This Thursday just gone saw the 2010 edition of the D&AD Awards ceremony at Camden’s Roundhouse. The annual ceremony is something I’ve worked towards during 2008, 2009, and most of the 2010 awards cycle. To celebrate the end of another awards (if you discount the release of the annual probably some time in September), and as a tedious tie-in to this week’s ‘classic’ themed issue... here’s a review of the place as a venue.

The Roundhouse doesn’t just cater for industry events. The day to day duties of the ex-train shed is a musical and performing arts venue. If you want to know about its suitability to the format, I can tell you the name ‘Roundhouse’ isn’t coincidental. The main hall is really just a big circle, with half the surrounding wall covered in a first floor balcony. Better than perfect to see a concert. Every square foot of the floor offers a perfect viewing position for whatever’s going on in the middle, sort of like an old school amphitheatre only the audience are on the same level as the performers. That whole set up creates a very communal feel to any gig. It feels like the band (if you’re there to see a band), have just set up in your living room.

When you’re at an event, you expect the atmosphere to be the responsibility of whatever act it is you’re there to see, but the venue can still help out as much as possible. At the Roundhouse, there aren’t any corners for the atmosphere to hide. The circular shape increases the efficiency of enjoyment for everyone stuck inside once the doors are locked.

It’s not really a bar, or a pub, which means you don’t have to drink to entertain yourself, you get entertained by other means. So the drink selection isn’t too great. However there’s enough to keep your wallet busy whatever you’re after. If not a varied selection, the options they do have are at least good ones. The price of the drinks is surprisingly good also. A lot of places know that because of the ticket price they don’t need to make much money from booze sales, and once the punters are locked inside, where else are they gonna go? The water’s usually more expensive than beer. In the Roundhouse? Not so. Drinks stay roughly the same price as in any local bar. Which is nice.

BEER SELECTION: Poor variety, but what they do have is good stuff, without being to niche. ***

COST OF A ROUND: Around £10. Because it’s either them or no one, they could charge whatever they want, but they don’t. Commendable. ***

STAFF: Hired professional bar staff. Not just gap year students thinking they’re getting life experience. ****

FOOD: You can’t get any food during a gig, but their daytime café is pretty good. Their own catering team are great if you’re planning an event. ***

SKIRT RATIO: Probably the best time to interact with people whose tastes resemble your own. Plus with a great atmosphere, everyone gets a little too caught up in ‘the moment’ don’t they? *****

Overall: If there’s a band/show/event on that you’re into. It’s a great place to see it in. ****

Roundhouse - Camden - Brought to you by James Wormald -