Chris Maxwell Sings the Blues

Fast approaching its first birthday, the Charlotte Street Blues bar in Fitzrovia has already established itself as an inimitable music venue and antidote for the West End’s run-of-the-mill bar scene.

General Manager Chris Maxwell, who helped steer Covent Garden’s Guanabara to stratospheric success, was at the helm in 2009 when CSB’s three-storey Georgian townhouse was transformed from the site of an insipid ex-chain into an urban shrine to Southern soul.

What you’ll now find amidst the ad agencies and media dens of corporate London is an eclectic venue of unpretentious spirit with live gospel choirs and blues-inspired music seven nights a week.

‘One of our partners had actually looked at the site 18 years earlier,’ Maxwell says. ‘So when it came up we knew we had to grab it. To find a suitable site and be able to procure it is probably the biggest challenge when opening a new venue, so we were very lucky to find such a unique space in central London.’

What will we find when we get to Charlotte Street Blues?

‘You’ll find easy live blues music with a mammoth bourbon selection, dancing and – depending on which night you come – different styles of music including blues cover bands, swing, jive, rockabilly and dance classes in our Juke Joint basement bar. We also have a jam night, where anyone can turn up with their instrument, as well as rhythm ‘n’ blues bands and great funk and soul nights for dancing.’

How is Charlotte Street Blues different from other bars in London?

‘The venue is very unique. Once inside you get transported straight to New Orleans. There are three levels, all very different: in the basement we have our Juke Joint where every night there are young indie bands or DJs playing to a messed-up crowd.

‘On the main floor, where the main band plays until last orders, we have a well-used dancefloor right in front of the stage which, for a blues bar, is rare.

‘Upstairs, in Mooks bourbon bar, you can relax while still listening to the bands and sip away at one of our 100 different bourbons. Where else in London can you enjoy three different experiences within the same space on the same night? I can’t think of one.’

Which area of London do you find most inspiring?

‘Hampstead Heath. I relish peace and quiet, and it has the best foodie pub in London…a great way to spend a Sunday. Although I did fall in love in London the first time in Fulham, so maybe that’s my inspiration.’

What do you love and loathe most about London?

‘The millions of people. Anonymity is lovely walking down the street with headphones on and not a care in the world, with no worries about bumping into your old landlord or the like. The meeting of all of these people from every corner of the globe is unbelievable.

‘What I hate though is that turn onto Oxford Street from a quiet world away…fucking nightmare.’

Where in London would you go for your perfect drink?

‘The bartenders at Charlotte Street Blues make fantastic Old Fashioned cocktails.’

Where in London would you go for your perfect meal?

‘Anywhere Vietnamese, like Viet Ho on Kingsland Road: chicken noodle soup with a starter of prawn summer rolls…there’s nothing better when it comes to dining.’

What would your ideal night out in London involve?

‘Friends…bourbon…music…amnesia.’

What is your guilty pleasure?

‘I can’t say I feel guilty about any of my pleasures, but I’m sure I probably should. Although I will say Tuesday nights…no matter what, I tell myself every fucking Tuesday night not to go loco as I always have a very early and long Wednesday. But I still do it every week without fail.’

What do you recommend everyone in London do at least once?

‘Visit Charlotte Street Blues. Bring your dancing shoes and bring your drinking stomach.’

Charlotte Street Blues
74 Charlotte Street
Fitzrovia
W1T 4QH

Tel: 020 7580 0113