Club 85

You'll walk past this unassuming spot on Whinbush Road a dozen times before realising it's where Hitchin keeps its best-kept musical secret. The room's small enough that you're practically sharing a pint with whoever's on stage, which works brilliantly when they've booked another cracking world music act or promising indie band. The drinks are fairly priced and the staff actually know their music – always a good sign. It's the kind of place where you might discover your new favourite artist on a Wednesday night, then find yourself back the following weekend because the DJ lineup looked decent. No velvet ropes or attitude here, just solid programming in a space that feels more like someone's very cool front room than a traditional venue.