Another year was a few hours away, much like the last few years prior, it has been one most will be glad to see the back of. But my mind was not on the lows and highs of the last 364 days, but on the night ahead of me. Those that know me personally would know that whilst club tunes aren’t my go to choice, there’s plenty of classics and newer releases I enjoy, and after a few drinks I can’t resist a boogie.
I’d had a few drinks in anticipation and found myself, with my significant other, walking down to the beachfront on a quintessentially British night, a fierce wind shattering any effort put into either of our appearances. The walk was long, and done in lieu of a taxi that would have cost over £14.00. After some time we rounded our final corner, heading down a narrow backstreet, finally greeted by Patterns. Its trendy exterior had all the hallmarks of a club that would provide a great New year’s eve party.
However, it wasn’t an auspicious start. Despite opening time listed as 8:00pm, we were told at 8:30pm by the bouncers, that the club was “not ready yet”. It was cold, and the light drizzle was quickly evolving into a heavy downpour. With nothing but a smart shirt and that New Years Eve Spirit, I mentally braced for an uncomfortably wet evening. Annoyed at this unnecessary exposure to the elements, but also not wanting to suffer further in a long queue when the club did open, my partner and I took shelter in a nearby bus stop.
The rain only got worse, as my poor choice of footwear (Red David Tennant-esc Converse) became incredibly apparent through the drenching of my feet. Fearing trench foot, we escaped to the nearby pub, The George Street Tap. It would be another Hour before they began letting people in.
Finally, the doors opened. Darting out of the pub to the small but drenched queue, we made our way in (after an ID check). Stepping down through the gated entrance, to the clubs underbelly. It was quite empty, worrying me, before I realised it was 9;30, and what mentalist turns up to a club at 9:30? So I got a few drinks, and explored what would be my surroundings for the evening. The basement was, well as the name suggests, a Basement. Black coated walls, allowing for the light shows and accoutrements to the music would stand out as best as possible. As it was not quite busy enough to do the room justice, we headed up to the ground floor bar.
We were greeted with a bougie well furnished bar, with a small dance floor and DJ desk. It was a little more busy, with both the dance floor and tables fairly well occupied. I took this opportunity to grab myself another drink, A rum and coke, though sadly they had no Kraken. An hour or so passed, before we once again checked out the Basement, which was busier but not exactly packed. The music didn’t quite live up to my expectations, and felt flat. The hoard of dancers around the rooms DJ booth were however enjoying themselves and getting into the New Years spirit.
The night wasn’t quite for me, and seeing as it was New Year’s Eve, we actually stepped out to celebrate the countdown on the beach. We hadn’t been quite enticed by what Patterns had to offer, and felt the fireworks from the beach were a better sight.
If it were any other night out I’d say it was fine, but after reading through the promotion I was expecting something a lot more memorable. If the best part of my night was either the fire works or the late night takeaway I’d later have, than it clearly hasn’t compared to the promised experience. Especially considering general admission was £22.00. The staff were lovely, accommodating and there was a fine selection of drinks; however. the music, the vibe, and the cold temperature of the basement, combined with opening late makes it hard to consider it any more than a 4/10 as nights out go.
