The Knowhere Guide

The Local Music Scene in Watford, Hertfordshire*

Watford, Hertfordshire Record Shops and Venues

Record Shops

• cd wow opposite legends
• The little 2nd hand 1s up by Clements, nice selection if u can be bothered to look and alot cheaper than Virgin or HMV
• Great place just off St Albans Road in North Watford (just past the Co-Op)
• freedom is now d'Vinyl, only thing different is the name, waste of time unless u want d'n'b or gay-rage. theres a new one right at the top of town, keep going until u hit the bus-stop then turn right, its just round the corner, has pretty decent selection of funky house, a few breaks and some hard house.
• DeVinyl, in Market Street, i think its called. sells garage records, decks, tickets 2 gigs, free flyers advertising gigs, bags, etc...........
• Since its opening in 1996 D'VINYL has become one of LONDON'S & Watfords leading dance music stores, stocking HOUSE, GARAGE, OLD SKOOL and CLUB CLASSICS and specialising in UK GARAGE and DRUM and BASS both old and new. Being run by DJ’S, all the staff at D’VINYL know what it is like to hunt down those hard to find and elusive tunes so if there is a particular classic or upfront gem that you are after then mail your wants list to them and they will try to track them down for you and for all you budding DMC champions out there they also stock a large range of BREAKS and SCRATCH/SAMPLE RECORDS
• virgin,hmv
• CD warehouse is good
• Watford does not have even 1 decent record shop! There used to be one on Market Street but alas that was shit also.
• BEST RECORD SHOP & MKT STALL:- PAST & PRESENT RECORDS @ # 156. St. Albans Road the name explains itself NOT 'past & present pine' also in same road Garston going towards Watford on the left just before Lowerstoft Road traffic lights opp' eden's Hairdresser's & MASSAGE PARLOR (worth a mention)that's a relief! Also more RECORDS & CD's etc in Watford Market open Tues/Thurs, and Saturday's.
• Freedom records! I have spent some good times in there the morning after the night before clubbing- kewl shop, kewl staff and good selection!
• The one in Market street. expanded to beigger premises about 2 years ago
• Freedom Records- Specialise in all types of dance music, latest Vinyl and all you need for starting off to be a wannabe EZ.
• Theres a place that sells some shite dance stuff down Market Street
• One good shop in Market Street can't remember the name, they also sell tickets for festivals, if they haven't got what you want I get my choons from www.plasticfantastic.co.uk or www.htfr.com they do mail order and I've never had a scratched bit of vinyl yet
• The market used to have a good second hand stall, but haven't checked it out in yonks. All the good spcialist shops disappeared - the Harlequin turned into an Our Price, which itself disappeared. There also used to be an excellent one up the top of town quite close to where Scruffy Murphy's is now, but that shut down n'all. Shame
• CD Warehouse on the High Street can often surprise with deleted items and bargains. You can sell your stolen records here too (only joking--ID is required).
• Freedom Records, good looking records. if you are into that sort of thing
• Check out Freedom Records in Market Street (off the High Street) - it specialises in UK Garage but also sells House/Drum&Bass/Hardcore etc... One of the best record shops I have been to - watch out for Saturday afternoons though - you'll probably get crushed by a herd of 14 year old wanna-be dj's after the latest DJ Oxide tune.
• Past & Present Records, St Albans Road. The only place really!
• Virgin megastore in the Harlequin centre is the only one worth looking at,but dont look for any Virgins there.
• Freedom Records in Market St, just off the main drag - a little bit too much speed garage in there and not enough house imports, but pretty good nevertheless - and they have nice, shiny new premises too!
• 2nd hand CD shop at the further end of Watford- near Clements deparmtent store - great for those CDS you can never get your hands on!
• Virgin Records

Clubs (Dance Music) and Music Bars

• DESTINY IS THE BIGGEST AND BEST CLUB IN HERTFORDSHIRE LET ALONE WATFORD!! AREA JUST TRIES TO COPY THEM! CHECK OUT A MONDAY.... IT'S SELLS OUT IN AN HOUR AND A HALF!! IT'S THE BEST CLUB I'VE EVER BEEN TO, THE STAFF ARE COOL AND IT ROCKS! SIMPLE AS!!!
• destinys doing under 18 nights nights now so they should be good does anyone know of any other under 18 clubs tho?????
• anyone who actively enjoys destiny must be shot. If you fancy a laugh n dnt take things too seriously Revolutions.
• Destiny is great on a saturday night despite what others have said. Drinks are rather overpriced but tend to have 4 for £10 now so its not so bad. The music ranges from r & b to garage and a little bit of drum and bass while the back room is full of old skool cheese. On a monday u cant beat Bar Me (£1 a drink) and then destiny (similar prices) which is the student night in Watford.
• Area and Destiny. Area doesn't seem quite as young as Area, but neither are great
• there are two places in Watford that are apparently "clubs", Area and Destiny, both pretty awful (area would be allright if it got more people in but at £10 entry when theres no named dj behind the decks its no surprise its dead fairly often), if you like your women seriously underage, ur beer over-priced and watered down, and a horrible selection of music then destiny is your place. To be honest, if you have ANY taste in music (beyond the charts and gay-rage) then Watford is simply not the place for you. possibly because the average Watford-goer is either a) under-age b) a student back home on holiday and trying to re-live their underage days or c) pikys who work in watford, and whatever age is on their passport, still have an under-age mentality. basically most people there wouldn't know musical taste if it painted itself purple. if you want a good night out - London is but 40 minutes away on the tube!!
• The COlluseum ROCKS!!!! I just wish more people would go up there and use it. Seven quid to get in decent "proper" music none of this garage muck and cheap drinks open till 2am on Fridays with 60's, 70's and 80's music you can sing and dance to. Only problem is all the really drunk guys trying to slime on to really drunk girls, so keep an eye out for the 30 year old slimes who tend to hang out in here late on Fridays standing round the edge trying to look cool. Other than that good for a class night out with plenty of laughs Guarunteed.
• Lets get it straight. Destiny is a pile of crap. It has SERiously gone down hill in the last couple of years. The main problem is the DJs are crap and really do need to learn how to mix properly!! Playing five trax from one album in a row just doesn't cut it!
• New Drum & Bass night starting this wednesday 4th June @ the classiest, newest venue in Watford The Pane & Table. Free entry all night, drinks offers, quality mixing and headliner Dj's on rotation . The only venue in North West London to offer such a deal. Dress smart.. Dont Miss.............
• There's 2 clubs in Watford - Destiny and Area. I personally think they're both pretty rubbish. The exceptions are Mondays in Destiny (good music, cheaper drinks) and Wednesdays in Area (Boogie Nights, £3 entry with first drink free) but most people will disagree with me. Most of the people who go to Destiny could also probably still get half price bus fares...
• Destiny was good back in its day,just the same old now,needs a change. bouncers are much more stricter on i.d. now than they used to be. Lloyds is good for cheap drinks, bar:[me] wicked scenary and music but quite expensive drinks, couples only nights mostly too.
• Watford sucks big time, I moved from there like 10 years ago to the North of England.....far less chance of having the shit kicked out of you up ere! Anyway, Destiny, Area and all the others.....bag of shite along with all the DJ's that play there (or at least pretend to mix). I remember it being Paradise Lost and the place has never changed (even if it has changed name several times!). There are far better clubs in London! Or maybe not, I do tend to DJ abroad these days (Hong Kong etc).
• destiny nightclub for being the nearest to soho that watford has
• The lists taht are on here are VERY out of date... The best place is Area on a Thursday and Saturday night- You do get some good people down there, a little more larger drinkers nowadays, where as before most of them were on bottled water. Wicked music, nice people and wicked service. Destiny (Dysentery) is BAD- Pig ugly girls, Garage music, moody bouncers and sad decor...
• Area has recently changed it's Music policy. The best time to go would be Saturday, as they now play Funky House- with some Kewl DJ's from around the Country.... Recently opened Pane & Table, a bar accross form Area is a good place to start. NO GARAGE music policy. Anywhere with that is worth visiting. With regard to trouble.... thye only people that get into trouble are the people looking for it! Enjoy....
• BAR RISA ROCKS!!!!!
• 'Disentry' for the under age drinker only. Also a total meat market. If you fancy a shag with the tart of your dreams ask ply her with a few over priced dimond whites and ask her. It she turns you down offer her some money and that will problably work
• Destiny good but doorman are not very helpful. 31st october 2001 was kickin. The bloke in the fairy outfit behind the bar was hilarious.
• right lets just get this straight destiny is poo - the dj doesn't even mix properly - sort it out and stick with the area over the road mj de noers
• Destinys in one of the best night clubs in London and i spend most saturdays night there. They play the latest music and have some of Londons most famous DJs and MCs. Make sure you take plenty of cash as the drinks are quite expensive
• Jongleurs Comedy Club - The Parade... the finest comedy in the land, book early to avoid disappointment.
• Destiny, Bar Risa, Area, Yates,
• I remember Sunday Nights at the New Penny. Vinnie Jones used to go on Saturday nights according to his autobiography. So looks like I chose the right night. Mind, I can't imagine Vinnie being into the alternative and expressive stuff, let alone chicken dancing to New Model Army.
• Check out Bar Risa on a Friday night for some quality UK Garage. It only starts getting good after 10:30 so make sure you hang about to check it out.
• don't care what neone says destiny is great for a night out-there are gorgoeus gorgeous podium dancers who, for a change, can actually dance, great music...admittedly very overpriced drinks and even if you're being 12 and want to hide in the loos they're great too-bit kinky but hey
• AREA was top-notch when it first started out, but in recent weeks it has been half empty, think twice before going!!!
• Destiny! The BEST Superclub around! 2000 People every friday & Saturday
• Only one club to speak of, the amazing Destiny. Wow what a place, if had the ability to buy a high powered rifle with a kick ass scope I would gladly take out everyone that sets foot in this place. If you are male, the only thing you need to get in is a dayglo Ben Sherman shirt, if you are female, a skirt that finishes around the armpit area. Guys, don't forget to beat someone up on the way home, maybe your girlfriend. it won't matter cos most of the girls that go there will still allow you to shag them in the Sainburys car park anyway!! Enjoy!!
• Please send this asap to your web server. Destiny is the coolest place on this planet and on the 2nd June 2000 Sweet FA are gonna be in the house so we are expecting a large turn out!!!! Come along and enjoy, its the place to be!
• Destiny Nightclub - Best Nightclub in the UK! Forget Cream and Home, look no further than Destiny, Watford. Go on a Friday or Saturday for the best evenings. Watch out for the over priced drinks though!!! Go to Yates next door and get drunk first. Enjoy.....
• Destiny is boring and to expensive for a quality night out go to Bar Risa
• I just want to let you know that we were in a lengthy legal dispute with the Watford Colliseum for trademark infringement. We, that is Carwash, (please see www.carwash.co.uk) have never had anything to do with the Colliseum. For many years they infringed our trademark, naturally the matter has been resolved in our favour. So please could you amend your reference to Carwash, it is incorrect. We ask you do this to prevent further confusion for the public. We would be grateful. Many thanks Neil Carwash Office : 020 7394 9447.
• Going to Destiny is just the best thing in the world, the music is the best and the DJ know how to mix!! Just cum along and enjoy yourself, theres so much fun to be had and who knows you may see me in there! The first drink will be on you guys i take it?? Anyway just visit Destiny its the most happening club in Watford. You can get free tickets from www.NightClub.co.uk but tell everyone!!
• I work at Destiny nightclub and it cant be that crap considering we pull in a full house almost every night of opening and Area only had 83 the other night. I would like to say don't diss it till you try it as it is definatly a top place to be and we dont charge extortionate prices to get in. If you want a blinding night out then come down and give us a go as you wont be disappointed. Also we have really good life acts like The Artful Dodger who are going to be there tonight (25/03/00).
• New Dance club with theme evenings has opened underneath the old co-op building
• Destiny is the no1 hang out place at the mo. I have to agree it is full of 15 year olds especially on a thursday nite. but still if you dont mind that then it a good place to go. Another good place is the ICE O Bar they play v.good music on a thurday and I think it is buy 1 drink get one free but that may b on a monday??? not sure. My top tip 4 a good nite out if u r 18 19 is go to Ice O Bar get pissed in there then go over to destiny. Drinks in Destiny are way over priced, at £3.50 4 a bottle!!
• DESTINY - Has to be one of the Top clubs in the country at the moment. Not quite the size of Cream or the Ministry, but a great night out. I club with standards! - very posh.
• There is a new dance club opening in Watford on Friday 3rd December 1999. AREA (as it will be known) claims to be filling the gap in Watford. To give the more experienced and sophisticated (and older) clubber what they want. JEREMY HEALY is a director of this Leon Lenik venture and will also be Saturday resident. Let's hope they keep the beer boys out - let then cross the road to the cheesy offerings of DESTINY. AREA will be in the basement of the old Gade House building and has a capacity of 2000.
• DESTINY!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love it and i am over 18, monday nights are the best good old cheesy 70's 80's night. CHICAGO'S!!!!!!!!!!! monday nights are also cool there (pound a pint!! wahoo)
• Hi my name is Nigel Allen and i'm a DJ at Destiny nightclub - and I was also at kudos for 2 years. Just to let you know, old people can go to Destiny, as there is now a separate room called Club Aphrodisia (Over 25's only).It's just as much fun as the Colloseum. I play 70s and 80s disco and all those fun party tunes that you'd like to forget. On a Saturday night you can check-out that top DJ from the USA, Mr Lionel Vinyl (Me with a wig!). Come and see us soon.
• Kudos has shut for refurbishment and will be reopening in March as "Destiny". How many more times do they want to relaunch the place?! Anyway, hopefully this time they'll attract an older crowd - as in the "over 18's"!
• kudos but i wouldnt recommend it - if you are over 15, you will be the oldest person there
• Wiggle & Giggle Over 30's Disco Party Club held at Watford Ex-Services Club Every Tuesday and Thursday is the "hotspot" for the Over 30's Party Animals. Top DJ's, extremely cheap bar, and friendly "Party" atmosphere make this a great night out.Full House every week, arrive early or you won't get in. *****
• Infamous and rubbish Kudos........don;t venture there unless yoy are 16 or completely drunk with a group of girls. The Coliseum is a far better laugh for the slightly older goers!
• Along with Kudos, Kevs and Sharons in Ralph Lauren's and knee high boots with mini skirts, you can go to the Coliseum on a Friday night for the Carwash. 70's music with an ecletic crowd of varied ages but have to be over 21 which cuts the Ralph and boot contingent, oh what a shame. Pub priced drinks that shuts at 2.00. Get pissed and have a laugh but don't go there too much and go to a decent club in London instead - but when in Watford.
• What was once known as the most beautiful nightclub in Europe (Paradise Lost) has now become Kudos. Very large nightclub full of youngsters either drinking lagertop/wearing too much make-up or hair gel. When the local pubs/bars close - expect a queue. Over-priced drinks.

Live Music Venues

• The Horns - Open Mic Night, Weds
• horns pub, hempstead road( top of town, other side of the under pass) the horn reborn(st albans) victoria st( nxt to city station )
• Watford currently has no music venues to speak of _ The Flag and The Pane & Table were both prohibited from playing live music because the residents complained about the noise, despite the trouble that Destiny causes when it shuts with fights and drunkards etc. The rugby club (NAM) and the Pumphouse also no longer put on gigs and The Colosseum is also defunct after becoming bankrupt - the only place that puts on live bands is The Horn by the library, but to get a gig there you need to know the landlord or be in The Slaves.
• The Plane and Table has live bands every Monday, generally they are pretty good and it's only a couple of quid to get in.
• Guitar, bass, drums and vocals courses for teens and adults from Musicademy. Tel 01923 285 305. www.musicademy.com
• The Horns, top of the High Street, Watford - big mix of music styles, metal to folk rock, cover bands and open mike nights
• Colloseum
• The Pump House theatre.Lower high street or down the alley by pc world if you are that way inclined.
• The HORN'S Public House town centre just up from disentry opp' the libary, live bands, local talent, (not that sort) well there is some. Discos, quizes, good local dj, meet the infamous Jerry Bart. Fair pub prices no charge to get in even with live music, mine host 'cookey' plays and sings also claim to fame FAT BOY SLIMS cousin...well! give it a try before you carry on your evening, you might even stay.And come again also GOOD FOOD.
• THE HORN'S opposite the LIBARY at the top of the town by the Town Hall throu' the underpass from the town on the left LIVE gigs on Saturday and disco throu' the week + quizes local bands + other live gigs LANDLORD cousin of FAT BOY SLIM 'cookey'also play and sings all free entry....GGGGGRRRREEEAAATTTTT!!!!!!
• The recently re-furbished Flag, next to the train station, Watford Junction
• there is a place called Aura in Watford, 97-99 the parade, that is calling itself a cocktail bar. the funny thing is, it happens to be a very bad rip-off of Matchbar W1, 32-34 Magaret Street, london. The Cocktail list is almost the same, but the bar staff are the worst in the world. Great idea, bad location. At least Lloydds. O'Neills. Hogshead are very close-by so you can get a real drink, with real value.
• Bar Risa ...The only place to be to listen to the forefront of Dance, House R'n 'B and Garage Music..Fridays with DJ Ray are fantastic
• The Collesseum isn't used to its full potential though Suede, The Levellers, Sleeper, Skunk Anansie and a few others have all played there.
• The Wag & Bone used to be brilliant for live music but they knocked the bugger down. to be honest you may as well jump on the train and goto St Albans there's usually something going on there so far as live music goes, check out 'The Horn Reborn' and 'Flag & Philantropist'
• Pump House used to be ok. Better known for the fabulous comedy nights it used to run, though. I saw Mark Lammarr - who used to be the compare, Jeff Green & Lee Evans there all before they became famous celebs. Apparently the Stranglers did an impromptu gig in one of those grotty pubs in North Watford. Colloseum occasionally throws up an act you'd never dream would make an appearance in these parts.
• rugby club plays rock/punk/metal. find info in virgin megastores and cd warehouse
• The Colusseum has a few bands - I saw Squeeze there a while ago but is more on the comedy circuit O'Neills was refurbished in 1999 and has a large music room Out of town pubs have local bands e.g. Daleys on St Albans Road
• Bluerooms at West Herts College host weekly metal/punk/ alternative gigs. Find flyers in CD warehouse for more info.
• bar riza is cool - sophisticated but still fun
• The Flag & Firkin next to Watford Junction Station often has some great bands on a Saturday night. The added bonus is the bar stays open until 1am and the band play until midnight.

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Last updated: 2007-05-18