Ginglik

Hidden away under shepherds bush green in a converted toilet you’ll find yourself a chilled out venue that features regular and diverse events. Whilst this place could be described as dingy, it’s not! Full of character, original artwork and with a laid back, festival vibe. I haven’t visited this venue for anything but the in-​week comedy nights, but can highly recommend them. Having been there numerous times my friends and I have always had a riotous night of laughter and always have found our selves leaving with smiles on our face and glee in our hearts. There are some good stocky food options and of those that i have tried (burgers, nachos, wedges and chips) I’ve been pleasantly impressed. The cocktails are good, they have some very, very unique beers and the staff are approachable. Not as busy as some comedy nights out in london, this place is still always nearly full and has lively, professional acts. Other pros include a free cloakroom. A great night out!

Ginglik used to be underground public toilets but has been converted into a club/​comedy venue. Despite the new décor, you still feel like you are in underground toilet. I have been to a club night and a few comedy nights and each time I go the place is hot, stuffy, and claustrophobic. The drinks are averagely priced, and the music is good on a club night. However, with the low ceilings and lack of air, the place tends to get smelly pretty quickly. As the place is quite small there is no where to get a bit of space and air except outside, and once you’re outside… you can’t find any reason to go back except for the £8 you wasted to get in.

Nice little local club. they do some really good live nights but I’ve also been to a very empty normal club night. The drinks however are too expensive and there isn’t much choice.
Stick to live bands night and you’ll have a good night.

I went here last night to check it out with a mate. We were curious to see what an ex-​public convenience would look like as a bar/​gig space/​club. The bar staff were unpretenious the vibe was cool and the punters were there to have a luagh and enjoy themselves. No po-​faced people at this bar. We also lucked out and saw an really funky new act playing live called LCMDF.
Considering that this bar is an ex-​public convenience it is surprisingly large with three sections. A small chill out out area, Bar off to the right of the entrance stairs and a gig/​dancefloor space off to the left. We joined as pay-​as-​go members and paid £5 to get in.
I will definitely be going back. After all the place stays serving up until 3am. Now in Shepherds Bush that is rare :-D

I visted this establishment for Karaōke Circus on 26 April 2010. Karaōke Circus is a not a normal karaōke event but a chance for comedians/​comedic writers to perform songs they like with a live band (I have been to 2 so far and will be at a third later this month). But I’m not here to review the event, I’m here for the venue.
The venue is a converted underground public convenince in the centre of Shepards Bush, the entrance still has the look of an old loo with iron railing arounf the entrance with stairs leading down, you wouldn’t know it was a bar unless you weere told. As you go down the stairs into the venue you wonder what you will find there. And surprisingly it has been changed to something that looks normal. Off the entrance lobby are three rooms, to the left is the main room with a DJ booth and stage, ahead is a relaing room with sofas and large mirrors to ‘chill’ and to the right the bar and kitchen.
Cost wise drinks are what you would expect from a London bar £3-£4 a drink and the food is basic pub grub from what I could see.
The only downside for me on the night (apart from lack of seating but that was just due to volume of people) was the toilets. The ladies were situated off the bar area in the room away from the stage, the gents however were located behind the stage so if someone was performing and you need to go you would have to walk past them in full view of the audience, I’d hate to go if it was a a stand up night which they appear to hold regulary from posters on the site.
Worth a visit for a night something is on.

Comedy, music and dancing all under one roof. Except there isn’t actually a roof per se, as Ginglik is housed in converted underground public toilets!
Don’t let that put you off though. And don’t be put off by the stairs down, the rather exclusive feeling door bell and the ‘membership’. Once you get over these obstacles, you’re in for a great night. You’ve got to pay £5 to get in most nights, but that’s all the norm these days.
On the weekend you’re going to find yourself in a busy little club which attracts some great and eclectic DJs to whom I’ve been known to shake some serious booty to after a couple of glasses (bottles) of wine. It’s great for parties — come and spend all night here and you’re really going to enjoy yourself.
Midweek they host comedy, music showcase and other random nights too. On these nights you’re going to find it a little more relaxed, a little quieter and serving some great food.
Low ceilings and dark red walls make for an intimate night.

Ginglik holds a very special place in my heart, which is quite a feat in itself. My best friend and I sought the bar out in 2002– two fresh faced (if I say so myself) country girls, bewildered by the ‘big city’.
We found a an underground haven: great music (reggae, UK hip hop and a kick ass swing band) cheap drinks and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
I often return when I am in the area; and everytime it reminds me how lucky we are as Londoners to have such a variety of absolute gems at our fingertips– as we all know-​the best gems can be found underground– I suggest digging below Shepherds Bush Green…

Lots of people seem to like Ginglik. I like Ginglik. I’d go back, I even have. I’d even recommend going if you happen to be in the bush. But it definitely isn’t 4 or 5 star worthy. More like 3.5.
A place that is 5 star worthy needs to do something especially well. Ginglik is good, but nothing about it is particularly special. Not the djs, not the music, not the dancing, not the décor, not the drinks, not the staff, not the clientèle, not the atmosphere, not the location: you get the picture.
Ginglik is definitely worthy of a good night out, but this is not a must-​visit venue by any stretch of the imagination.

What a great place!
Everything about Ginglik has ‘quirky’ written all over it, my kind of place, definitely.
I went to see the comedy night (runs every fortnight on Tuesday) which included Rufus Hound, Lee Nelson, Tim Clark, and MC Philberto. They certainly did not disappoint. Everybody was laughing hard, lots of banter between the stand-​up comedians and audience, and an all-​round happy atmosphere from start to finish!
I was planning to cancel going there since I was not sure whether I could get out of the office on time or not and one of my friends already cancelled going because of a back injury. I decided to go anyway and thank God I did!
However, due to lack of research (which usually never happened because I google everything and anything) out of my over-​increasingly busy schedule, I had to literally go back and forth Shepherd’s Bush Green Road trying to find the front door.
Finally, after 20 minutes going round and round without any success, I gave up and decided to ask the guy I was meeting up to tell me where it was.
Fortunately, he did some research on the internet and knew that Ginglik is located underneath the Shepherd’s Bush Green park.
The location itself is unique, and when I went inside, I found the interior surprisingly to my liking. Simple, not grand, but enchanting. I felt like in a different world.
The crews were friendly and helpful but the highlight of the night was of course the stand up comedians. They were all very, very good and I should know because I am a self-​proclaimed stand-​up comedy addict! Hehehe…
I will definitely go back there again and again and again for a fun night out, especially since I live in the area! Wooohooo, thanks Ginglik!

The oddly situated venue for gigs, whether it be comedy, dance or (proper) music continually has the references to its old status. Whether it be Aqualung calling his gig the Friends in a toilet tour, to the surprise of Robin Williams popping out from the middle of nowhere. It’s a rather odd place to judge in the sense of the bookings are a rather cold affair most of the time. Maybe it’s just my single nature, but I really felt out of place.
The décor is rather simplistic, maybe too much in the sense that there was no thought at all, other than the lovely fairy lights. The private members attitude also doesn’t help in its popularity, probably why it’s in a battle with the council for a new lease.

We all know what it used to be, bit bored of the toilet talk. Get over it!!.
However, what it is now is what W12 needs. Great comedy on a tuesday, open late on the weekends, good food, good booze, good atmosphere, great people.
Just do it.

Ginglik is a disused loo on Shepherds Bush green. Don’t be fooled, this is a lovely place with a warm inviting atmosphere and hosts one of London’s best singer/​songwriter nights every Wednesday night, called The Big Secret.
I’ve had the pleasure of playing here a few times and it’s so much fun! On Wednesdays there’s also an artist in residence who draws one cartoon per song during the show.
The food looks amazing though I haven’t eaten here. My partner had an amazing veggie burger though and recommends the food!
Ginglik is a members only club, but membership can be obtained free on the door.
In recent news, the council have decided to suspend their original petition to fill the Ginglik with concrete, thanks to lots of supporters and hard work from Ginglik enthusiasts.

The Ginglik as already mentioned on here, (but I feel must be reemphasised), is a bar and music venue which used to be a public toilet. It is very cool which is why I am surprised that hardly anybody has heard about it unless they are musos and come to watch or play gigs here (I only heard of it via my boyfriend who was playing here).
With very low ceilings and shabby chic minimal décor, the place does have that undiscovered ‘only we know about it’ feel and I had a great night. The food is very simple — burgers and chips type meals but the atmosphere is fantastic and you wouldn’t come to somewhere like this for posh nosh.
There were a range of music acts on the small stage in addition to an artist who would draw pictures out of charcoal according to his interpretation of each song. You could see him drawing via a camera and it was a great touch which I have never seen before and a creative way of combining art and music.
There is adequate seating to watch the acts and a separate bar are if you just fancy a drink. It is a really cosy place and I wish I lived nearer to warrant visiting more often.

The best thing about Ginglik in Shepherd’s bush is that it is a little bit special. Located in a disused, but refurbished, underground toilet under the Green you feel as if you have walked into a private member’s bar.
This, however, is also Ginglik’s downfall. It is so discreet there are few locals that have heard of it and even though it can be heaving at weekends it can be fairly empty during the week. This is a shame as there are some really different and unique nights held here, from European electro to British hip-​hop, to dance offs to graffiti draw offs.
An even bigger shame is that it is rumoured to be closing down within the next six months, to be replaced probably by some bland, cold wine bar which will compliment the monstrosity that is the Westfiled centre.

My experiences of Ginglik mainly come in the form of their Wednesday night «Big Secret» showcase events. When I first heard that the venue was located in a converted underground toilet I have to say that I had my reservations. Spending an evening with strangers in a toilet on Shepherds Bush Green did not sound appealing at all. Upon arrival, nothing could be further from the truth.
On the door I was asked to sign up for membership which at first I was not too sure about but when I learnt that I could sign up in a pay-​as-​you-​go capacity I was fine with it after all I normally pay entry into most places anyway. For the Wednesday showcase, entry is £5 which normally provides great value for money.
The acts playing are normally acoustic based singer/​songwriters with the odd band thrown in but this is far from a night of listening to out of tune amateurs warbling through their latest war protest number. The acts at The Big Secret are of a considerable quality and the event has a history of unearthing a few gems. Artists who have previously appeared at Ginglik include Nerina Pallot and Beth Rowley, both of which have figured highly in the charts in recent times.
The staff behind the bar seem to really enjoy working at the venue and always have a smile on their faces which adds to the already vibrant and cheerful atmosphere. The organisers too have a great time and are passionate about their work, particularly in my experience Amity Hill who puts The Big Secret together and does her best to ensure everyone has the best time possible. It is a refreshing change in an age where so many venues put so little effort into entertaining their guests.
I enjoyed my first evening at Ginglik very much and have returned many times since for their short film nights (Mondays) and comedy nights (Tuesdays). In fact the comedy night hit the news recently when none other than Robin Williams showed up to do a surprise set. Other stand ups who have made an appearance include Harry Hill, Dara O’Briain, Al Murray, Jimmy Carr and Frank Skinner as well as a host of other household names. So you never know who’ll be showing up when you go.
To sum up, Ginglik has to be one of my favourite venues in London which I go out of my way to visit and no matter what you’re into, there is sure to be something that will interest you. A venue highly recommended for creative individuals or those wanting to add some variety to their social lives.
Unless you live in the area, public transport is the best way to get there. There is no parking next to the venue but it has great bus and tube links.

I lived in the Shepherd’s Bush area for almost four years and it took me a long time to realize that Ginglik was actually a venue and not just and old underground toilet. I mean I had seen the sign and everything but I thought it was an advertisement for this Ginglik club. Anyhow, on my flatmate’s birthday we ventured and oh! the surprise!
It was like going into a bunker full of warmth and character, I felt I was in some sort of hidden underground club, as you have to ring a bell to go in as if someone is almost going to ask you what the secret password is. Once inside, you have to be a member which means you fill out a questionnaire, give them your email address and pay a fiver. You get a members card and you feel special.
We enjoyed our night, there a was a live DJ playing funk, soul, disco and break beats, we danced all night and had tequila shots, quite a few of them. There is also an area for dining and smoking shisha that we didn’t get to try as we were so into our music.
It is an excellent place to broaden your horizons, culturally speaking, as they have nights of film, comedy, magic, live bands and DJ’s, all kinds of music (electro, jazz, drum & base, indie, rock, alternative, latin and hip hop)
Just Go! It is so much better than what I’ve written…

Ginglik is a conversion of an underground Victorian public toilet on the corner of Shepherd’s Bush Green. Despite this not sounding particularly promising, having gone last night, I discovered that it is currently a really great bar and gig venue.
Décor thoughout the three rooms is moody and chilled out — red drapes, fairy lights, glitter ball, battered comfy sofas, tables and chairs. They do a selection of bottled drinks and good food: the girlfriend’s veggieburger was delicious and came with a bottle of BBQ sauce and potato wedges. Yes, I was stealing bits of my girlfriend’s dinner. I am not ashamed…
The overall atmosphere of the place is relaxed, creative and independent, and they attract some top quality acts if the gig we saw last night was anything to go by.
It’s members only, but you can sign up on the door for temporary membership, which is free.
The bar’s currently under threat from the local council, who, as part of the redevelopment of Shepherd’s Bush, have decided that the venue needs some remedial work on the damp-​proofing and concrete roof. As this is apparently more expensive than filling the whole thing with concrete, this is what they are planning to do. Because, of course, a Victorian public toilet filled with concrete will really add more to the area than an arts venue… er…
There’s an online petition on their website (
), which I’d advise anyone who wants to see this characterful little venue stay open to sign.

This subterranean little club is making its name for itself as both a great little live music venue /​club but also for its comedy and cabaret nights.
Transformed from what were once underground public toilets (!) this cool little vnue has a host of different events throughout the week. every day is a different theme — Mondays are short films, Tuesdays comedy, wednesdays live music, thursdays, fridays and Saturdays are given over to dofferent genres of live and DJ music including and electronica night on Saturdays which rocks, and sundays can be whatever — you have to check out the website to find out. It is a members club but all you have to do is fill in a form on the door and you can go in.

One of the most interesting venues in the whole of London, let alone in She’ Bu’.
Ginglik is a converted public toilet where the gent who played Steptoe in ‘Steptoe and Son’ allegedly used to go cottaging before it became a legitimate place to pick up men.
It’s very hip and attracts a fairly nice crowd not overly Shoreditchy or overly stupid or ugly or any of that.
It’s a pretty good venue for comedy but audiences tend not to be too comedy literate so you won’t get a lot of left-​field, alternative, quirky stuff more of your usual club comics.
They also do film nights and live music as well as DJ sets, so it has a great programme of events.
Big sofas and funky lighting make it a cool place to hang out for a few drinks, but I’ve never seen it really busy and pumping. So I wouldn’t recommend it for a bish bash bosh hardcore night, but certainly a place for a few bevvies, laughs and twirls.
Also: good fat chips.

Ginglik is an underground bar situated in a converted public toilet. That in itself makes it worth a visit, it’s really cool. It’s been done very well, the entrance still looks like the entrance of a toilet (at least from afar, until you spot the fairy lights), so you get the message, yet the interiors are really funky.
The bar itself is located in a separate room, then there’s a small and very red room with some comfy sofas and a couple of tables and chairs, and finally the main room, somewhat bigger, with a small stage.
So — it all looks swell, but it was disappointingly quiet on the Friday night I was there. We were there early, for a birthday party, and for hours hardly anyone else showed up. A bit disconcerting. We left to go elsewhere sometime after eleven, at which point it was getting more lively (but not lively enough!) — for all I know, this could be more of a late night spot. And, as mentioned in the previous review, it seems to be hosting a whole range of events throughout the week. Definitely worth checking out.