Originally published on Tuesday, 27th October 2009

Blues, Qs and Automobiles

The Blues Kitchen, Miss Q's and the Pinewood drive-in get us all US-friendly

Remember those days when we used to take everything American with a hearty pinch of either salt or irony? Regan. The Bushes. Even dear sax-toting, cigar-smoking, dress-staining Clinton.

But then came Obama. And his hope. And his Nobel Peace Prize. So now, 51st State here we come. And damn if it doesn't taste good. Particularly with a whisky-tinged Americana social micro-trend in tow…

A fortnight ago, The Blues Kitchen was born – bringing a kidney-wilting selection of ryes and bourbons to Camden, alongside a decent julep, baby-blue gingham wallpaper and live blues from legends like Ruptured-Ulcer Rawlins (okay, so that's made up).

Then, just last weekend Nick Valentine (of Cuckoo Club and Molton House) went and launched his "sex, rugs and rock 'n' roll" Miss Q's to Earls Court. Think pool hall/bar/venue, with top Americana soul fare, some rugs (hence the pun) and, ahem, a mild shortage of pool tables.

And now Pinewood Studios have gone and kicked off a real, honest-to-goodness US-style drive-in cinema experience. You pay a flat admission for the car (with up to four of you inside) and pull in to the huge Paddock Lot for some serious (sadly hooch-free) big screen entertainment, beginning with The Omen for Hallowe'en.

So cast aside those American poking sticks, chaps. It's time to switch lanes, drop some vowels and embrace our inner Yank.

Info

The Pinewood Drive-in Screenings run every weekend from Oct 31-Dec 6, priced £35 (£55 VIP) per car
Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Road, Bucks, SL0 0NH

The Blues Kitchen, 111-113 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN

Miss Q's, 180-184 Earls Court Road, SW5 9QG

by AC