The Rhythm Factory

Since bemoaning the state of London’s clubbing scene is a full-time job for some people, the gems are being forgotten. Which is fine because it means more space for everybody else and crowds who come for the music rather than the hype.

The Rhythm Factory has a special place in this reviewers’ heart, ever since every month of 2006 was spent waiting for the regular Breakin’ Bread nights that never failed to deliver. Break dancing, scratching, MCing – it was a student rap fan’s dream. That night might not be the draw it once was but the Rhythm Factory has always been one for pushing forward-thinking, dynamic musical lineups. Dubstep, drum ‘n’ bass, dancehall and house still rocks the rooms from Thursday through to Sunday and judging by the crowd on our visit, people remain appreciative of the booking policy that insures ‘proper’ music.

Never one to appeal with its looks, the space has been spruced up in the past few years, which has set a clearer divide between the rooms. The front bar is all food, artwork and ambience while the real music remains in the two warehouse spaces in the back. Simply, there’s a DJ booth, a wide dance floor and a small amount of old leather sofas that must have been around since before this was even a club.

Not everybody understands the fuss about the Rhythm Factory but if you’re a clubbing fan then you’ll get its appeal. It’s a dirty, seedy club that is strictly about the music and if you can get on board with that then a visit to Whitechapel Road and an all-nighter here is long overdue.