Continuing on the multi-function tip, the Cafe promises a monthly array of art works, curated by Mat Humphrey, our resident culture machine.
Expect a deluge of Facebook invites to a monthly private view, where the young, hip and simply talented works will dazzle audience members while they plough through glass after glass of reasonably priced house red.
We'll be keeping you updated regarding specific shows and openings on this here blog!
In the meantime, look below for Mat giving a thumbs up to the art world, cementing the joy to come.....
Bardens Cafe will be stocking a selection of vinyl records, cdrs and tapes. Due to space restrictions we will only be holding up to 50 releases at any one time. We made the decision sometime ago to cater purely for Independent UK labels and bands, simply in pursuit of a simplified and organizationally manageable slant.
We are currently in the process of assembling a load for the cafe opening. We will have a list up on this blog ASAP, when there is enough to warrant such a thing.
This list will be updated when needed FYI.
Although we have a very limited number of products incoming, we'd love to hear from you with regards to new labels, releases and bands!
In short progress is being made. The Cafe is located directly above the basement that will now become THE NEST, previously Bardens Mk.1.
In the last couple of weeks, with licensing accepted, stamped and paraded, work has began on the interior design. Above we have a wall of framed Bardens posters of yore. You'll see this when you finally come in to drink a smoothie or some-such thing. It's a celebration of course: a single wall of nostalgia before we continue into something new.
Here's an exposed brick wall. Who knew it lay beneath the plastered pound shop innards?
Our man Mathew Humphrey will be exhibiting art across this area on a monthly basis. Expect private views and wine to accompany.
Notice an array of tables and chairs before this great edifice. This is where you'll be chilling, maybe downloading the latest episode of Bored To Death and munching on a chunky burger.
Here's a view from the back. Note the inviting bar area, partly strewn in sunshine, soon to be gone alas. But it's ok, come winter a cup of tea and some deeply immersive hypnagogic sounds will comfort you through the dark days to come. A missing panel to the right of the picture, freeing a mess of visible wires cries 'WORK IN PROGRESS'. And how!
Concluding our initial tour of the cafe in embryonic form: down a step or two into a lounge of sorts, where the familiar Bardens mk.1 Chesterfield sits retired but honorable and baiting a resting raver between dances.Under the dimly-as-you-like lighting and stand up lamp, expect eventually more art and plant-life to accentuate your counter special quiche!!
WELCOME TO THE BARDENS CAFE BLOG. IN CASE YOU'RE UNAWARE, BARDENS CAFE IS A FORTHCOMING NEW VENTURE FROM THE MAKERS OF BARDENS BOUDOIR, THE BASEMENT VENUE IN DALSTON, LONDON, THAT BATTLED ON QUITE HAPHAZARDLY FOR 5 GLORIOUS YEARS BEFORE SUBMITTING TO THE GENTRIFICATION VIBE EATING UP THE VICINITY.
THERE IS MUCH TO COME IN THE WAY OF UPDATES, BE THEM REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CAFES CONSTRUCTION, TO THE FINALITY AND HOPEFUL PROSPERITY OF THE JOINT AS A NEW CHILL-ZONE FOR TAKING IN A COFFEE, LOOKING AT SOME ART, LISTENING TO SOME BANGERS, BUYING UP SOME 7's AND CHOMPING ON A BOREK.
IN THE MEANTIME, LET US REVISIT THE BARDENS BOUDOIR CLOSING PARTY EARLIER THIS SUMMER VIA THE MEDIUM OF COMIC STRIP, COURTESY OF THE SUPREMELY TALENTED JAMES NASH:
