A basement venue holding 300, Barden’s Boudoir is the jewel in Stoke Newington’s comparatively bare live music crown.

With decadent surroundings, including some rather luscious leather sofas, there is a slightly Bohemian feel to this place. And the crisp sound makes it an appealing place to enjoy some top bands, just a little off the well trodden Shoreditch path.

Add in some of the friendliest bar staff you are likely to find in a city where those little silver platters for your change couldn’t be more unnecessary, and you find a very good reason to venture to Stokey.