Skiddle Venue Spotlight: Horse and Groom
We're putting the spotlight on Shoreditch's Horse and Groom one of the best pubs in London.
Date published: 22nd Feb 2022
If you happen to be down in Shoreditch you might just stumble across a pub where the lights seem a bit brighter than the others and the sounds blaring out of the speakers instantly draw you in. This would be the Horse and Groom, East London's finest Disco pub. By day you'll be able to sample craft beers and ales and a kitchen that serves irresistible burgers.
When it comes to the night, the Horse and Groom has been visited by all kinds of amazing artists from Dimirti From Paris to Jamie Jones. This is not the place where you sit quietly in the corner, this is where you get taken to the dancefloor as you enjoy DJs from across the world flexing their skills.
The pub has been run in this way since 2007 and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, we spoke to the Horse and Groom team to see what makes their venue tick.
What was it that made you want to open the pub in the first place?
"We wanted to open a venue that was relaxed, everyone is welcome, we could express ourselves and play great music. To Book big acts in a little pub and blow the roof off!"
What can people expect from a typical night at Disco Sanctuary?
"Great fun basically, the Disco music spectrum is huge, we have a fantastic selection of resident DJs who really know and love their music. Most importantly we want folks to let their hair down, have a great night out from start to finish. Get down early enjoy the 2 for 1 cocktail, have some food then get down to the party grooves at the Disco Pub".
Disco Sanctuary is their weekly night held every Saturday that often hosts special guests, it's the perfect place to situate yourself below the Disco ball and have a dance. With advance tickets being £3 you can't really say no and there's always a special guest on hand to make the night extra special.
If you love dance and Disco then it's the perfect night for you, you can find the Disco Sanctuary events here. For their next event featuring Disco Exotic, you can purchase tickets here:
When you first started putting on events, what did you want people to feel and experience?
"Ah, an easy one always about putting on a great party, working with similar minded people who love music foremost, creating that vibe, bookings Djs who enjoy themselves as much as the crowd, less ego’s, more fun always works. So, people knew they would come to a really good party. To try and get that house party vibe every weekend".
What makes the Horse and Groom stand out from other London venues?
"When we first opened it was booking big acts playing in a small intimate venue, but that has evolved over time and now it's more about keeping that older Shoreditch Vibe going, throwing a great party and dancing till 4am in an east boozer".
What would you say the best feature of the pub is?
"The Character, History & Vibe. The transformation from an east end pub to a 4am music & Dancing venue".
Who are some of your favourite guests who have headlined your events in the past?
"We have had some amazing guests for a small venue the parties with Greg Wilson, Dimitri from Paris, MK, Move D, Todd Terje and Nick Monaco were all pretty insane".
Who would your dream headliner be?
If I could teleport back in time Ron Hardy, David Mancuso or Larry Levan, present time DJ Harvey and Grace Jones (Live).
When not serving up new events, what kind of food and drink can people treat themselves to?
We have Rotating pop up kitchens serving the best street food around, always varied & Changing. Drinks-wise Cold Beer, a big selection of Gins, Whiskey, Rums & 241 cocktails on weekends.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2022
Firstly getting back to some kind of normality, then throwing some great parties!
One of the best features about the Horse and Groom is its ability to book huge acts for their small capacity. It makes their shows feel even livelier and more exclusive. With the compact nature of the space, it's a stunning transformation that happens as night approaches and the atmosphere quickly ramps up to a fever pitch where the high stays until the early morning. Click or tap- HERE - for more events at the Horse and Groom
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
