ICA Bar

The Institute of Contemporary Arts has long been a showcaser of art and film, since 1947 to be precise. Today it even hosts some very respectable club nights in the bar area, amongst which most recently was the NYC Downlow Halloween party.

The ICA contains two exhibition spaces, two cinemas, a theatre, private function rooms, and a bar area split on two levels. Small but cosy, there is a loungey area downstairs by the theatre entrance with a makeshift bar which opens on busy nights, the main bar and DJ area is upstairs on a mezzanine level.

Events at the bar are in-keeping with the venue’s policy of pushing the artistic, the experimental, and the downright fun, with events like Gay Bingo and Pet Sounds, the later showcasing songs from the 50’s through to the 80’s written about or dedicated to pets. In the past the venue has played host to illustrious DJ’s such as Steve Bicknell of Lost party fame. Entry to bar events is always free, as are the exhibitions, however membership is available which grants discounted access for films and plays.

Partying at the ICA is always an interesting experience, located in such close proximity to pall Mall, one feels distinctly rebellious yet strangely at east amongst the interesting characters that flock here of an evening.