NME is launching this year's hunt for best small venue. http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048903&c=1 Not sure any are that marvellous: all have their pluses and minuses. Although I am getting fond of London's Shacklewell Arms, which kind of defines the 'up close and personal' adage. If you're in the front row, you are almost on stage. On Friday during Citizens! set, one inebriated punter was asking their synth player - who was positioned on the tiny stage edge - where the gents was and carrying on a conversation - whilst the band were in the middle of a song!!
Got a favourite small venue - 500 capacity or under - here's your chance to vote for it: http://www.nme.com/news/jd-roots/62854