#iamsamway

If you’ve haven’t been to The Ned yet, brace yourself for a grand entrance.

Walking through it’s doors on Poultry St, the sheer magnificence of the lobby space with its high arching ceilings and twinkling chandeliers cannot help but inspire something of an emotional reaction. You’re walking directly onto a film set, that’s honestly how it feels, and to complete the picture situated on a raised circular podium in the middle of the room someone sits at a grand piano, tinkering with soft jazzy hooks and ear pleasing riffs that wash into the cavernous space above alongside the bustle and the chat of a crowd that looks as discerningly chic as they do at-ease. 

I freeze as I walk in, the performer in me tugging at my heart strings, and one thought begets my attention. ‘How could I get to play that Piano?’ I’m there tonight attend one of the many events they host on the lower floors but instinctively I begin asking questions that could lead me closer to playing one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve seen in London. 

I dig  a little - and yes - there is hope. I’ve been on the singer -songwriter circuit in London for almost 5 years now. There are a growing number of superb industry attended live music nights and open-mics across the city -  Sessions 58, run out of Though the Looking Glass, 49 Hackney Rd is always packed with Talent, and The Spice of Life in Soho always guarantees a  full room - but finding out that The Ned host weekly ‘New Music Monday’ nights showcasing some of the best talent in the city every single Monday had to be, one of my greatest musical finds of 2017. 

On Monday the 19th of the February just gone - A highlight no doubt for what is already turning into quite a 2018  - my hands fell upon those keys as I sat at that piano and sung my songs out and into the space above. A smile crept gently to the edges of my mouth. That begetting question...‘How do I play that Piano?’ now fully realised in the present moment. I was lucky enough to host and programme the nights entertainment, and it was a joy and a relief to see my musical companions give their best and their all to the room and for the night to go down so well. 

For artists and music industry alike The Ned is the real deal. Offering a generous 50% off all food and drink every Monday pending you sign up to their ‘Neds Music Mates’ scheme it truly will become one of my most visited haunts to hang out, meet, and in the future play again, as it so beautifully encourages emerging talent -  and established artists too  -  the space for them to really shine. The hotel and members club, which is certainly one of the most exclusive and incredible of it’s sort only opened it’s doors a year ago, but it’s initiatives like this that authentically bring in the wider artistic community that give it so much damn charm. 

There are 8 different restaurants in the Lobby so your taste buds will most likely continue to be challenged as you take in some of the best and newest sounds coming out of London’s thriving music scene. 

So, See you there?

Join the conversation - Where are your favourite spots for new music in capital and elsewhere. 

#pickedsong

@IAmSamWay -