In photos: A night at the wonderful What’s Cookin’ club in Leytonstone, east London -

Last night, I finally made it across to east London to visit the What’s Cookin‘ night held at the Leytonstone Ex-Servicemens Club, and enjoyed a splendid night in a striking venue.

Offering a “little bit country a whole lotta rock’n’roll since 2004,” What’s Cookin’ takes place every Wednesday and on the 1st/3rd/5th Saturday of the month. Admission is usually free, with a collection for the bands.

I’d made the journey to see Cajun-country duo, Les Saules Pleureurs, but my tardy arrival meant that I only managed to catch the last two songs of their set, and that was a real shame because I liked what I heard.

The band consists of Sophie Loye on violin and my old friend Robert Paul on vocals and guitar.

With his skiffle band, The Severed Limb, Rob has been a regular at my Offline Club for years and it was great to see him branching out with a new venture.

The venue is bedecked with retro memorabilia (I spotted framed portraits of Suzi Quatro and Alex Harvey amongst others) and a forest of plastic flowers and lights, lending a magical air.

Headlining the night was Canadian duo Harrow Fair, made up of Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner, who were both charming folks.

They describe themselves as “one part stomping songs that echo early country and rock n roll. The other gritty ballads that sound sweet and haunted.”

I loved them!

Here’s some more photos from the night:

There’s an owl on each speaker!

Venue details

The wonderful, wierd and wacky merry go-round world of What’s Cookin’ is currently at…

LEYTONSTONE EX-SERVICEMENS CLUB. An old haunt of the rock’n’roll kitchen. Its a nice function room, it has its own bar, and does real ale. And its cheap bar prices!

Shows are normally EVERY Wednesday and the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month (and additionally the 5th Saturday if there is one).

Doors open 8.30pm and we’re normally done’n’dusted by 11.00pm-ish. As usual it’ll be a free entry night with a collection to pay the musicians. PLEASE BE GENEROUS! Its the way we make the night work. Accompanied children aged 11+ allowed.

What’s Cookin’…
Upstairs @ Leytonstone Ex-Servicemens Club
Harvey Road
Leytonstone, London E11
Leytonstone Underground (2 min)
Leytonstone High Road BR Station (10 min)