Hope and Anchor

ABOUT

A historic pub in Upper Street with a basement music room that was crucial in the 1970s pub rock and punk scenes. A Grade II listed building. A historic pub atmosphere upstairs, with a recently refurbished basement live music venue featuring a new PA, enlarged stage, and lighting rig. The upstairs pub functions as a traditional pub, while the basement is a dedicated 80-capacity live music venue.

SIGNIFICANCE

Pivotal in the 1970s pub rock and punk scenes. Hosted legendary bands like The Clash, The Cure, The Jam, The Police, The Stranglers, The Damned, Joy Division (debut London show 27 Dec 1978 to ~30 people - Ian Curtis had his first epileptic seizure driving home), and U2 (debut London show 4 Dec 1979 to only 9 paying customers, billed as "The U2s"). The independent label Stiff Records was founded there. The Front Row Festival (Nov-Dec 1977) was recorded live there and charted. Madness shot their "One Step Beyond" video in the venue.

MUSIC & CHARACTER