Sound Bites

Statement speakers are pitch perfect for Spiritland’s music cafés

- Jonathan Bell

Today’s music lovers face a quandary. Music is more accessible than at any time in history, yet more has perhaps meant less in the way of sound quality – we mostly listen to music on tiny earbuds against an audio backdrop of screeching public transport – and in terms of visceral, emotional engagement. Café and event space Spiritland, which first opened a venue in London’s King’s Cross in 2016, is out to counter that trend and alert us to the full potential of recorded music. Founded by artistic director Paul Noble, creative director Patrick Clayton-Malone and commercial director Dominic Lake, Spiritland combines traditional hospitality with high fidelity. Noble’s background is in music and radio production, including stints at the BBC. Lake and Clayton-Malone co-founded Canteen, the restaurant concept built on generous dollops of modern British food served in pared-back Brit Modern surroundings.