Review Rating:

From the very same people who brought you Fabric, Matter is the newest kid on the block and boasts a 2,600 person capacity, a 'body-kinetic' dance floor and an Ibiza-esque design. A futuristic, space-like design means Matter is testament to the fact that London knows how to party!

The venue is situated within the grounds of London's landmark o2 Arena; rapidly becoming one of London's trendiest areas as plans for the 2012 Olympics begin in earnest. Getting there is pretty simple as the area is well connected with the tube, trains and buses.

As we arrived at the o2 Arena, we were surprised to be escorted directly to the club's doors in one of the various pre-paid taxis that flanked the taxi rank. Definitely a bonus if you arrive in somewhat of a precarious state. Once inside Matter, you can't help but feel as if you have stepped into a warehouse but the grimy, industrial feel of the place adds to the buzzing atmosphere that you simply can't help but throw yourself into. The slick manoeuvrings of bouncers and staff meant that we had entered, paid and deposited our jackets in the cloakroom within two minutes. Very impressive indeed.

The bars are very long and well-staffed, cutting waiting times down to one or two minutes. Although drinks prices are particularly high with double spirits and a mixer costing just shy of £10. Once you step on to the wooden dance floor, the 80 super charged speakers below send the bass pulsating through your body. Although I felt like Sarah Jessica-Parker in Hocus Pocus stepping onto tarmac for the first time, you soon get used to the vibrations.

What impressed me most about the venue is the size; it is simply enormous and boasts three open plan tiers from where people can watch the revellers below. A gangway looms above on the third floor connecting both sides of the club. Don't worry though, secure metal wire will prevent anyone from falling although this pathway is not recommended for any vertigo-sufferers.

The music on offer varied throughout the night, beginning with a live band playing more of an Indie repertoire and then moving onto some funky house beats. The venue seriously caters for all tastes and the DJs definitely know how to get the crowd into the swing of things.

Overall, Matter offered a great night out from start to finish. A definite recommendation from London Gay Man.

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