The Going Out Awards

Best Club – sponsored by Underground Gym

Ever since the seafront Zap Club gave birth to big beat, Brighton has been the clubbing capital of the south – with hundreds of revellers pouring into the city every weekend.

But which is the best? Should a good club offer a variety of different nights under one roof, or does the best club in Brighton offer specialist music nights for aficionados ranging from jazz to jungle?

Is there a hidden gem outside Brighton which deserves recognition?

THE SHORTLIST

Shooshh, Brighton

SEAFRONT favourite The Honeyclub received a £1 million revamp last year to create the city’s first VIP super club – Shooshh...

Visiting DJs to the venue have so far included tastemaker Zane Lowe, who hosted a Halloween night of horrors, and stars from structured reality show Geordie Shore.

And the big nights are going to continue into 2015 with an epic masquerade ball on New Year’s Eve.

The Haunt, Brighton

LAUNCHED at the beginning of 2011 in the former cinema by Brighton coach station, The Haunt has gained a reputation not only as a great club, but also a popular live music venue.

Regular weekly club nights include The Wonder Yeahs, The 90s Hip Hop Sweatshop, and the ever-popular Saturday night It Is Still 1985.

Based across two levels the main room contains the stage, a bar, big screen and seating area, all overlooked by the balcony and upstairs bar.

Green Door Store, Brighton

THE former railway social club opened its doors in January 2011 and has become a popular late night venue, offering free entry for many of its club nights.

Like The Haunt the Trafalgar Street Arches venue is also a popular live music venue, having hosted shows by the likes of The Wave Pictures, Laetitia Sadier, Rizzle Kicks in one of their earliest city shows, and an intimate show by a rocked-up Charlotte Church.

Popular club nights include hip-hop night Donuts, Tru Thoughts’ Sonic Switch, the grunge-heavy Sub Bop and electronic alternative night Donky Pitch and the rock and roll heaven of The Big Itch.

The Coalition, Brighton

NESTLED within Brighton’s seafront arches The Coalition is building up a strong following for its club nights, as well as hosting the odd live gig over the years.

Characterised by the giant pillars surrounding the dancefloor, Coalition’s outdoor terrace bar is also popular in the summer, and perfect for people-watching on the beach.

The weekend begins at The Coalition with Friday I’m In Love, while the Saturday night features a mix of guest DJs and themed club nights including O>Y>B, 1990s dance night Pump Up The Jam, and Flava In Ya Ear, with the party going well into the early hours with after party Blow.

Casablanca Jazz Club, Brighton

SPLIT across two floors, Casablanca Jazz Club’s music policy focuses on live jazz, funk, disco, soul and Motown.

The Middle Street club is the place to catch the cream of the local crop whose aim is to make you dance. It’s tucked away from the main club highways of West Street, East Street and the seafront so attracts a discerning music-loving crowd.

AND THE WINNER IS... Casablanca, Brighton

Anthi Stylianou and her brother Steve reopened Casablanca in 1999 and in 15 years have turned it into Brighton’s premier destination for laid-back late night dancing.

Its policy of booking live Motown, soul and funk bands throughout the week makes it unique in the city.

She said: “We have a great passion and love for live music and that is our bread and butter.

"We might not be the smartest and prettiest looking, but we always want good quality music and good musicians.

"That’s the reason the best players in the South love playing at our club.

”All the booking and programming is done in house and all the staff are employed on site.

“We’ve never followed trends – we have got our own brand.

“I don’t give nights out to outside promoters and all DJs are in house - that way whether someone comes Wednesday or Saturday you know what style of music to expect.”

She adds, “I’m so chuffed to have won – it is a reward for our fantastic team.”

THE SPONSORS - Underground Gym

Underground Gym is the latest and best equipped club in Sussex. They have invested heavily in a brand new kit to ensure strength training members have access to the latest and most suitable machines aimed at boosting size and strength.

They have installed the latest plate loaded range from Star Trac to ensure optimum results and free weight feel.

There is everything you might need including dumbbells up to 65kg.

Classes are led by celebrity trainer sol Gilbert and include HIT Sessions Classes are high intensity and therefore extremely effective in delivering results and improvements in fitness, endurance, tone and technique.

All our instructors are highly skilled and able to scale the sessions to suit most people so give them a try to see what you can achieve.

We have a easy to use booking system and a first class free policy for everyone so there is no reason not to try.

Underground Gym, 8 Camden Street, Brighton.

Call 01273 415364 or via our website www.undergroundgym.com.

VOTING

Voting has now closed. The winners will be announced in The Argus on Friday December 12.