Fish Fabrique

The Fish Fabrique, which celebrated its first anniversary last month, is probably the most trendy venue in town. Despite that it has to face competition from the other clubs, such as the recently opened Nora Club.

Still the club, which sometimes goes under the affectionate nickname "Fishka," has some advantages, which have kept it afloat throughout the year

It is conveniently located on the infamous Pushkinskaya 10 -- in the decrepit building that the city authorities once gave to artists and musicians, but has ever since tried to take back, to no avail.

The club's proximity to the city's biggest arts center attracts a motley, Bohemian-looking audience to its doors, which though interesting to the casual visitor, is not always welcome to the management and its vision of the club.

Last week a dozen local musicians from local bands were spotted among the public -- including the full lineup of Tequilajazzz, the top band on the local club circuit.

Moreover, the drinks at the moderately priced bar -- vodka costs 3,000 roubles per 50 grams and the same measure of tequila 9,000 roubles -- were served by the well known band members.

Style also matters. While Kirill Miller's Art Clinic, which is located in the same building, attacks the public with pure kitsch, the Fish Fabrique's main concern is staying cool.

This aim is reflected in the club's lovingly created interior -- the designers chose not to add gloss but to artistically enhanced the nature of the old building which is falling apart.

Here and there you can see cracks in the walls, naked bricks and even imitation of cobwebs.

Some of the walls are black, which could be an ironic reference to the fire which damaged the premises earlier this year.

Music is generally pre-recorded but carefully chosen mostly from what the managers call "independent rock." But in fact the range is much wider, with an occasional pop hit thrown in, sometimes an entire night could be devoted to reggae.

As for live acts, they are mostly taken from the local club scene -- extreme groups are something to be avoided so you'll be lucky to meet a leather-clad rockabilly fan or a heavy metal headbanger here.

Visiting bands also perform -- like Moscow's group Kaspar Hauser which will play this Friday.

The club wants to organize live concerts more often, but faces difficulties because it hasn't got its own PA -- and has to borrow it from elsewhere.

However, since it has re-opened after the summer recess, Fish Fabrique plays host to live bands every week.

See Club Guide and Venues