BLOCK T- at Smithfield is the hottest new venue in Dublin.
The old chinese market has now been stripped down to its bare bones and is being used to house all manner of arty events including exhibitions, gigs and poetry readings. It's usually 10 Euros in - with all proceeds going back into the building.
Last Friday night, my companion and I followed the sounds of skuzzy pysch rock wafting down the concrete steps and into the muggy night air. We found ourselves in a stripped down industrial space housing the soundz of the underground.
It was a Skinny Wolves night and one of Dublin's finest, Twinkranes rocked our socks off followed by New Yawkers, Silk Flowers.
The venue itself is a testament to creative spirit kicking against the recession. The space itself is stark and there are no fixtures to speak of, just some acid blue and red strip lights. There are basic toilets upstairs (complete with bin-liners gaffer taped to the walls sufficing as bins) and a smoking area down the steps out the back where the craic is mighty.
As you swig outta your bottle of vino (did I mention it's BYOB) and dance amidst the sweaty masses you realize this is all you need for a good night out - some good music, good people, a laid back vibe. IMO it's a much better option than paying 15 Euros for a cocktail in some celtic tiger slick n' soulless bar.
Viva le Block T. read more