Actionettes at the Fox and Firkin, Lewisham, London -

Last night I ventured deep into the uncharted waters of Lewisham to check out The Actionettes and The Instants playing the Fox and Firkin, betwixt Lewisham and Ladywell.

The pub – which has been imaginatively decorated and looks like a cross between the Dogstar and the Rest Is Noise in Brixton – is a beacon of hope in a fairly bleak part of south London. It’s well worth a visit.

They’ve spent a fair few quid making the Firkin a decent live venue, and there’s a small stage with a drum riser, a reasonably powerful PA system and good stage lighting.

Oh, and a smoke machine, which is always a Good Thing in my book. I can’t get enough smoke action.

Here’s some photos of the girls in action:

Playing a set either side of the Actionettes was The Instants, a moderately likeable indie-rock band who, faced with a very small crowd, put in a workmanlike performance.

The stage at the Firkin. The bar is on the right and to the left of the stage – rather distractingly for the bands, I would imagine – is the corridor to the loos and a large beer garden.

I really like the way the pub has been kitted out, and it’s a shame so few people were there – a venue like this deserves to be packed on a Saturday night!