30/11/13: Imagine your best mate had a tripped out basement bar and his parents were always away for the weekend. That sets the scene for one of the best parties in town at DirtBox at Vogue Fabrics, Dalston’s not-so-secret underground club.
Greeted by everybody’s favourite doorman, Omar, we were welcomed like guests. Sweet, he even remembered yours truly from another club. I’m starting a new award: the OSCARs for door personnel. I’m calling it the OMARs after the most adorably likeable doorman in town. Your point of entry contact pretty much determines the mood of a club and when you see him working the door, you know you’re in for a great time.
Run by the dynamic duo of Lyall and Jen, the night went from zero to funk in a few beats and featured sets by DJs Gibson, Princess Michael of Cunt and the Duchess of Pork and special guest DJ all the way from New Yawk, Sparber.
The tight squeeze in the cosy confines made for some slick dance moves among the young crowd of beards and babes bumpin’ to a whole lotta house with a bit of electro for “sexy up-for-it” tunes as Princess Michael put it. Not to mention an appearance by the glitter-bearded Babs, fresh from her show Legs and Coqs.
What started as an under the radar pop-up bash has remained a weekend fixture for the laid-back non-scene crowd for nearly 5 years. “We keep it simple: drinks are cheap and the music’s hot!” says Lyall proudly in his beard and stiletto boots. Served up by the busy bar staff led by the unsinkable Mitch who kept the fridge full and the beer flowing all night long. Is there anything sexier than bearded man with can of beer in a basement disco?
“This is like the coolest kid throwin’ the coolest rave in his house,” I chimed. “No,” Jen straightened me out, “it’s like the geekiest kid inviting all his geeky mates over to throw the best party. Cuz it’s the geeks who rule the world, honey. We’re the ones who make the music and the fab parties the “cool” kids want.” Amen, sister!
Vogue Fabrics, 66 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 7XB
Words by Tom Redkid
Photos by Mark Storey
