Located at 266a Fulham Road, in southwest London, the Café des Artistes apparently opened its doors around 1960.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richard and Brian Jones briefly lived close by in an apartment in Edith Grove, Chelsea during 1962 but it’s not clear when this small basement club first began putting on live music.
It’s more than likely that the Café des Artistes only featured up and coming local bands.
Also, its close proximity to the Pontiac Club in Putney means it might also have featured some of the same groups.
The dearth of information on this little known club isn’t helped by the fact that none of the local newspapers, as far as I am aware, advertised shows. I would welcome any further information from readers.
Status Quo front man Francis Rossi confirms in his book that The Spectres (who morphed into Status Quo) had a Monday night residency here while they were still at school and also played the El Partido in Lewisham. I’ve found gigs for them performing at the latter in October 1965, so it could well be the same time period.
Apparently, Robb Storme & The Whispers played at the venue regularly during 1966-1967.
Sax player Dave Brogden who worked with West London R&B band, Wainwright’s Gentlemen, provided the following dates from his diary. Future Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan was briefly a member during this period and also drummer Mick Tucker, who went on to join The Sweet, also worked with this band while Brogden played sax for them.
1964
24 March – The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)
28 March – Millie & The Five Embers (needs source – possibly Melody Maker)
1965
9 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals
16 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals
23 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) With Ian Gillan on vocals, who left after a gig on 26 April
30 April – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
7 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary) Mick Tucker joined on drums around this time
28 May – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
4 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
11 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
18 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
25 June – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
3 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
9 July – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
6 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
13 August – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
An article in the Westminster & Pimlico News, dated 25 August 1967, says the group Jon are residents at the club around this time
24 September – Wainwright’s Gentlemen (Dave Brogden’s gig diary)
I have been unable to find any gigs for 1966, 1967 and 1968 but I presume it still put on live shows. I have only found a couple of gigs for 1969 below and would welcome any additional information
1968
27 June – Toast (Melody Maker)
3 July – Toast (Melody Maker)
11 July – Toast (Melody Maker)
31 October – Toast (Melody Maker)
1969
6 February – Toast (Melody Maker)
5 June – Black Velvet (Time Out)
An article in the Western Daily Press and Times and Mirror, dated 26 June 1969, says Bath group, The Mirror are residents at the club around this time
Copyright © Nick Warburton. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any from or by any means, without prior permission from the author.
Hello!
My parents met at Cafe des Artistes on Fulham Road in London in 1968. In fact, my father worked there at The time. Can you please refer me to any resources that might help me find someone familiar with the club at that time, or with photographs and other memorabilia?
Thank you kindly,
Christian
I was a frequent member at the Cafe des Artistes in 63 / 64 getting your wrist stamped with an ultra violet light, if you were lucky you might get a cubicle the accbmospher was denced with smoke, ventilation wasn’t much to talk about , there was no Alcohol and Coke was the only thing sold if you wanted to drink it.
In 1965 Valentines Day I met A girl that became my wife I was 19 We married in July ( and it’s not what you are thinking ) 3 Wonderful Kids 11 Gorgeous Grand Children and 2 Adorable Great Grand Children with 55 Years past still keeping the boat afloat
So Good Luck and Thank You Cafe des Artistes Hope you make a few more Happy and wonderful memories for Many more in the long future ahead
Ray
Yep, was there in 66, same. No booze. Great fun though. Met my wife there
I’ve listed my website
Just a update our anniversary of 59 years today when we first met in the early hours of Valentines Day at the Cafe she was 21 and I was 19 she has just turned 80 and up coming up to 79
So Thanks once again from Me and all the Family
Cafe Des Artistes
Ray
I also met my husband at the Cafe des Artistes in 1968. I was 19 and it was the first London club I had been to. It was a dark and smokey basement with candles stuck in wine bottles. Probably a real fire hazard but health and safety wasn’t high on anyone’s list in those days. We used to meet in the Sous Sol cafe in Earls Court Road. Anyone wanting to relive those memories or get a taste of what it was like should watch the 1964/5 film, The Party’s Over with Oliver Reed as a thoroughly nasty beatnik gang leader. The film is set partly in The Cafe des Artistes which is their local jazz club. It’s not a great film so I wouldn’t recommend it for any other reason!
Samantha’s was another favourite club. The DJ played the records from an e type Jag. We were poor students at a dance college so had to get there early as girls got in free before 10. From there we’d also go to the Golden Egg for an Igloo (an ice cream concoction). At the beginning of each term we’d splash out on an outfit from Biba then make our own clothes or go to jumble sales. Life seemed so exciting, I feel lucky to have lived through those days.
Hi Justine,
Just found ‘The Party’s Over’ on You tube, enjoyed seeing the Café entrance, which almost remains the same to this day. (See Google Maps. You can see right inside).
So thanks for mentioning the film. Fab.
An Alan Mackenzie introduced me to the Cafe Des Artistes in about 1966- 1967 and spent many a lunch hour in the place.
If you are the Alan Mackenzie who worked in Convent Garden for Sam Cooke Ltd then I’d like to meet up for lunch or a pint to talk about those good old days. If you fancy a chat my number is 07795096895 and my name is Graham.
Hello Graham,
Yes, I remember you. You smashed my black rimmed glasses, do you recall that! Bob Milan was the boss of the accounts department at the time. I might just give you a call.
Hi Alan,
I think I worked with you at Sam Cooke Ltd in Covent Garden. We spent many a lunch hour going to the Cafe Des Artistes. If You fancy lunch or a beer to talk about the good old days give me ring on 07795096895 and my name Graham.
we we’re living in earls ct students
cafe was a great pl
hang u r coats
listen to music
the wS a cafe/Trubidor
i remember samanthas
le val bon-off kingly st
life was hard and fun
Hi Justine,
Happy New Year! Thank you for your post. My apologies for the lengthy delay. I hadn’t noticed until today that my post received some responses!
My dad, Tony, was born and grew up in London; my mother, Valerie, was from Middlesbrough. She would also have been 19 in 1968. I believe my dad worked at the door of the Cafe. They married in 1970 and I arrived in 1971.
I’d appreciate hearing more about that time. Please feel free to contact me by email at chriswil@shaw.ca.
– Christian
Unfortunately the Utube film ‘The Party’s Over’ has been removed, however you can still find a 10 minute clip “The Party’s Over (1964) – Carson tries to find Melina” which shows the Café entrance and part of the interior. The Café had just changed from a Jazz venue.
Just rented the movie, i was there in 67, met my girlfriend there claudie, the French girl who looked like BB!
jimi hendrix jammed there. Love to speak, if you can Paul
07881 823121
Hi Christian, ihope this message finds you and your parents well. I used to go to the Cafe des Artist in the late 60s and early 70s….what a magical place it was!! Honestly it was so speciala for me and slways holds a place in my heart. At that time it was a place where unusual people went. Although looking back maybe it was for people who just didnt confor,. it all seems so long ago now…but also yesterday!!! If i have the right person your Dad was from an exotic place and your Mum Scotish. If you fancy a chat my number is 07964301004 my name is Janet. Please leave a message if i dont get to the phone in time and i will call you back. Janet xxx
Hi Janet,
Happy New Year! My apologies for the lengthy delay. I hadn’t noticed until today that my post received some responses!
My dad, Tony, was born and grew up in London; my mother, Valerie, was from Middlesbrough. Neither location is particularly exotic, I suppose. I believe my dad worked at the door of the Cafe in 1968. They did not marry until 1970.
I’d appreciate hearing more about that time. Please feel free to contact me by email at chriswil@shaw.ca.
– Christian
hi Christine, pleae callme 07964301004. I think i remember your parents ,,,,and i thinki might have met you when you were a baby. Janet xx
We don’t have any photographs but my husband played there several times. He remembers the large stage and the archways.It was hard to find places to park close enough. Then you had to lug all your gear down the steps and back again
The group at the time was called One Step Beyond. John Hurst on drums,Ben Allen on Bass Guitar and my husband Mick Wooldridge Singer and lead Guitar.
There used to be a leader board for attendances and one week they went there and they were top. As far as he can remember, he is 74 now, most of the groups were working for an agency called College Entertainments.
I visited the club in 1977. It was in the basement of a large building. I remember it being a very smokey place. It was a lot of small rooms opened up in to one large expanse. all the doorways were doorless with arches, the plaster was white and not smooth, like a continental / Mediterranean effect.
It felt very Bohemian and exclusive, as in fact I later learnt was so. I was just 17 at the time, and up from Kent for the evening and didnt realise then what I had stumbled upon in looking for late night entertainment, after a party Id attended.
I can’t edit my review of this club but just for accuracy would like ito say that it was in 1973 I visited, and not 1977.
Christian, I used to go there from early 60’s and I am sure it was in a basement in Redcliffe Gardens not Fulham Rd.
You are correct. It was on the corner of both opposite pub.
Yes Redcliffe Gdns- We lived a few doors up road and often popped in there to dance after Troubador Cafe +The French Resistance innEarls Court.Dave Sheen poet and myself (singer guitarist) Ran Monday poetry nights thereCan anyone tell me name of Pub on opposite corner where a RnR band played featuring Guitarist “Jivin Jules”
Great Times then 1972-73-74
The Redcliff arms
Was on corner of both underground. Entered Redcliffe Gardens opposite pub. Wonderful! Sent twice week 1962 to 1968 with Brenda Young Malcolm Pollock, John Maynard. John McGowan. Knew everyone. Safe and great place. Met and
married Melvyn Kyte. Augusta Kyte formerly Bernard
Hi Augusta,
Happy New Year! My apologies for the lengthy delay. I hadn’t noticed until today that my post received some responses!
My dad, Tony, was born and grew up in London; my mother, Valerie, was from Middlesbrough. I believe my dad worked at the door of the Cafe in 1968. They married in 1970.
I’d appreciate hearing more about that time. Please feel free to contact me by email at chriswil@shaw.ca.
– Christian
I lived in Redcliffe gardens in 68/69 and we used to go just to end of the road and down the stairs!! It was great fun to dance and easy to get home-
Yup definitely
OMG. I just found this site and I’m blown away. I was a regular at the café and worked there on and off for a couple of years back in the days when the Embers and Millie and the Embers, Rob Storm and the Whispers were there. It would have been 1965 – 66. I remember well Francis and the Specters. They came in so excited because they had been hired to work the entire summer at Butlins. I think they were 15. The bands played in the back, there were 2 rooms with dance floors, then out front was the cafe where food was served. I live in Tennessee now but never forget those days.
Hi,
I thought the cafe des artiste was not actually on the Fulham Road but just round the corner on Edith Grove where you go downstairs in the sixties which went on till the early hours on the other side of the road from St Stephens hospital the Rolling Stones had a flat in Edith Grove and used to practise in the Wetherby Arms at the Worlds End.
Hi Alan,
The Café entrance was just around the corner on Redcliffe Gardens, which becomes Edith Grove after Fulham Road. It was just under a Department of Work and Pensions, which I thought was very amusing.
Hi … I used to go there regularly … friends of mine had a band called Norman and the Conquerors … it must have been around 1964 to 65 … I have found one of the musicians today in researching and he is still playing sax in a duo in Bristol … he may be able to give more info …
I was introduced to this oasis of joy and music in 1961 when it seemed
be a basement in a bomb site with no structure finished above ground.
I and good pals visited usually Friday nights about 10 for most of the sixties .Fantastic groups.Once found someone picking my pocket ,unsuccessfully.
Knew three Aussie brothers who were bouncers there who tried to recruit me,unsuccessfully.Once saw the lovely singer of Je Taime non plus dancing away there
Jane Birkin, that’s who she was
Just reading my comment from 2020 … love reading all your comments … I remember some of the band’s names … Norman Evans I think … Jeremy Shales on acoustic guitar, Dave Rylance keyboard Barry Quinn on bass and occasionally John Mills (now in Bath) on sax … he also played clarinet with a jazz band …
Hi Jill,
Wow – your name takes me back to the 1960s – Norman told me about the Cafe site and memories of The Conquerors. Yes I’m still playing sax with a duo Sax in the City in and around the West Country. I regularly meet up with Norman and wife Morag who live in Nailsea – not far from me in Clevedon.
John Mills
Hi … Did you get my comment with info about my going to Cafe des Artistes regularly in 64-65 with my friends who had a band … Norman and the Conquerors … I gave you more info …
Hi again … more info … Cafe des Artistes opened in 1960 after the building was rebuilt following a fire … apparently the Stones and the Beatles played there … and
24 March 1964 The Five Embers
17 May 1964 Davie Jones and the King Bees
4 December 1970 Fusion Orchestra
I’ll try and get more info about the dates Norman and the Conquerors played there and let you know …
Cheers
Jill
The Stones and the Beatles did not play the Cafe des Artistes. I went to the club off and on through the early to mid-Sixties. It was a smokey and crowded cellar and was originally a beatnik jazz club. They had a jukebox and no alcohol on sale. It was bring your own, pour into their Coke and smoke your own herbs. The Stones and the Beatles were both on the national tour circuit by 1962/63 and would not have been playing in such a small venue.
Cool statement. I went there after the Crown on Richmond Road, a Friday night. Richmond to Earl’s Court on the district line. I found it boring.
I knew the leader of Norman and the Conquerors – a guy called Jeremy Shales who officiated at many Wimbledon tennis matches. He died a few years ago. I also went out with Christine (Nicholas) – the lovely daughter of the owner who lived in nearby Surrey.
Hi Richard …I knew Jeremy Shales and all his family very well … we used to play tennis at Sheen … so we probably met at Cafe des Artistes as it was Jerry who introduced me to it …
Hi, Jill, thanks for bringing up all the memories of the Cafe. It was a great gig and we thoroughly enjoyed playing there. We played from 10pm to 2am, half an hour on, quarter of an hour off – all for the princely sum of £15! Initially we played Wednesday nights but then they asked us to do Friday nights as well. If my memory serves me right, we held the record attendance of about 600 one Friday. The band originally consisted of myself, lead singer and rhythm guitar, Paul Morris, lead guitar, Jeremy Shales, bass guitar and my brother, Barrie on drums. When he left, Keith McGregor joined us as drummer. John Mills came in a bit later on saxophone, and as you see from his post, we still see each other. For a short time, Barrie Urquhart came into the band as a rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist. Sad to say, the only members still alive are myself, John and my brother. You mentioned Sheen Tennis Club – we played there many a time, too. John mentions my wife, Morag, who like you, I think, is an Old Paulina!
Hi There,
I used to go there in the sixties, my girl friend lived in Edith Grove, I lived in Islington london, when I left my girl friend I never went home, I went to the Cafe des artiste instead (naughty) I can never remember how I got home.
Hi, I used to go to the club in around 1962 – 65, I do know that Dudley Moore used to play jazz there regularly for the princely sum of £4.00 a night! I also still have the tee shirt! It was usual to finish there at around 2am -3am and then see the sun rise at The Golden Egg Leicester Square and clap with admiration the various partners of well known personalities as they entered, it was something of a tradition.
Hi, I went to this Club, very early 1970-71, it was the first Club in town I had gone to, with a School friend, and his big brother
Can you believe it, I was 13 years old,
I remember seeing a set of twins, (guys) they where made up like David Bowie, it was all very new and amazing. The start of my Club life.
Thise twins were from Ecuador. they wore the oxford bags and Panama Hats. and used to do a routine. I worked there in the early 70’s both as waitress and bouncer.
My experience exactly in about 1977 as mentioned above.
I worked in the Cafe in 1977 as a doorman. George Nicolas was the owner and Delma the Manageress. It was a nightclub by then so no live music.
Alec Buxton former British Light Heavyweight champ.Ben Kopieczk Paul Kelly and myself John McDonald were the doormen. The staff were a mix of Arabs Poles and Scots.
The most famous Celeb would have been Davie Jones of The Monkees,who was a great wee guy and down to earth.
Anyone who recognises any of the names please comment
Hey John
Wow. Little history for me especially the names and gosh I remember everyone especially Ben as was great friend to me
I worked there as all rounder and ended up being DJ and shared with George who lived in his leathery trouser
Cheers and really good to read you here
Zuber Sameja
Hi Mate
If my memory is still intact were you an Asian/Indian lad,5 ft 7 ish and always smiling?? I am still in regular contact with Ben,he,s one of my best mates.Big Paul sadly passed .
If so,I remember you DJing,I remember George,old David behind the bar and the Polish waitresses. Delma tried to get me to marry Christina so she could stay in the country!!
Did you get the same line 🙂
Let me know if this/me rings a bell.
Yes mate
That is me for sure
Fun days with our ticket for pizzas
I remember being saved once by Mike Marino and was fun time
Delmar tried to match me up with Maria and her sister (name deceives me For now
Say Hi to Ben please and so very sad to hear about Paul but wow he lived on the edge always
Yeh I did DJ few nights and then went and blew the cash at up all night restaurant
Good old days and Nick even trusted me to take his French naughty girls to look after who were in the flat near High Street Kensington
All the best mate and thanks for sharing your memories
Zuber but also called Sam short for my surname Sameja
Cheers
Zuber
Sam
I remember you well mate. Delma tried to get me to marry Christina,I think she may have been Maria,s sister??
I have just checked in to this page to see any replies.
I speak to Ben regularly and will pass on your good wishes
Take care Sam
Was this Paul Kelly who later had “The Wee Hoose” on the bridge on Brompton Road if so he was good friend of mine but of different persuasions football wise but he died about 3 years, a real good guy
Bert
Big Paul indeed owned The Wee Hoose .
He was my best mate and passed 1st July 2017. The turnout at Mortlake was unbelieveable . I was honoured to say his eulogy.
Like me Paul was a good Tim,but would have enjoyed the fitba banter with you.
Did you know the Big Yins partner Christine or Irish Des?
HIgh Would you have known a big well set guy who used to be on the door of the cafe called Mike Daphne
Hi Daphne
not at my time at the Cafe,I,m afaid.I took over from a big Aussie called Kevin and after I left a pal of mine Billy Campbell started.
I remember him. Really nice and looked after door so well. Think he knew my flatmate Marie.
Geoff not George. I worked there from 1971 to 74 (I THINK) I also worked for Geoff in his cafe on the Kings road.
Yes George and Delma remember them well ,Delma used to let us in for free.
1966-68 it was still pumping, the discovery of this club and the music that reverberated off the walls and vibrated into the body was something we never forgot, Reflections of Charlie Brown come to mind, awesome organ and sax. Only sold soft drinks but that was ok, we went for the music. Working 9-5 in St James and dancing till 3.00 am took its toll in the end, but what an era.
It used to be very noisy, dark and dank down there in the late Swinging Sixties and early 1970s. With pulsating DJ rhythms and the mandatory end-of-evening strobe-lit ‘Nights in White Satin’ or ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ track used as a romantic prelude to dancing – and even shouting sweet nothings close-up – meant even ugly-mug guys like me had been in with a chance with friendly and gorgeous women, speaking English, Scottish, Belgian French, Portuguese, Hungarian or any other ‘language of love’.
i have just bumped into this site george nicholas was my uncle i was not close to that side of the family so these thoughts are very much 2nd hand my cousin tony used to visit with christine ‘nicks’ daughter and toni christines friend they ran with a swinging set who i am told included marriane faithful this would be from the early days of the club the story goes that ‘nick’ was a personal chauffeur who mentioned his desire to open a club and said person funded initially it was basically a jazz club candles for lighting apparently stones were booked went down badly not jazz i stress this is 2nd hand and a long time ago
Mike, nice to have some background.
From memory,Nick made his money being the photographer at all the big wrestling events which were sold to the newspapers. When I worked for him he lived in Cheyne Walk next to one of the Stones.
He was friends with Mike Marino the famous wrestler and also the actor Lance Percival. He always appeared slightly narky but I got on well with him.
He drove a Rolls Royce Corniche convertible,white with a black roof.
It had a private reg GN 9. In 77 he also had a beautiful German girlfriend half his age. Lucky sod.
Do you have a cousin Chris from the states who served in Vietnam ? He stopped over in London with his best mate when he was drafted out.He is Nicks nephew.
You are right. When I first I went it was serious trad. Had to learn new way to dance! Augusta
I used to sing in a band, Purple Dream (also known as Stack earlier ) and played there often .It was handy because if we were playing somewhere locally in London we could double book and get down there ,the band were not always as happy as me to do two gigs in a night but the Cafe was special in many ways . The Hammond organ fixed to the stage had our organist (Chrissy Bush ) in raptures . Our era would have been 68/69 i think . Great memories
Hi Dudley I joined stack just after you left the band I remain friends with Chris bush but he’s not to well at the moment. Bob
Hi Bob ,
Really sorry to hear about Bushy i spend al ot of time recalling those special days which were to be the basis of my future life . I was hoping that some of the band would be a Big Micks wake a few years ago but sadly i was the only one who turned up . Please pass on my best wishes to Chris when you next see him
Hi I worked in a Carnaby Street boutique called ‘Lord John’ from 1966 to 1971. One of the guys was called Ben (forget surname) tall slight Indian features similar to Freddy Mercury, any way he played bass guitar at Cafe Des Artistes during this time, leaving work we went into The Grapes pub nearby and met Long John Baldry and a young brash Rod Stewart. I personally never went to the club. But if Ben is still around he would know a lot about the club..good luck with your searches. Dave Todd
Hi Dave, The group was called the Satins
Ben was my 2nd elder brother he played the base Guitar
Robert was my Eldest brother he play rhythm Guitar & singer
Brian was the lead Guitarist and Singer
Clive was the drummer.
Sadly Ben, Robert & Brian have passed away. Clive is in the only one that is alive. We loved the club and had some great times. We were very lucky.
follow up to john mcdonald you mentioned mike marino he was a family friend my grandparents were italian and most sundays the whole family would congregate at nan’s house in north cheam one day mike came to visit and i remember all us kids piled onto him he was a good sport i think all the wrestlers took it in turns to be ‘world’ champ originally the family lived in tulse hill ‘nick’ was away a lot driving when things took of they moved to kingswood the chase (lovely house) my cousin tony went once a week to wash his car at that time an ‘e’ type as i remember he made his serious money when he started bringing denim in from the states and reworking and stonewashing had a factory in wallington i dont remember the photography bit but he had fingers in many pies sadly christine passed this year
Mike,
sad news about Christine. Mike Marino was indeed a character.When you mentioned denims, I remember talk of that. Nick was certainly a good businessman,we used to go with him collecting rent from places around Chelsea that he owned.
Regarding your cousin Tony,I remember a Tony who came down often,bald. slim, in 77 he would have been late 20,s??
Thanks for the update
hello john
you sound a bit of a character yourself ‘my’ tony was born ’47 so age about right but bald ? maybe very short he was a great mate to me and we got up to some strokes together my wife loved him and he used come to dinner often sadly tony passed 2019 we were together when i met my wife to be (63) she live in tiny village in berks and i in london we married ’64 and when she came to london she was like a kid in a sweet shop at christmas she would ask to drive ‘up west’ and drive up and down oxford/regent st just to see the lights aunty stella(nics wife) had a boutique in kings rd and she would love to visit with my sister stella was very kind to her they would then go together to burger bar nic had for something to eat i lost my wife 2019 not much about cafe des artistes its true but good to reminisce mike
Hey Mike. Was Uncle Benny(Benivenci) your Great Uncle?
I think that Wainwright’s Gentlemen might have a regular weekly gig at this venue from late 1965 to late 1967. Mick Tucker and then Brian Connolly were members during this period.
i frequented the club with my friend Peter every Friday night during the years 1962-1965. The music was always great and the ladies very attractive and very happy and willing to dance. It was a very special time and I have wonderful memories of the club. Many a time arriving home in South London as the sun came up, made Saturday a mostly lost day. It was worth it!
Hello John
This is your old fiend Peter
Great nights
I lived in Earls Court in the summer of 1974 and used to go there on Saturday nights with my 2 girlfriends it was a disco then I remember they played a lot of top 20 music.
I used to go there every week with my friend Stewart Kennedy. This was around late 1962 to ‘63. I remember it being quite a dive, very smoky and we drank coke. Is there anyone who remembers us? Stewart and Melanie?
Spent many nights there in the 60’s
With my mate Joey Smart
Great times and a great place to go to when the pubs shut
Thanks to everyone for the insight and for filling in many of the gaps.
I played there in a couple of groups (Tenderfoot and the Producers) in the summer of 1977.
Then Elvis died, Disco was born and Nick ripped out the stage and made a bigger dance-floor.
By Christmas 1977 I was working there as a DJ, together with Rod Kennard, bass player from Tendefoot. Simon Griffiths, the drummer from the Producers worked there on and off for nearly 20 years after 1980.
I also was a waiter, barman, kitchen porter and cleaner before leaving, under a bit of a cloud, in 1980.
Great memories though.
I am still friends with Zuber who did lots of jobs there and was a fantastic cook – hiya Zoobz.
Also, John McDonald. I remember you clearly as a direct speaking robust bloke who put me right more than once (thanks mate). Paul Kelly was as big as a tree with a heart of solid gold and I am really sad to learn of his passing.
Nick loved a punch-up and was very strict, he hated dirty finger nails.
He would often hide a pound note among the alcove furniture to test the thoroughness of the cleaner/s. If the note was still there when he came in the next day, the cleaner would get a bit of a talk.
Also, Maria’s sister was Anna who worked at the Up All Night, where, like Zuber says, we would often spend our night’s pay.
I don’t think any live bands played there after that, apart from private parties, although one scene from the 1979 film Birth of the Beatles was filmed there. I think Zuber was there on the day and I know that the crew were all out by opening time that evening.
I was talking to Simon only last week and the subject of the Cafe came up so I am chuffed to find this page. Thanks everyone.
Hey Lee
Some fun here for us hey
We worked every job going mate
We must not forget George the Irishman who lived in his leather gear all times
I am pleased to be in contact with Simon now too
Lots of great memories
Should get together for few beers
Cheers guys
Hiya Zuber – yes of course I remember George. I can see him now.
Definitely meet up for a glass as soon as.
ATB, Lee
Cheers Lee
Keep in touch mate
Zuber
Hi Lee
what a great recollection of memories from the Famous Cafe.
I loved my time there and all the characters.
Nick was some man and I remember him having a stunning,much younger German girlfriend,lucky sod.
Big Paul was indeed a person with a heart of gold,I miss him terribly.
Do you remember wee Ben who was on the door along with Paul and me along with old Alex Buxton,who was a former British Light Heavyweight champion?
We got into some scraps at the door. Nick loved it that we took nonsense from the local hoods,especially the Scottish ones who were surprised that 2 young 18 years old from Glasgow were more than able for them.
Take care mate
That should read NO nonsense 🙂
thanks John. I should remember Ben, as he was there at the same time as me but I can’t see a face.
Yes, the door was well kept.
As you might remember, I was never asked to do that particular job which is probably why I can’t see Ben in my mind’s eye.
Glad that you are still with us John.
Long may that last.
Happy New Year.
Lee
Ben was a smallish guy,stocky build and fair hair.
Stay safe mate,in these mad times, nice to hear from you.
Hello John
This is your old fiend Peter
Great nights ex ex
Yes, a major part of our history. I reflect a great deal. ❤️
I WAS A ROADY WITH A BAND CALLED PUCKLES BLEND OR PEPPER POT ,WE USED TO PLAY THERE REGULARLY,GREAT ATMOSPHERE.
THE ORGANIST JOHN HUDSON BOUGHT SPOT PRODUCTIONS STUDIO AND LATER MAYFAIR SOUND STUDIOS AND GOT A GRAMI FOR TINA TURNERS “STEAMY WINDOWS”
I met my future wife at the Cafe March 1972. It really was basement club that you had to love. Thanks for theese memories
I rember myself and a gentleman that worked there were besotted with each other. His girlfriend was pregnant at the time……..and we did not overstep the mark. We really were attaacted to each other but we just had to let it go………..What amazing and wonderful times we all had at Cafe des Artist. So so mang me memories of long pasgt and magical times.. lots of love xxxxx
Christian if you fancy a char please callme on 07964301004. Would,love a chat with you. if i dont anser please leave a message with your number and i will callmyou back. xxx
My 1960s and 1970s Surrey University Vice-Chancellor, ‘Peter’ Leggett, would have been most disappointed that ’twas not I whom you had been besotted with.
I did a good few gigs here with my band, The Cardinals in the early 60’s. Dennis Sheehan, our rhythm guitarist went on to become tour manager for Led Zeppelin and then U2, for over 30 years.
Hell Billy, Alec Cullen here. I used to go there a fair bit, but only to the front section. The back was nearly impossible to get into. I got in there once. I slipped down the basement steps, full of pills, and they let me in the back!. Jimmy Cliff and the Shakedown Sound were playing. We had a basement club in Westbourne Grove with a similar name “ Chez Artistes”
Hello Nick,
Well, well, well. The Cafe’. I first discovered the Café des Artistes in 1962. Great place, live music. One of the bands I remember was the Dying Embers.
As remarked by Ray, an ultra violet light was used to light up the stamp on the back of your hand, in order to re-enter.
Earls Court Square was my base, and I used to visit the Troubadour cafe in the Old Brompton Road.
One evening, quite late, I was making my way to the Café along Redcliffe Gardens, when there was an almighty bang behind me. I retraced my steps and saw a sports car slewed to the side of the road with a young man slumped inside. Lots of householders were coming out, some with blankets. There was nothing I could do.
I later found out it was Tara Browne who had died.
I was a regular at the Troubadour as well and was there before i went to my night shift job at cafe. I was friends with Michael a select few used to go up to his flat on Monday nights to watch Monty python.
When I went there 1963/4 it was some type iof “ultraviolet” pen they used to mark your hands and used differnet shapes and colours so you could not keep and reuse the mark by not washing 🤣
When we left at the end of the night we literally could not hear for about ten minutes because the music was so loud in the small dance area.
Happy times
Café Des Artistes played host to an SM club called Der Putsch on a few odd nights in 1987; I went to two of them and have very happy memories of both. Reading about the history of the venue makes them even better.
He llegado a esta pagina de casualidad, yo trabajé en el Café des Artistes al principio como fregaplatos, luego como Cofee Boy, me acuerdo de Nick el dueño, el manager era un catalan llamado Alberto y eljefe de cocina era Angelo Sciola, grandes momentos, una noche canté en la discoteca Rock, hay alguien que recuerde esto ?
Querido Coffee Boy, no me acuerdo de esa interpretación en tu o su calidad de cantante en la discoteca Rock, pero me suena, como me lo ha contado una chica belga con quien había ligado yo hace much tiempo > a Belgian pick-up. Con recuerdos del Café de los Sueños. Adriano, viejo verde of Gibraltarian Barbary Ape descent.
I frequented 1962 to 1968. Met my husband there and many great friends. Had fabulous times. Bernard Walsh was in charge of cokes and shared flat with ? on coats. All regulars were very friendly and loved to dance. We were young and life was good. Still have great girlfriend Brenda and Marie who met her husband there and lives in Los Angeles now. The Stones regularly had breakfast in Sous Sol after playing Richmond.
1968 I went there one night with a girlfriend we stood on the stairs with Captain Beefheart waiting to enter. She was really spooked out by his makeup.
What memories, I used to go from around summer of 67 until I left London for York. There was me, David Hayward, his brother Ron, David (Barney) Burnett. Friday nights, Saturday nights after visiting the Ship in old Brompton Rd. mostly always peaceful, relaxed, (I can never remember the name of the beautiful blonde girl that I went Limbo dancing with) There was only one night when I watched the bouncer chuck a bloke up the stairs for causing trouble! Made loads of passing acquaintances. Nearly always went to the Golden egg in Piccadilly around two in the morning. ( Such fun, but I normally got up early on Sunday to go play amateur rugby league)
Do you remember any bands that you saw?
To tell the truth no. There was so much music in pubs and clubs that most of it blurs in time, it’s over 50 years now and I have been to gigs all my life, major like IoW, Donnington etc, small such as in town halls, clubs and coffee bars, Bunjiis, Les Cousins, the 2 i’s etc .I spent a lot of time in folk clubs. I remember that someone told me Hendrix had been in, I know Rossi went. I think the door man might have been Judge Dread at one time, he was a bouncer all over, from the Ram Jam in Brixton, Streatham Lacarno, and of course superstar reggae parody recording artist.
I lived at 2 Earls Court Square in 1966. Used to go to the Cafe Friday nights with my roommate Viv
Wow! What memories…. I went there in as an 18 yr old boy in 1968/9!
Lots of live bands . Lots of girls. Paradise! I had an Afro perm and worked in Kings Road in the boutiques. One night I was sitting at at a table in Cafe des Artistes-with two guys! One young /one older! It was Robert Plant and his gun toting bodyguard!!!
At the time Led Zeppelin was not known in UK ‘ And he said they had come over to do the Isle of Wight concert FREE! To show everyone who they are! They had already done a successful tour in the USA. In conversation
Robert asked me if I could sing the line ‘because I need your love so bad by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac – as he could not hit the low note! I did it and he told me I should be a singer! I laughed then but ironically two years later I was the front man for a band in Norway! 🙂
Happy days! John . ( still in music 🎶 at 70!
In the early 1960s, the Café des Artistes was our favourite haunt. It had a great atmosphere and, as I recall, the seating comprised old bus seats. But it’s greatest strength was the variety of the music – different genres ranging from jazz to rock and roll. Every evening was different.
I was a beginner roadie in 1969 with the jazz-rock band Armada and they played the Cafe a few times. My day job was driving a minivan for a boutique in New Bond Street named ‘Mother Wouldn’t Like It’ and I used the little van to ferry the gear to the Cafe one piece at a time and then do the same after the gig, returning the drums and amps to the various flats around town – it took all night it seemed, but nothing was too much trouble as I wanted to be a roadie so much! I was from Up North, and it always felt very ‘exotic’ to be on the London scene! Great times…
I worked at the Cafe for many years off and on. I ran the kitchen and polished the dance floor. It was a huge part of my life and Nick, the owner was very good to me over the years. He threw a big party for me and my wife when we left to move to the US. Very fond memories.
I worked there in the summer of 1959 ( I had just finished my O levels at Convent of the Sacred Heart , Hammersmith ). I was a waitress and looked about 15. I started work at 7.30 and finished at 3am, then cycled along the Fulham Road back to Fulham. No alcohol and candles in bottles. The main guy was called Mike and his mother sort of run the place. There was a resident guitarist called Jon Toni ( day job bedding salesmen).
I used to come to cafe des artistes Friday nights in early 90’s – decades after many of these comments. Was at uni at the time. Came with two best pals and a few others. Fond memories – met all sorts here – no live bands but music was always fab, layout was just right – open bar area and smoky little booths. Sigh. If only I could time travel for a night
Hi Kate, did you by any chance come to cafe from Balham ?
I worked there whole of 90’s with food serving and DJ on Fridays,
Hi. I spent many evenings to nights there 1962-1964. I remember Maurice, Taff, Paddy, Big John. No alcohol. Burgers, lemon tea.
My friend and I used to sit on the “window” ledge which looked into the cubicles.
I recall “”Shorty and Them” Cliff Adams later known as Clifford Davis, Keith West.
I think Sunday nights were Jazz. nights.
I met Mark Feld there – he was occupying a cubicle and I was introduced by his ” minder”.. We were companions for a while on and off until I returned home to Wales in December 1964
Long time ago – but a big part of my “night life” in Earls Court. I lived in Redcliffe Square.
I also recall but did not know female regulars Helen,, Natasha and Pam.
Mark Feld became Marc Bolan
I believe I saw John Mayall and the bluesbreakers here in 1967 just prior to Eric Clapton joining Cream….
Hi , I played at the Café in the late 70s with my band Lifeline, a progressive rock originals band. We got signed to RCA records but unfortunately the band only did one album and split . Great gigs at the café I was only in my teens at the time on drums if I remember correctly we didn’t go on till very late ! Those were the days when you could see about 3 bands all within walking distance and all very creative and original …
I went there from 1975 till 1983.
What a great place. Someone should get all the stories and make a TV series of them all.
In the first few years, as others have stated, there was no alcohol – just coke but it got a bar some time during that period. The bar was just as you came in the door.
They had a great restaurant there and fantastic home made burgers in home made rolls.
It was a DJ in those days.
One evening in 1981 I was having a drink with a workmate called Peter Lawrence in the Two Chairmen in Pall Mall. It was closing time but we didn’t want to go home.
Peter asked if I knew any good places to go for a drink afterwards. I said that the Cafe Des Artistes was great but I only went at the weekends and didn’t know what it would be like on a Tuesday.
So, we went to check it out.
There was only a couple of Egyptian guys there who we had a brief word with.
Then these two American girls came in. One of them was a real stunner. As there were only 6 of us there altogether plus a DJ, Peter and I decided that we would have to move in quickly or it would be a long, lonely night for us.
However, he who hesitates is lost. While we were discussing our approach the Egyptian guys moved in. “That’s the end of that” said Peter.
However, I noticed that they didn’t seem over interested in the Egyptian guys so I said that to Peter. I also said to him “Go up to the bar and get a round and on the way up say “are you two girls American?”
So, he set off to the bar – but just walked past them.
Damn!
It was going to be a long ,lonely night for us.
However, on the way back with the pints he said to them “Are you two girls American”?
“How did you know that” they asked. After a brief chat Peter asked if they wanted to join us – and they did. So, it was a long lonely night for the Egyptian guys.
One of the girls was called Maureen whom I heard had died a few years ago.
The other was Kelly McNally – a fantastic looking dark haired, brown eyed girl from a part French, part Irish background. Both girls were from Rhode Island.
I’m so, so glad that Peter asked the girls if they were from America. If he hadn’t, my lovely daughter Rhea and my fantastic son Robbie would never have been born.
Yes, I married Kelly six years later after a two year ‘courtship’.
There’s a lot more to the story than this but I don’t want to take up too much space. Robbie has just graduated with an Honours Degree in Computer Games last week and a nicer young man you could not meet. Rhea will graduate as a Vet in 4 months time. She’s loved animals since before she could walk and a Vet was all she ever wanted to be.
Sadly, Kelly and I broke up about 12 years ago. I live in Ireland and she has gone back to America. We only really keep in touch via the children.
I had reason to speak to her recently about the graduations via FaceTime and she is still a stunner..
So, I am going to send her the link to this page and ask her if she remembers the Cafe Des Artistes (we used to go there regularly) without telling here that the last item in this page has our Cafe Des Artistes story.
Well, you never know…….
Has the Cafe Des Artistes have one more story – one more piece of magic in it?
Hi Gerry
Just catching up on this wonderful trip down memory lane.
I would have met you no doubt as I was doing the door around 77, 78.
When I started Nick and Delma had a drinks license and Old David worked behind the bar.
The bar was first right and a sharp left from the entrance. Like you I found romance at the Cafe in the shape of a beautiful tall German girl whose parents were loaded. They had bought her a flat right across the road. Sadly they deemed me unsuitable 🙂 so the romance was ended.
All the best
John
Hi everyone
I am from Türkey i went there from 1979 to 1980 every saturday night,
It reminded me of old days and my youth at the that time I was 22 years old and now 65.
And the Polish waitress Maria was my best friend do anyone remember her surname?????
Best wishes and Merry Christmas
Hi – I just came across my Cafe membership card # 14334 from 1967 . It brought back a flood of memories so I wound up searching to see if the Cafe still existed. The comments so reflect my experience at the Cafe.
I was ‘wintering’ in London, sharing a Garrett flat in Earls Court and working in MCPS Section House canteens during a travel year in Europe ’66-’67. London was an amazing place to be for 3 guys from small town Sasktchewan and the Cafe des Artistes was where it happened. Dec ’66 – Mar ’67. Can’t honestly recall what specific bands were playing just that there was always a lot happening. The exception was Jan 28 1967 – the Classics were playing. I remember that date because that was when I met Mary, a delightful Irish sweetheart and as a result, many fond memories over the next few months – without a doubt the happiest and most exciting time of my life. My last remaining flat mate has recently passed on now and was another trigger bring the magical time in ’60’s London. And I wonder about Mary so if anyone remembers a petite Irish Mary Martin at the Cafe in the winter of ’67 send her my kind regards.
David Ottoson (Regina SK Canada)
Wow. For me there are rare aspects to the internet that can feel truly heartwarming, but this is one of those.
Tonight after a day of hard work on my ‘club project’, I was reflecting on my insane passion and early inspirations. The image of Delmar came to mind just then, and not for the first time. She has a cigarette in the image, and Delmar is squinting at me.
I moved into Ifield Road from mid-California, needing a different type of culture in 1985. What a great move that was at the brave age of 24!
You know what they say about the grass being greener over there!
So eventually I worked at the Furniture Cave during the days and partied down in Chelsea and Fulham almost every night. Cafe des Artistes and 606 Club were in my neighborhood with many a morning spent in each.
Delmar even hired me for a brief period, I was her neighbor after all and did bring lots of new friends to my party spots!
Tonight here in 2022 this is quite special reading the history of the club. All the early stories, thank you to those people. I profess lack of knowledge before tonight on that history.
I’ve always wanted to run a club and I do get closer every day! During that wonderful time in London I briefly worked at Chelsea Arts Club as well, this provided even more inspiration for me.
The california club location is in an artistically rich region, and together with the deep old school london inspiration, it will happen one day, against all odds and soonish in one form or another. There is always hope for whatever dreams one has. Thank you Delmar!
California Chelsea Girl
p.s. married a chelsea guy, had a kid, divorced happily ever after lol.
I used to hang out with my friend Rob Mortimer in the 60s and will never forget the Cafe desArtistes. He lived in Redcliffe Gardens. There was a painted sign on the wall as you walked down the steps into the Cafe.
I used to wear a shiny pvc three quarter length raincoat. Besides CDA we used to hang out at The Troubadour, and the Soupsol coffe bar in Earls Court. We went to Le Macabre in Soho, they had skeletons chasing naked women painted on the walls and your table was a gravestone. I lived in East Sheen, we also hung out at L’Auberge in Richmond
Hi John,
Exactly the same as me. Except I lived in Earls Court Gardens in the 60’s, and yes, the Troubadour and Soupsol coffee bar was much used. And I once went to the Le Macabre with a mate. Great days forever engraved in my mind.
I used to live in Cromwell Rd Earls Court in the late 70s, and would go to the Cafe Des Artistes from time to time. I don’t remember much about it except that it was cheap, fairly dingy, but a very unpretentious place to have a drink, smoke, and lots of dancing. That whole time seems a blur nowadays, probably because I was intoxicated a lot of the time. But I liked Earls Court, which like the club was also cheap and dingy. Used to drink at the Hansom Cab, and The Scarsdale, and for a rough night, watch the Aussies beating each other up at the Kings Arms in Kenway Road. There was a gay bar in Earls Court Rd, think it was the Duke of Richmond, there would be queues of very flamboyantly dressed guys outside.
It was a vibrant place to live.
I worked at The Cafe for many years, primarillyy 80s..
Looking for a French girl who worked a short time by the name of Anyes, and an Italian girl Titziana.
Hi. I used to live very close in Harcourt Terrace and used to go to the Cafe regularly. Great place downstairs. Not much room to dance so had to be cheek to cheek 😀 Great memories.
I would go to the club three times a week 70s and early 80s . Met my wife Mary there sadly my wife passed away two years back ,Would have loved to have shown her this site and all the posts It brought so my wonderful memories flooding back . I would drink in the Redcliff Pub across the road till closing time the over the road to the club . Wonderful times had.
Are used to visit the club Three times a week best days to go Friday and Saturdays. I started to go to the club in 1970 . I met a beautiful girl there married her and had 42 years of happiness together sadly she passed away two years ago I would have loved to have shown her this site with all the wonderful messages and stories posted about the club it has brought back many wonderful memories. If anybody was there between 1970 and 81 and would like to chat please contact me .
Wow ! Just come across the site. A haunt of my sister in the seventies then my brother then me. No one mentions the free pizza in the eighties . So much fun , no attitude and people mixing from all walks of society . Definitely end of Redcliffe gardens . Nice to see Troubadour mentioned too and still going and the gay bar in Earl’s Court was the notorious Coleherne Now a gastro bar ! Noticed few years back cafe de artiste now private members club. Interesting to see what did inside
I worked there in the summer of 1959 ( I had just finished my O levels at Convent of the Sacred Heart , Hammersmith ). I was a waitress and looked about 15. I started work at 7.30 and finished at 3am, then cycled along the Fulham Road back to Fulham. No alcohol and candles in bottles. The main guy was called Mike and his mother sort of run the place. There was a resident guitarist called Jon Toni ( day job bedding salesmen).
Sorry for repeating my previous post, but…
My parents – Tony and Valerie – met at Cafe des Artistes in 1968. I believe my father worked there at the time. They passed away in 2018 and 2020, respectively, but often spoke of their times there.
My sister and I will be traveling to London in May 2024, and are planning to visit the site. We understand it is currently closed but intend to ask the owner for entry. In the meantime, can anyone please refer me to resources that might help me find someone familiar with the club in 1968, or with photographs and other memorabilia from that time?
Thank you! Please feel free to follow up via email: chriswil@shaw.ca
I met my late wife there in the Cafe 1979 I had been going there since 1975 to 1980 .I remember I would drink in the Redcliff arms across the road that closing times go down the the Cafe . I remember Nick and his sister . Great times had there and met the love of my life there .
I met my late wife there in the Cafe 1979 I had been going there since 1975 to 1980 .I remember I would drink in the Redcliff arms across the road that closing times go down the the Cafe . I remember Nick and his sister . Great times had there and met the love of my life there .
If you would like to see inside the building basement, Google Maps allows you to on two dates; March 2008, and March 2016. The name that appears is James Morgenstern, and The Beaver Lodge. Just go to the R/H side of the Café, and the black arrow shows l/h or r/h or forward. Go forward and you are at the bottom of the entrance stairs. Just fiddle around with the arrow forward and back and you get the layout.
I went there only occasionally, not regularly (I lived miles away), in the late 1970s. There was a particular crowd I used to go with, and one of our friends was JC Carroll from The Members. I know that JC’s song “Chelsea Nightclub” on The Members’ first album, At the Chelsea Nightclub (1979), was inspired by the Café des Artistes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUYpg1UEhpM