Club History: 1920’s - 1930’s
The 1920's changed London's West End by transforming its nightlife. By the end of the decade, over 50 licensed night clubs were operating around London, many patronised by upper class socialites. Some just provided a dance floor and others offered cabaret. Famous clubs included the Kit Cat Club, the Bag O' Nails and the Coconut Grove.
The Bag O' Nails Club was in the basement of 9 Kingly Street and was a well known music hangout of the 1930's. A profile written about it just before WW2 said "hundreds of well known musicians have busked on its rostrum. It is to the history of British Swing music what Hampton court is to the history of England. It is a show shop of promising musicians and the rendezvous of the successful ones".
Club History 1920’s - 1930’s continued...
At some point in the mid thirties many bands played at the old Bag O' Nails , some of their nightly repertoires included Jimmy Dorsey originals like "Oodles of Noodles" and "Beebe". The pianist was Harold Hood who later joined Nat Gonella's Georgians, a small jazz group which enjoyed considerable success between 1935 and 1939.
Jazz players Buddy Featherstonhaugh and Teddy Joyce formed part of the house band of the Bag O’ Nails.
A Dance to the Music of Time
The Anthony Powell novel gives reference to the Bag O' Nails. The book provides an excellent description of 1930's nightlife.
The Bag O' Nails is also hosting many more theme nights, so there will be something for everyone, Visit the Whats On page to find out more and to book your place. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Find out how the Bag O’ Nails changed through the different eras to stay at the forefront of musical trends. Listen to music of the time and see some video footage to really help set the scene.
» 1920’s - 1930’s
» 1940’s - 1950’s
» The Swinging 60’s
» Present Day