Cherry Jam (London, United Kingdom)

Cherry Jam caused a real buzz when it opened, and has been consistently popular ever since. It boasts ties with credible labels and producers and celebrity guests who actually create good music including Madonna and the Gorillaz crew. In other words, this place is almost painfully trendy! Surprising then that Cherry Jam is one of the friendliest spots in town, a venue where great music and good times come first.

People Jam might be a better name for this place on the weekend, as it gets fairly rammed in, but close mingling only adds to the enjoyment of music and booze. In the week the venue also hosts a number of multimedia nights, literary events and the like for more high-minded youth. This club is potentially one of the best in town.

However, in some ways it has become a victim of its own success. The place is almost too packed, and hidden costs have been introduced into each night. The arrogance with which customers are overcharged or refused admission has attracted a record number of complaints from our readers. It's better to visit Cherry Jam in the week than on the weekend, when the effort of queuing and the exorbitant door charges make it hard to relax once you've actually got in. The music policy remains among the best in the city.

Best Night: Honest Jon’s, eclectic Wednesday night brilliance from West London’s premier record store.