London Calling: Pub Crawls and Street Scenes

Marissa Cetin

A little more than a week into my semester in London and I‰’ve had much time to explore, but regrettably, I have yet to catch a live show. (I did just buy a ticket to see GIVERS here in November. And it feels like only yesterday I wrote my “WVAU Loves…‰” post about the Louisiana quintet.)

I have become slightly obsessed with a pub conveniently close to my housing, called the Lexington, which I name-dropped in my introduction post. Inside the poster-lined windows promoting upcoming events is a rustic but classic decor, complete with bull skulls on the walls between windows covered by burgundy drapes. The ultra hip, yet totally welcoming vibe perfectly suits the whiskey lounge, which hosts DJs when live acts aren‰’t booked. The upstairs differs a bit from the main floor, is much darker and the DJ stationed there plays a bit more electronic and upbeat alternative jams, making the second floor perfectly suited for dancing like a fool. And anyone who might know me is very aware that I enjoy (hand) dancing like a fool. Thus, I declare the Lexington my pub-crush.

On another night of my pub crawling adventures, we stumbled upon a jazz and blues joint called ‰Round Midnight. Inside there‰’s almost always a band playing, you guessed it, jazz and blues. The crowd varies from the ineffably indie to middle aged dudes who just really enjoy their blues. The night I popped in, on the stage was a trio of middle aged dudes who just really enjoy playing the blues. And they sounded fantastic. The crowd was bopping to the beats and the atmosphere was just as bouncy. No one was there to impress anyone else, just there to hear some damn good music.

Outside of the pubs, the street performers around London are exceptionally talented. Walking through the Tube one afternoon, I had to stop and admire the classical violinist that was nonchalantly set up on the side of an underground walkway. Bands will bring their entire set up to the streets and play for hours, collecting a fair amount of change (which actually hold decent value, unlike in the U.S.) in their instrument cases. Just because they‰’re playing in the streets doesn‰’t mean they‰’re not suited for the stage.

In the upcoming two weeks before my next post is due, I promise you I will finally check out a live show. (Let‰’s be honest, if I don‰’t make it to at least one by then, that‰’s straight up pathetic.)