This karaoke bar cum comedy club doubles up as a live music venue on Monday nights; it’s so small you’ll be scared to breathe lest you’re overheard. Lovers of intimate venues will be delighted; they don’t come much cosier than this.
Blink and it’s easy to miss the doorway with the ultra-discreet sign labelling the bar. Down a flight of steps is where this teeny venue resides, with a smattering of tables facing the stage and a bar serving bottled beers (£3.80), cocktails and some very decent Italian wines.
The venue can be hired out for karaoke parties of up to 30 people from Thursday to Sunday at a cost of £75 an hour, whilst [Edit 15/03/2011: Mondays], Tuesdays and Wednesdays are comedy nights.
There are pizzas, bruschetta and servings of garlic bread available for those with an appetite, however having a steaming hot pizza delivered when one is practically wedged in between other punters seems a tad uncomfortable.
The stage lacks the space for a full band, therefore it lends itself best to acoustic sets though past performers have included jazz bands such as the Brandon Allen Quartet and Quentin Collins. While the acoustics are perfectly clear, unfortunately the thumping beats of a nearby club are audible throughout the performances, making a gig here a slightly surreal experience.
This is not to say The Source Below isn’t charming, atmospheric and the kind of place you want to take someone to when you want to impress on them how ‘in the know’ you are regarding London’s most hidden venues. Or if they’re a karaoke fan.
