CLUBBING

The Music Mill at The Colosseum, 1 Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 (0171-720 9200) 10pm-6am, pounds 8 before 10.30pm/pounds 10 before 11.30pm/pounds 12

A few weeks after its inception, The Music Mill has bludgeoned its way into London's clubbing psyche. The Colosseum is a gargantuan venue boasting three rooms and the Music Mill's promoters have come up with a suitably grandiose clubbing concept.

Any DJ worth his slipmat has already played there. Last week's gig was a case in point. CJ Mackintosh, Bobbi & Steve, Al Mackenzie, Seamus, Craig Dimech and Andy Morris were just some of the names to grace the Technics.

Uplifting anthems, soulful garage and phat R 'n' B are all on offer for a cosmopolitan crowd who make an effort aesthetically but aren't afraid to strut their stuff on the dancefloor.

Classic movies like Scarface and Pulp Fiction are on view for revellers pursuing cinematic thrills, or merely trying to get frisky in the back-row shadows.

Tonight's gig features Laurence Nelson, Dave Lambert and Tom Mangan in the main room while Roy the Roach and Dean Savonne keep the garage bumpin' next door. Residents Andy Morris, Seamus and Craig Dimech feature as always.

Despite a recent facelift, the Colosseum is not the prettiest club around. The chill-out areas are well furbished and accommodating but the halls are spartan and the sound system occasionally erratic. The DJs are in close proximity to the dance floor - this enables talented mixers to translate their energy into the music. The crowd is always responsive and communicative; if you like your house with a few lyrics and healthy dollop of soul then you won't be disappointed.

EYE ON THE NEW The small, but perfectly formed venue, that is Club 9 is fast building up a reputation for housing innovative and varied events. Their latest offering comes courtesy of Norman Jay: Giant 45 is probably a reference to the size of Norman's music collection and his preferred choice of format - no CDs at this gig! He also leaves his house tunes behind, preferring instead to delve deep into his 1970s record boxes. If you're a "keep vinyl alive" type, pay a visit - rare grooves and classic soul cuts abound for a mature crowd. Wear dancing shoes, arrive early and dress as-u-like.

Giant 45. Sundays at Club 9, 9 Young St, High St, Kensington, London, W8 (0171-937 9403). 7pm-3am, pounds 3 members/pounds 4 NUS & others.