It's an alternative music show with a focus on local bands and gigs. It puts the local scene in context with the wider alternative music world, so it actually plays tracks by bands from all over the globe, not just Bristol.

You'll hear loads of new music and plenty of bands/artists getting their first radio play, interviews and sessions too, alongside the better known. It's presented by Richard Pitt and Gary Smith. They have two shows on at the weekend. There should be more local radio like this.

You can hear the show on line. You'll find links to the BBC i-Player from www.myspace.com/bristoluncovered or via www.bbc.co.uk/bristol just follow the entertainment and local music links.

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A club with lots of character, the Thekla is a boat and consists of two floors and a heated deck. Brilliant food is served all day and in the evening it turns into a live venue, which is often followed by a club night. Whether the performers are well-known or up and coming, the Thekla always seems to get it just right.

The Grove
East Mud Dock
Bristol BS1 4RB
0117 929 3301
www.theklabristol.co.uk

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Intimate underground music venue in the heart of Dalston. Sounds and styles may shift night-on-night, but it seems all of the promoters have their fingers on the pulse of their respective scenes. A local sweatbox that parades hyped acts at least six months before they truly blow up... but then can't afford to them back once they have. I admire that in a venue though.

38-44 Stoke Newington Road. London N16 7XJ

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Small, intimate venue, with superb atmosphere: you could almost be on stage with the band. Close to the heart of York, but worth a visit from anywhere in the UK just to catch a special set in a unique venue.

While we're at it: catch the Tivoli in Utrecht, NL, before it disappears! (Zeche, Bochum, D, is probably Europe's finest: it's got everything.)

www.fibbers.co.uk/
Fibbers is situated in The Stonebow on the Minster side of the River Ouse

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Small, intimate, underground venue with original retro decor in the dark, Jute Mill area of the city centre. Great music policy featuring DJs like Don Letts, Norman Jay, Gilles Peterson, 100% Dynamite, Toddla T, Mr Scruff, Qool DJ Marv and bands such as Earl Zinger, The Bays, Antibalas, Fat Freddys Drop, Blackalicious. Mellow, chilled out crowd and great bar and door staff. A happy face, a thumping bass, for a loving race...

www.myspace.com/thereadingrooms
Blackscroft
Dundee

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Small venue that doesn't pander to fashion. Nothing quite so thrilling as watching Wilco perform with four thrashing guitars, up close and personal. Great stuff.

Talbot Street, Nottingham

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Now I know it's a church but it also doubles as a fantastic music venue. I've been to a lot of London venues and this is my all-time favourite, great acoustics, good ambience and it also has the benefit of not being too big or impersonal.

Nearest tube: Highbury and Islington

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One of Liverpool's biggest club venues. You're guaranteed to get your stomp on at any of the nights put on at Nation... from Chibuku Birthdays, Cream Nights to Medication... the DJs are tuned in and always raise the roof without fail.

L1 4BX, Liverpool

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A Hague institution offering live music (bands/djs etc) which has seen some great artists playing in recent times. Well worth checking out the annual 'Music in My Head' festival which celebrates a range of up-and-coming bands from different genres under one umbrella.

www.paard.nl (English and Dutch)
Centrally located on Prinsegracht 12
Tel 070 360 1838

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The best way to keep up with many events in the capital of China is to sign up for the weekly newsletter of the expatriate magazine, The Beijinger. This will keep you informed of the latest gigs, shows,
club news, restaurants, etc. And of course, pick up this expat magazine when you are in town. Most foreign
related hangouts stock it and it is free. Also available free of charge is Time Out Beijing.

My favourite place to visit for alternative music is D22 in the university district. If you want to sample the rock bands of the city, it is one of the best places to visit.

www.thebeijinger.com/index.php?a=28&b=135

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This pub, halfway between Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road tube stations, is brilliant. As well as a good range of drinks and a yummy menu, it offers loads of live music events all week (from open mic nights to unsigned indie bands and old-time jazz).

Thanks to a new refurbishment the Spice now looks like a slightly garish, eccentric Highland mansion, and it's extra-cosy for sinking winter pints. And best of all the pub's attractions? Three words: Sticky. Toffee. Pudding.

6 Moor St (by the intersection of Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Ave - just next to the big theatre)
www.spiceoflifesoho.com

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