THE STORY SO FAR…..
229 is a multi-purpose entertainments venue which first opened its doors in 1965 as part of International Students House (ISH). The Charity opened essentially as an accommodation centre supporting British and overseas students whilst they studied at different Universities in London. Since then the venue has sporadically played host to numerous gigs, awards ceremonies, club nights, weekend festivals and music related events. All profit is ploughed back into the Charity and helps funds Scholarship programmes for students from less advantaged countries.
In April 2007 after a major refurbishment and a technical overhaul, 229 was launched as a dedicated live music and entertainments venue and in its early days, hosted the likes of The Beta Band, The Sneaker Pimps, Razorlight, Biffy Clyro, The Twang, The Noisettes, The Duke Spirit and The Mystery Jets.
In 2008, Island Records (with Eat Your Own Ears and Live Nation) showcased Florence and the Machine in the smaller Venue 2 and a year later she won her first Brit Award. Likewise in 2010, we hosted Tinie Tempah, in what was a special gig for his label, friends and family and that night he went to number one in the download charts, with ‘Pass Out’. A year later he also won a Brit!
Some of the other artists who have played at 229 to date include: Example, Friendly Fires, Foals, Gnarls Barkley, The Magic Numbers, Primal Scream, Keane, Steve Cropper, The Correspondents, Ill Nino and Steel Panther...
As well as working with many leading independent and national promoters, 229 runs its own promotions and has its own online ticketing system.
Over the past two years, major technical improvements have been made to the two room, 760 capacity venue including most recently the installation of a D&B PA system in Venue 1 (620 capacity) and a new stage, PA and lighting in Venue 2 (140 capacity). Over £250k has been invested in PA and lighting in both rooms.
229 is available for hire and its multi-faceted layout and extensive technical capabilities means it is capable of handling a wide range of events including: live music gigs, club nights, private corporate events, live comedy nights, fashion shows, filming & photo shoots, gala dinners and radio shows plus much more.
Both V1 & V2 can run independently or together as one, and with good production facilities and a friendly, hard working team of staff, we can provide end-to-end delivery of a wide range of events and comprehensive event management.
Our location in Central London, excellent sound and production facilities make 229 one of the leading small – medium sized venues in the UK.
Some of 229's customers include: 6 FEST, AGMP, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2 & 4, Ben Sherman, BMI, Brit School, Cake Media, CEROC London, Club Fandango, Coda Agency, Dead or Alive, Eat Your Own Ears, Eclectic TV, EMI, Feed Me Music, Feeling Gloomy, Fortuna Pop, Imperial College, ITB, JJB Sports, Kilimanjaro, Kings College, Kinky Malinki, Live Nation, LSHTM, Lovebox, Metropolis Music, New Untouchables, NME Radio, Premier Christian Radio, Prime Focus, Prince’s Trust, PRS, Radio Academy, Salsa Fusion, SJM Concerts, Sony Music, St. Patrick’s College, Surface Festival, Swing Cats Ltd, Symptomatic, Thames Valley University, The Local, Universal Music, University of the Arts, University of Westminster, Unlimited Media, Virgin Media, West London College, XFM Radio.
