“Ayr coffee house flies the flag for Scotland in NME ‘Best small venue’ poll”

After only 8 months in business, The Basement Coffee House, Ayr has been shortlisted in a national UK competition for best British small venue by NME magazine. Following in the footsteps of King Tut’s and Cabaret Voltaire, The Basement Coffee House is representing Scotland in this year’s UK-wide competition. With a capacity of 80 standing (“with extra crowd surfing space”) the venue claims to be Scotland’s smallest.

Despite its proportions, the coffee house has gained a reputation for attracting big names throughout Scotland with its promises of BYOB tightly packed madness. From loud rock band nights with Vukovi, So Many Animal Calls and Bear Arms to underground electro nights with Plum, Voltergeist and Keta, the coffee house gives a consistently loud and intimate experience.

Murray Baxter of Mechanical Smile:
"Playing the Basement Coffee House was the perfect end to our tour. The venue was packed and the atmosphere was electric. The staff were great. Overall, I’d say it’s the best small venue we have played."

Owner, Erika Sionis:
“Were just giving a stage to the amazing music that’s already out there. There’s so much talent in Ayr, from the Commercial Music course students to local youngsters and seasoned musicians, and we’re proud and honoured to provide a space for them all. “
As well as loud intense gigs, the Basement hosts a weekly acoustic night Under the Bridge, with chilled ambience and candlelight, giving a stage to local emerging singer-songwriters.

Award winning singer songwriter and Ayr resident Little Fire states:
" Ive performed at the Basement a few times and I have to say its one of the friendliest venues Ive ever performed in, theres a great atmosphere to the Basement, its very positive and friendly and its one of the best places to catch a huge range of music styles and genres. Its all about atmosphere for me and The Basement has one of the best. It’s great to see recognition happening for The Basement as they do a fantastic job and all the team there are passionate music lovers."

This article has been viewed 18277 times