Bush Hall

When Charlie Raworth and Emma Hutchinson discovered Bush Hall in 2000, they recognised its huge potential, both for live music, and for Emma’s music education enterprise Music House for Children.

The ornate Carlton Dance Hall – as it was first known – is an attractive oasis on Shepherd’s Bush’s busy Uxbridge Road.

In 1904, a publisher called William F. Hurndall presented a gift in the form of a dance hall to each of his three daughters: Lillian, Eugenie and Olive. Of the three venues built around London, Bush Hall was undoubtedly his favourite since he also made his home at the top of the building.

The use of steel girders, a structural innovation at that time means that the modern Bush Hall is much the same as it was when it first opened, right down to the elegant plasterwork on walls and ceilings.

The hall's early years were filled with music and dance of all kinds including ballroom dancing, swing orchestras, musical reviews and ceilidhs.

During the war years, the Carlton Dance Hall became a grand soup kitchen, or ‘British restaurant’ as they were known in wartime, enabling locals to eat cheaply whilst saving their coupons.

The building survived bombing to be reincarnated in the 50s and 60s as a bingo hall and amusement arcade. Throughout this time, however, it maintained its musical tradition and was used as a rehearsal space by some of London's up-and-coming pop acts including Adam Faith, Cliff Richard, and The Who.

The 80s and 90s saw the hall as a haunt for snooker players and late-night drinkers, before being bought and renovated by Charlie and Emma.

Attracting a star studded billing, Bush Hall is gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting and diverse venues in London.