This 200 capacity club boasts a Martin Audio Sound system, delivering a clear and concise sound perfect for lovers of the 4/4 beat. The Venue
Situated halfway between Shoreditch and Dalston on Kingsland Road in the venue that was formerly known as The Russian Bar, The Shelter has an easy-to-spot location on the main street and, helpfully, is very close to a bus stop. The exterior is pretty industr
ial-looking with black painted walls and a monochrome light-up sign that wouldn't look out of place in Berlin. Pass the (slightly scary-looking) security staff on the door and you'll step into the small, dark venue. There is a medium-sized bar, a DJ booth and a dance floor at the back, and an assortment of wooden tables and bench-type seating down one side, with candles on each table adding to the dim - almost seedy - red-toned lighting. A black and white theme runs throughout, with one wall completely covered in simple wallpaper and stripey pillars across the bar. Head down a dingy-looking staircase and you'll hit another intimate room with more seating and a more chilled-out vibe. The toilets are downstairs too – there are locks on the doors, but ladies, be prepared to hover. The Atmosphere
The Shelter is about as unpretentious as it gets. Expect to find a mixture of east London creatives looking for a party vibe later on in the evening and electro geeks who simply want good tunes. Either way, the decor is second to everything else and this gives the venue a particularly laid-back, relaxed vibe. Staff are friendly but firm and able to deal with a crowd that parties until 5am. The venue will open from Wednesday to Sunday – things really hot up post-1am when other venues in the area start kicking out. The Music
This is not the place to come if you want to end your night with commercial sing-a-long tracks. The focus is on quality and underground from house to techno music. The Drink
The line-up at the bar is simple yet sufficient for the crowd. Beers cost £4 for a bottle or pint and the selection includes Becks, Asahi, Peroni, Carlsberg, Guinness and San Miguel. Shots cost £3, while wine is £5 a glass or £20 for a bottle, while Cava costs a little more. If you're after a spirit or mixer, it's a fiver, while visiting before midnight gets you a quid off most drinks - just ask nicely. The Last Word
Genuine, music-focused and intimate, this seemingly seedy venue is the perfect bar if you're a music geek or if you simply want to dance the night away.
