king for music, but right now Berlin, Ibiza and Berlin are all doing it better. It's time for a much needed renaissance in London's club scene. For our relaunch there's no multi-million pound refurb, there's no new cocktail list, none of that rubbish, this is 100% about our musical policy and having the best parties in London."
Bringing East London's techno to the West End, the relaunch and 15th birthday celebration will see Shane Watcha's Zombies Ate My Brain take control of the intimate, underground venue on Friday 26th September. It will run from 10pm to 6am with a £10 with the veune hoping to entice the most switched on nightcrawlers to the West End.
"Anyone unaware of what's happening inside the club and just looking for somewhere to drink 'til 5am won't get in," said James on their door policy. "We want a crowd who invests in their night, checking out the latest happenings on MySpace or Facebook, people coming to the club for a reason. A lot will be word of mouth, but we're also expecting a lot of the existing regulars from the various parties."
