Going through all of my freelance writing I found this little piece written in January 2011 when I first began freelancing. It was for a website called "London Impact" which appears to have never really launched beyond Facebook. Not to worry, though, it means I can upload it onto here without any worries.
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Being an active member of the “alternative scene” (this is a phrase I will rarely ever use), I have, of course, spent a few nights in this goth-orientated club full off PVC, leather, flashing lights and industrial music. Not to forget the off face of piercings here and there.
But despite this possibly sounding like some huge fetish place, Slimelight is much like your standard London nightclub along the lines of Ministry or Fabric but with one difference: The music.
I remember my first time visiting this once-abandoned warehouse behind Angel station; it was with a couple of people I’d met that night in a pub which had been hired for a goth night. We got talking and, as the pub began clearing out, it was suggested we try and get a group together and finish the night in Slimelight. However, we were unsuccessful in gathering a large group together, so it was just two of us in the end but that didn’t ruin anything.
After an expensive taxi ride (when aren’t taxis expensive in London?) we were finally there and waiting in the line to get in. Surrounded by people with the aforementioned PVC and piercing, I knew this was my sort of place so, after a long wait, we were finally in the corridor leading towards the front desk.
Being slightly intoxicated the desk was cautious to let us in but we managed to convince them that we were in control and not going to do anything stupid (and we kept to our word, being the wonderful citizens we were) they charged us a tenner entry and we were in.
Not sure what to do with myself at first, I had a look around, bought a drink and visited the two available floors. From that point on it was a great night of dancing to rave music, drinking water (hint: when in a nightclub or bar and dehydrating, always ask for tap water - it’s free. This works in just about any pub or club and is better than paying £4 for a bottle of Evian), bumping into a friend and giving someone a piggy back.
So what is Slimelight really like then? Well, it’s a place full of decent, civilized people who, if you happen to accidentally walk into them, won’t start a fight and will accept a quick apology, loud music which one can dance to in anyway they like and nobody cares and a perfect environment for anyone who prefers unconventional to trendy. Not to forget nice bar staff, a pool room and cheap drinks.
In this sort of place, a visitor doesn’t need to know anyone to visit. He or she can simply waltz in, pay, buy a drink and get onto one of the dance floors and dance the night away from 10:30pm until 6:30am.
If you’re a person who would consider themselves “alternative” and not a fan of mainstream nightclubs then I’d recommend you take a visit to Slimelight. And even if you are a frequent visitor to Ministry of Sound, I’d still recommend you take a visit to this club. Despite the entry price being a bit high and there being no student nights, the world’s longest running goth club is a place anyone should visit simply for the atmosphere, diversity and civilised clubbers.
And to add to the fun, London at 6:30am is a sight which one may find very interesting.
