- It's no secret that London is running out of quality nightclubs, so to see Greenwich's Studio 338 reopen after a month of work and heavy investment was reassuring to say the least. When I attended the venue's 12-hour season opening a couple of Saturdays back, I was struck by its spacious Terrace. The room has a relaxed feel about it, with trees, flowers and even a hanging birdcage adorning the walls. More importantly, the sound is great, too.
Despite the high turnout, the party never felt too full—the venue's two dance floors (there are four in total), multiple bars and seating areas are so spread out they easily soak up the numbers. Held over 12 hours, starting at 7 PM, the party had a distinctly un-London feel: there was no mad rush to see a big-name headliner, just lots of people with space to move, dancing and enjoying the surprisingly plush surroundings. Of the main acts, Call Super played first in the Terrace, hitting the decks at 10 PM. His early slot meant the floor was bustling well before midnight, grooving along to the UK artist's bold yet graceful blend of old and new techno.
If the night had a headliner, it was Italojohnson, whose four-hour set started with hard, jacking house. When I checked back later the music had slowed, but the vibe remained just as euphoric and full of energy. Fred P's set was a typical mix of hard-hitting kicks and soulful grooves, whereas Kowton, who closed out the room, opted for a more eclectic approach. I didn't hear much of his set, but the opening gambit—Serge & Tyrell's "Pump O Matic" into Seven Davis Jr's "PARTY"—proved one of the night's more explosive moments.
Given the quality on show, it's easy to see why most people barely left the Terrace. But curious check out the newly created Loft, I headed upstairs. The space had another two bars, a covered smoking area and a heated dance floor. It was cosy and intimate, and it felt as if everyone was there for a reason. After tight sets from Unai Trotti and Davy, Jane Fitz stepped up. She played a set full of warm, fuzzy techno, sticking around the 130 BPM mark. It was a ballsy move, and it worked well in the smaller surroundings, creating an atmosphere that wouldn't have been possible downstairs.
My only reservation about the night was the excessive brightness of the Terrace, which stopped me from fully engaging in any of the sets in there. That said, the night's thoughtful programming and high-class sound made for a great party in a venue that has the potential to reinvigorate London's club scene.
Photo credit: Vision7media