London Paper 10

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Music and Movement by Chantelle Fiddy. Thursday, January 25

At the tender age of 16, I was somewhat deluded in thinking that my raving gear – a bikini top, fluorescent yellow mesh workman’s jacket, baggy tracksuit bottoms and white gloves – was the height of nightlife fashion. According to my photo albums, jungle and drum and bass culture in the late Nineties has a lot to answer for.

Thankfully, the team ­behind Movement, which recently celebrated ten years of rinsing’n’rolling business, was among the promoters who broadened the D&B landscape. While many of us were still stuck out in the sticks, Movement added a touch of class to the scene by bringing it to Bar Rhumba in the heart of the West End.

Check your dusty tape pack collections and you can guarantee that every DJ worth his drinks vouchers has played a Movement night where roping in the premiership selectors such as Roni Size, Zinc, Goldie, Shy FX, Nicky Blackmarket (owner of Blackmarket Records in Soho) and Scratch Perverts is simply standard procedure. But Movement (www.movement.co.uk) is also renowned for opening up its doors to new talent in a scene that is widely ­regarded as a close-knit community.

The brand is now established worldwide following continual touring, six years at Homelands and three compilation CDs: Perpetual Drum and Bass Motion (described by now defunct magazine, Jockey Slut, as the best D&B compilation ever), The Brazilian Job and The Sound Of Movement.

Movement founder, the legendary DJ Bryan Gee, ­decided two years ago to pass the torch to his son, Jordan V, the editor of ATM Magazine and a DJ in his own right. The result is a more varied music policy and a lot to look forward to.

“We’re the longest running weekly in London and that isn’t by luck,” said Bryan. “People come from all over the world to experience the unique ­atmosphere and vibe we create. We’ve recently opened up the back of the club to hip hop, house, R&B, funk and ragga to offer an ­alternative to London’s partygoers. And although D&B might not be their type of music, the ­atmosphere is. Our sound system, promotions team, club security and management are geared to give partygoers the (Thursday) night of their life.”

If you don’t mind a lethargic Friday, head down to 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC1 on Thursday between 8pm-3am. With happy hour and free entry until 9pm or a mere £4 before 10pm (£6 NUS, £4 members after).