My wife and I clocked up our 136th visit to Hideaway Streatham last Friday. I don’t have records of every gig I’ve attended in my 40 odd years of gigging but I know that I have not visited any venue as often.
Our Hideaway journey began in February 2010 when we saw the Vanessa Haynes quartet. There were about 40 people in attendance and we instantly liked the venue, however the country was in the depths of the banking crisis recession and I must admit I doubted whether the venue would thrive, I am delighted to say I have been proved wrong and Hideaway has gone from strength to strength.
For those of you who have never been there, it is situated just off of Streatham High Road, very close to Streatham Station. Inside, the front two rows are tables for two with either 8, 9 or 10 tables per row depending on the number of tickets sold. Behind these rows are rows larger tables. In all the club can house about 250 diners and on really busy evenings, standing tickets are sold for the bar which is behind a glass partition at the back of the auditorium.
The food is of good quality and there is usually a choice of half a dozen main dishes, starters and deserts are also available. The drinks menu is extensive and prices are reasonable. The menu changes about three or four times a year. Often there are special cocktails available which have names relating to the night’s show.
The quality of performers has increased over the years and most performances are close to being sold out or are sold out. Some events get sold out up to six months in advance!
The shows usually consist of two one hour sets with a thirty minute break. Some artists have been known to perform longer and I have never been aware of pressure from the venue for artists to end their performances.
The acoustics of the auditorium are very good and usually the audiences respect the musicians by keeping quiet. They are usually announcements at the beginning of the show requesting that the audience show respect for the performers.
The staff are exceptionally good. They are nearly always friendly, helpful, knowledgable and efficient. On the rare occasion when something is not quite right, they are quick to respond and correct.
If you want a good seat it is best to arrive just before the doors open, tables are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Hideaway is an exceptional small music venue and I would recommend it to anybody and everybody who enjoys live music. It feels like a second home to us.
Johns London Music Reviews 