Key Points
- North London’s Holloway Road is welcoming a new multi-purpose venue called One Eighty One at 181 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, opening this week with a launch party on December 12th.
- The launch party starts at 6:30pm and runs until 11pm, featuring a roster of DJs and a free “welcome drink” for early arrivals.
- One Eighty One combines a record store, bottle shop, cafe, and bar, described as a “neighbourhood hangout” aimed at becoming a hub for London’s music lovers.
- The venue’s concept shifts from daytime cafe and shop to evening bar, serving cocktails, wine, and craft beer, alongside a hand-picked selection of records across all genres, both old and new.
- It is the brainchild of Rod Gilmore, who runs hip-hop music events company The Doctor’s Orders and performs as DJ Spin Doctor; he will play tracks at the launch.
- Gilmore successfully launched a Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its £23,000 goal, motivated by creating a safe community space amid economic and political challenges.
- One Eighty One is a short walk from Holloway Road and Highbury & Islington tube stations.
- Opening hours: 10am to 11:30pm Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm Tuesdays, closed Mondays.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
A vibrant new record store, bottle shop, cafe, and bar hybrid named One Eighty One opens on Holloway Road in North London this week, promising to serve as a neighbourhood hub for music enthusiasts. The launch takes place on December 12th at 181 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, with DJs spinning tracks from 6:30pm to 11pm and free welcome drinks for early birds. Brainchild of music promoter Rod Gilmore, the venue aims to foster community amid tough times, just minutes from key tube stations.
What is One Eighty One and Where is it Located?
One Eighty One at 181 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, blends multiple offerings into one space on North London’s bustling Holloway Road. During the day, it functions as a cafe and record shop with a carefully curated selection of vinyl across genres, both vintage and contemporary. As evening approaches, it transforms into a bar serving cocktails, wine, and craft beer, evolving into a lively “neighbourhood hangout.”
The location proves ideal for accessibility, sitting merely a few minutes’ walk from both Holloway Road and Highbury & Islington tube stations. This proximity positions it perfectly to draw in locals and visitors seeking a music-centric social spot.
When Does One Eighty One Open and What are the Hours?
The official launch party kicks off on December 12th, running from 6:30pm until 11pm, complete with a lineup of DJs and complimentary “welcome drinks” for those arriving early. Regular operations commence immediately following, with the venue open from 10am to 11:30pm Wednesday through Sunday, and 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays. It remains closed on Mondays to allow for rest and preparation.
These hours cater to a full day-to-night progression, accommodating morning coffee seekers, afternoon browsers, and evening revellers alike.
Who is Behind One Eighty One?
Rod Gilmore, the driving force behind One Eighty One, also operates The Doctor’s Orders, a hip-hop music events company, and performs under the DJ moniker Spin Doctor. Gilmore himself will take to the decks during the launch party, ensuring an authentic music-driven kickoff. His vision stems from a desire to create communal spaces in challenging times.
Gilmore spearheaded a Kickstarter campaign to fund the opening, which narrowly surpassed its £23,000 target. In his campaign statement, Gilmore wrote,
“With an air of doom about cost of living and politicians no one likes or trusts in power it is more important than ever we have places we can come together, meet, talk, feel safe and enjoy ourselves and that is exactly what I am looking to create.”
What Makes One Eighty One Unique?
One Eighty One stands out as part bar, part record shop, part cafe, and part bottle shop, with its atmosphere shifting seamlessly from daytime casual to nighttime vibrancy. Patrons can expect
“an incredible hand picked selection of great records of all genres both old and new,”
alongside drinks that transition from coffee to craft beer, wine, and cocktails. This eclectic mix positions it as a potential staple for London’s music lovers.
The venue’s multifaceted nature promises broad appeal, encouraging lingering visits that evolve with the clock—from vinyl hunting and caffeine fixes to DJ sets and tipples.
Why is One Eighty One Launching Now?
Gilmore’s initiative arrives at a moment when community venues feel essential amid economic pressures and political disillusionment. His Kickstarter pitch underscored this urgency, highlighting the need for safe, enjoyable gathering spots. By opening this week, One Eighty One taps into Holloway Road’s vibrant energy, aiming to become a go-to hub.
The timing aligns with seasonal festivity, as December brings Londoners seeking warm, social escapes from winter chill.
How Will One Eighty One Impact the Local Area?
Situated on Holloway Road, One Eighty One could revitalise the stretch as a music and social destination, drawing crowds from nearby tube stops. Its promise of diverse genres and drinks may attract vinyl collectors, hip-hop fans from Gilmore’s network, and casual passersby alike. Early success at the launch could cement its role as a community anchor.
Local footfall stands to benefit Holloway Road’s ecosystem of shops and eateries, fostering a mini-hub effect.
What Can Visitors Expect at the Launch Party?
The December 12th event starts promptly at 6:30pm, featuring a full roster of DJs culminating with Spin Doctor himself, and extends to 11pm. Early arrivals snag a free “welcome drink,” setting a hospitable tone. Expect a packed house eager to christen the space with dancing and discovery.
This bash encapsulates Gilmore’s ethos, blending music, mates, and merriment right from the outset.
Are There Any Special Features or Promises?
Beyond the core offerings, One Eighty One pledges top-tier curation in its record selection, spanning old classics to new releases across all genres. Nighttime bar service emphasises quality with cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers. Daytime cafe vibes ensure it suits solo browsers or group hangs equally.
Gilmore’s track record with The Doctor’s Orders lends credibility to expectations of high-calibre events and stock.
What is the Full Address and Transport Access?
One Eighty One resides at 181 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, in the heart of North London. Holloway Road tube station lies just minutes away, as does Highbury & Islington, offering Piccadilly, Victoria, and Overground lines. Ample bus routes ply the road itself for even easier access.
This connectivity underscores its neighbourhood focus, welcoming all without hassle.
How Did the Kickstarter Campaign Perform?
Gilmore’s crowdfunding effort on Kickstarter cleared its £23,000 goal, securing vital startup funds. The campaign’s messaging resonated, framing the venue as a beacon against prevailing gloom. Supporters backed a vision of unity through music and socialising.
