The Double Club: art installation meets funky bar
The Double Club in Islington, North London
* This venue is now closed *
Thursday 20 November saw the pre-launch of a temporary new hangout in London, as the German artist Carsten Höller, known for his slide installation at Tate Modern last year, unveiled his new design. This time, Höller cast his craft on a former warehouse in Angel, North London, and turned it into a stylish bar, restaurant and nightclub, themed around Congolese art and culture, which he has increasingly become fond of. The event (co-sponsored by the Nigerian Guaranty Trust Bank) was attended by artists, creatives, media execs and celebs, including designer Ozwald Boateng, actor and model Rodney Charles, Sharleen Spiteri (former singer of rock band Texas) and TV presenter George Lamb, all up to see this new bona fide extravaganza!
The Double Club, which will open for the next six months, is in fact divided in three separate spaces. The nightclub hosts a capacity of 250 revellers, around a centre platform on which DJs play the African sounds of ndombolo and soukouss, and London’s genre du jour, electro, in rotation. The bar is spacious with a double sided counter, where various Congolese beers including Primus and Turbo King are served, among other brews. This is also the most eye-catching setting of the three, as all the walls are decorated with iconic paintings representative of Congo, including art by Congolese artist Cheri Samba. The restaurant is an equally well-ornated eatery, with works by another Congolese artist, Moke. As the concept of this new venue is to see “the Congo meet the West” and vice versa, the menu offers a nice selection of Western and Congolese cuisine. The Congolese menu includes ‘Kossa Kossa’ (giant spicy shrimps), ‘Makabayu’ (salted fish with onions) and ‘Chicken Bouakee’ (Congolese braised chicken), all served with plantain or rice. And overall (Western food included), you’re in for a rather affordable degustation, with prices ranging from £ 6.50 to £ 42.00 (for a Scotch Cote De Boeuf for two)! The restaurant will also host live music acts (as we had the privilege to witness at the launch party), playing anything from African folk to jazz.
No doubt that the Double Club will soon become the place to be, so go and see it for yourself- chances are you will become a regular there for the next six months!
This article was originally published in November 2008. The Double Club is now closed.
