Out in the City Issue 15 March 08

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THE RETRO BAR
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For many years now, one of our favourite hangouts
in the West End has been the Retro Bar, tucked away
on George Court, just off The Strand. This traditional London
pub is spread over two fl oors, and exudes personality
due to its funky décor. The walls are plastered with stylish
B&W photos of alternative rock and pop icons – everyone
from Morrissey and Courtney Love to Patti Smith and
David Bowie. The venue attracts a suitably eclectic mix of
customers, from Arctic Monkeys-loving young students
through to… well, those who can still clearly remember
punk the fi rst time around! Thankfully, the all-encompassing
jukebox stocks thousands of diff erent tracks – more than
enough to keep everyone happy.
The late Simon Hobart originally launched the venue as
the Popstarz Bar, but it became the Retro Bar ten years
ago, and has been presided over for most of that time by
manager Wendy Leston. Never one to let an excuse for a
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party slip past, she and her team organised a big bash to
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mark the venue’s fi rst decade, inviting no less than 25 guest
DJs to work behind the decks. It was a right who’s who of
the alternative club scene, as the likes of DJs Lush, Dee Dee, R
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Princess Julia and others spun short, but electric, sets. For
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this one-off party, admission was £5, but all proceeds went
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to Macmillan Cancer Support.
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“How was the night?” asked Wendy afterwards, “It was
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absolutely fantastic actually, really moving and sweet. Lots
of DJs and karaoke singers, and a surprise performance from
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David Hoyle. It was great.”
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The Retro Bar, 2 George Court, WC2. 020-7321 2811. WO
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