Off the Record is the hidden diamond in Warwick’s club scene

Warwick is not renowned for its nightlife. A “big four” dominate the late-night scene: Kasbah, Neon, Smack and, of course, Pop. But small-town folk like myself aren’t too fussed by that at first, there’s just enough variety to keep you occupied for at least your first year, and it even seems the big-city guys enjoy the scenery at first.

But what happens when you move to Leamington, essays start mattering and going-out is no longer the only reason you go to university? The charm of Disco Dave and his cheesy playlist has finally worn off. You’ve visited your friends in Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and the like, why would Pop excite you like it did during those blissful first months?

I’ll be honest, it doesn’t stop you going out. I regret to say that I have still frequented the likes of Pop and Kasbah throughout second year. It’s just that it becomes boring, repetitive and full of the same avoidable crowds. You’ll begin to hate it more and more.

It was in the midst of this ever expanding hatred for Warwick nightlife that Off the Record found me, and with near-divine power, the hate and despair vanished instantly.

With the Zephyr Lounge its Church and a Hymn list of indie-rock, Off the Record is a small, occasional, Thursday night run by Warwick’s Off Beat Society which brilliantly recaptures what, by second year, has been lost from other nights out: fun.

It doesn’t play the predictable, computerised noise which I’m convinced the majority of people must hate, albeit in secret. It isn’t packed to the rafters with, and pardon my French, the usual wankers who go out simply to pull. And nor is it a giant venue where you’re guaranteed to lose your friends, or you’re forced to compete for dancefloor space with some spanner who does sport at Coventry Uni.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. It sounds like Off the Record is trying very hard to be edgy, and it must be full of wannabe hipsters and bearded weirdos. These are indeed the things barked by the unenlightened among us, usually the most loyal Smack or Neon goers that Warwick has to offer, but it is safe to say that sleep shall not be lost.

Because what makes Off the Record such a complete success is just that: its unapologetic difference to the bog-standard night out. Its playlist is meticulously chosen, its organisers are its biggest fans and its crowd, of scarcely more than a hundred, is outrageously friendly.

It’s intimate, personal, fun, light-hearted and utterly unlike any other night at Warwick. So, please, keep this between us, and don’t bring your friend who loves Smack.