Downstairs at the King’s Head
2 Crouch End Hill Crouch End London N8 8AA
‘The best comedy club ever,’ said Sean Lock of this Crouch End venue. Hyperbolic certainly, but quality acts ensure this intimate basement venue pulls ’em in on most nights of the week, then packs out at weekends. Stand-up from up-and-coming acts is the venue’s mainstay – Eddie Izzard, Jack Dee, Robbie Coltrane and Rowan Atkinson are just a few of the names who honed their acts on this stage – though it also persuades occasional recognised names like Barry Cryer to drop by (this is media enclave Crouch End, after all) and wannabes are given a chance to test their gags and nerves at weekly try-out slots (usually Thursday). Music-wise, expect the occasional gig in the Americana or rock ’n’ roll mould plus a regular Sunday afternoon jazz jam session and Monday salsa in the cellar.
