AT THE CLUB FACE

ENIGMA

@ hanover grand

After last week's grand reopening, the Hanover Grand seems to be housing some of the most exciting promotions in '98. All the capital's beautiful people will be pleased that The Next Big Thing returns to its natural habitat this Thursday, but the most exciting gig of the week goes to Enigma.

Hosted by John and Krista of Babushka fame, this event promises a feast of bumpin' Chicago house and uplifting garage. Each month will have a different theme, beginning with the rise and fall of the Roman empire...

Frankie Foncett and the excellent Smokin' Jo take charge on the Technics, so there will be plenty of good tunes to complement the visual treats on offer. It's still a bit chilly for a toga, but this one's definitely worth a visit as the crowd is usually as spectacular as the interior design.

Fridays, 6 Hanover Street, London W1 (0171-499 7977) 10.30pm-4.30am pounds 12/pounds 10 before 11.30pm and concessions/ pounds 8 Enigma members

When you see the Junction for the first time, you inevitably think that it is a pretty unspectacular venue; and you'd be right. Despite its Spartan interior this club, just off Loughborough Junction (a couple of bus stops down Brixton's Coldharbour Lane), is rammed every Friday night.

You've guessed that they don't come for the decor but the five hours of experimental drum'n'bass blasting out of a large sound system. This is the real sound of the underground, experimental beatz and innovative mixing from Livid Promotions (which also runs the successful Transmit and Revelation gigs at the Brixton Fridge Bar). Regular DJs CJB, Kalinski, Cyber and Elia keep the bass coming thick and fast.

As a result of overcrowding, the doors are usually shut by midnight, leaving plenty of heads on the wrong side of the door. The evening culminates with two hours of spectacular four-deck mixing which has to be witnessed first hand. No entry tax, just arrive early.

Fridays, 242 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW9 9pm-2am adm free

The excellent Byron Stingily makes an appearance live on stage this Thursday in what is sure to be a winning night. His last cameo appearance, at north London's Complex, sent the crowd wild. It's a few years since Ten City but this particular soul veteran is a solid dance- floor legend.

Uplifting house and garage anthems will dominate the airwaves, courtesy of Paul "Trouble" Anderson, and guests. MC Pugwash takes charge of the mic, with support from Davey's Home Sound.

A derisory Lady Godiva will grant you admittance to this event, so the place looks certain to be packed. Split over two floors, HQ's overlooks Camden Lock and attracts some of the capital's coolest cosmopolitan revellers. Eat at the restaurant, chill at one of the bars or bust a move on the dancefloor.

Wednesdays, The West Yard, Camden Lock, London NW1 (0171-485 6044) 9.30pm-2am pounds 5

HOMEBASS

@ the junction

THE LOFT

@ hq's