The Lansdowne Club, Luton
VENUE : The Lansdowne Club, 70 New Bedford Road, Luton, LU3 1BS
LOCATION : Very close to the town centre. Ideally placed for anyone travelling on National Express or VT99, and not far from the railway station.
TIME : The Sunday Lunchtime jazz is 12:15pm to 2:45pm. There are other events on at other times, usually 8pm or after. With trains going back to St Pancras as late as midnight, even these are doable if you live in London.
TRANSPORT LINKS : It is easy to get to and from Luton by rail from St Pancras, or road from Victoria Coach Station. Trains depart from Platform 1 and the fare is £12.00 at the time of writing (March 2010). The coaches are slower and the fare is £15.00, so this makes no sense unless you happen to be staying in one of the many hotels around Victoria Coach Station.
COMMENTS : I have only visited the Lansdowne Club once, for the visit of Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends on October 25th last year. That was enough, however, to tell me that the facilities here are a good match for the facilities at Roade, and superior to those anywhere else.
The room is comfortable and light, with excellent decor and a wide panoramic view through the windows outside. Unlike Roade, they don’t have the irritating habit of closing dark curtains to block everything out. Catering facilities and the bar are top class, although vegetarians may be struggling a bit. You can get a large plate of ham, egg and chips at a very reasonable price.
Although there is not a band every Sunday, this season provides a welcome variety from the regular seasons at Roade and the Globe in Hackney. Pick the right band on the right day, and this place is well worth a visit.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN 2010?
See the full fixture list HERE