Bar Phono is not the most easy club to find. It is well hidden in the Merrion Centre in Leeds, next to the newsagent at the McDonald's end. It is just a small doorway, that leads to the depths of Bar Phono. You may be forgiven if you're a little intimidated by what you first see, I know ... Read review
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Advantages: Great music, cheap drinks and friendly customers Disadvantages: a bit on the small side
Bar Phono is not the most easy club to find. It is well hidden in the Merrion Centre in Leeds, next to the newsagent at the McDonald's end. It is just a small doorway, that leads to the depths of Bar Phono. You may be forgiven if you're a little intimidated by what you first see, I know I usually am...
The decorum goes with something of a dark feel. The lights are few and far between, with the majority of those existing being UV. This ... ...you go in, and the bar is in the far left. The toilets are absolutely horrible, with wet floors and stale smells, but they work so it's not all bad.
After all that, I suppose I should describe what goes on in this place. It is probably the smallest venue for club nights on the alternative scene, but makes up for it in so many other ways. One night a week, I think thursday (but please don't shout if I'm wrong), they hold a night called ... more
Bar Phono is not the most easy club to find. It is well hidden in the Merrion Centre in Leeds, next to the newsagent at the McDonald's end. It is just a small doorway, that leads to the depths of Bar Phono. You may be forgiven if you're a little intimidated by what you first see, I know I usually am...
The decorum goes with something of a dark feel. The lights are few and far between, with the majority of those existing being UV. This has great potential as you will later find out... The room itself is like a square, with seating around the edges, a dancefloor in the middle, and a big pole in the middle of the dance floor for some reason. The DJ booth is in the far right corner as you go in, and the bar is in the far left. The toilets are absolutely horrible, with wet floors and stale smells, but they work so it's not all bad.
After all that, I suppose I should describe what goes on in this place. It is probably the smallest venue for club nights on the alternative scene, but makes up for it in so many other ways. One night a week, I think thursday (but please don't shout if I'm wrong), they hold a night called 'Cheeky' with loads of jungle rhythms, but as I've never been, I can't explain it any further. They also organise nights for the university Rock Society, host birthday bashes etc. and put on many other special events. These, however, are not what makes Bar Phono the king of the underground.
The weekend is where it happens at Bar Phono. It kicks of on a saturday afternoon, from 2-6pm, and for the grand total of fifty pence, you get to go in, dance about to classic metal, nu-metal, punk, ska, rock, and GOTH!! The bar is also amazingly tempting, with house spirits at 60p a shot, but it's not all good. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be an over-eighteens affair, but a lot of the young 'nu-metal' fans gatecrash, get drunk, and make fools of themselves, only to end up being late home for tea.
After an afternoon of relaxation, and a couple of hours sleep in the early evening, it's straight back for Oblivion. This runs from 9pm-2am, but the earlier you go, the cheaper it is. Before 10, it'll cost you £1, £2 before 11, or £4 after that. The 60p spirits keep running til 11pm, so you can still have a cheap night. However, watch out, as the drinks do go up after 11pm, and appear to do so again after 12am, but that could just be me. The music is strictly alternative, ranging from Rammstein to the Pixies, and everything in between. The sense of community here is amazing. With the huge growth in the Leeds cyber-goth culture, everyone wears whatever they want, and however little they want, (usually accompanied by flashing lights and mad make up that glows in the UV), with no one caring what anyone else says or does. Even the cups glow in the dark so you can see which one's yours!!
If that wasn't enough, they run their members night on a sunday, which is cleverly titled 'Black Sheep'. It plays all shades of 'goth past and present', to keep any underworld hero happy. Membership is £10 for a year, which isn't bad, as once again they give you 60p shots!!
All in all, Bar Phono is an great alternative club, that breeds mutual respect, trust and friendship in it's clubbers. The toilets aren't good, but that's life! Although, if you're not an openminded person, or hate alternative music, I would stay well away!! It's you who'll miss out though...
