Entertainment Desk

World famous Koko club in Camden has launched its new roof terrace open to all gig ticket holders from 7pm Sunday to Thursdays. Located beneath the venue’s iconic illuminated sign, and adjoining the plush Lounge Bar, it’s a whopping 850 feet² – large enough to facilitate an outdoor party itself during the summer months. And in keeping with KOKO’s green credentials it’s been laid with rubber tiles composed of 6,600 reclaimed truck and car tyres.

But it’s the view that comes as the biggest surprise. Thousands of music lovers are already familiar with KOKO’s glorious interior, but standing under the famous illuminated sign is a new must-see experience for Londoners. Grab a beer and gaze at the sun setting over the disused warehouses opposite, or the blur of tail lights up the high street towards the market. And on  Friday nights throughout the summer everyone will be able to enjoy the view, with free entry for non-ticket holders from 530-10pm (unless there is an early show).

The former Camden Palace was purchased by by Steve Strange and Rusty Egan of Visage in 1983 when the Camden Palace was born, holding court to the leading figures of The New Romantic scene. Notable gigs included the earliest Eurythmics shows as well as the first UK performance by a rising star known as Madonna. Not forgetting, of course, those nutty boys of Camden Town – Madness.

The Camden Palace closed in February 2004. A six month, multi-million restoration project was undertaken to a the singular brief of creating a 21st Century entertainment venue from what was left of the glorious 19th Century building.