Barfly bounced onto centre stage, like so many pogoing punksters in 1996. It quickly became a regular of the London indie circuit associated since its inception with the bands of tomorrow. The list of bands that have played there includes most of the big stars of live music today.

The last decade has seen the Barfly empire spread to other parts of the country and into the media with seven more venues and regular TV and festival sessions, but don't be put off as the venue still pulses with the same bizarre mix of nerds and coolies, legends and lost causes that have always made it a good bet for a great night out.

A steady flow of big names playing secret gigs and small names playing on their way to fame or failure makes this one of the best bets on the Camden strip.