North London Food & Culture

Is Jukes Bar the new Shebeen?

Kentish Town's new speakeasy and late-night music venue opens tonight. Here's what to expect

It’s always atmospheric down in the basement. Photo: Jukes

So, the cute downstairs bit that was once a really good cocktail bar – #bringbackshebeen! – and latterly a not-so-good-one is back. And this time it’s called Jukes.

It is, of course, owned by superior new upstairs dining option Neighbour (read our review here) and so expectations are suitably high. Let’s hope they can mix a damn good cocktail – or at least one as impressive as neighbours Ladies & Gents, Boulogne Bar and Knowhere Special.

The opening party takes place tonight, in fact (29th September). Local resident DJ, Jack Clover is playing funk, soul, house and disco, and the event is guest list only so you need to email someone called Amanda to get in (amanda.chester@sky.com). Or perhaps just ask nicely on the door at the very least.

Following tonight every Friday night will be known as The Hood, and will introduce a range of other DJs as well as live sets from the likes of percussionist Don Bastardo.


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Future weekly nights also include Sunny’s Boudoir, an alternative soiree of 80s and 90s tunes with a dressing up box – now you’re talking – and an artist showcase night, Diplomats of Sound.

So, about that negroni… which incidentally, like all their cocktails, is 2-for-1 between 5pm and 7pm. Bargain.

But as good as Shebeen? Time will tell.

Follow @jukesnw5 on Twitter for the latest on the various nights. Open daily 5am till 11pm and 1am weekends. Jukes Basement Bar (below Neighbour), 300 Kentish Town Road, NW5

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