The DogHouse, West London’s Rock Bar
The DogHouse
I’d always dreamed of having my own rock bar. For years, I imagined a place where people could come together, enjoy great music, and feel at home with a drink in hand and guitars on the speakers. In 2014, that dream became reality when a space became available on Acton High Street, right near where I lived. It was the perfect opportunity, and I took it, despite having no experience in hospitality, bar work, or licensing.
I forgot our anniversary, I'm definitely in the dog house tonight
I’d never owned a bar before, let alone poured a pint or run a venue. But what I did have was a vision, determination, and a lot of good friends. The day I got the keys, I rallied everyone I knew to help. We rewired the electrics, painted the walls, moved furniture, installed the PA and sound system, and worked out the drinks and cocktail menus together.
I built the team from the ground up, hiring experienced bar staff, a solid security crew, and learning everything I could about running a bar on the fly. After months of late nights, problem-solving, and navigating permits and regulations, The Dog House finally opened its doors.
The reaction was incredible. There had never been anything like it in Acton for a long time, a proper rock bar where you could catch live gigs, DJ nights, and soak up an authentic, no-frills rock atmosphere. Locals loved it. Music lovers found their new home. And for me, it was proof that passion, people, and perseverance could turn a crazy idea into something real.
But behind the music and energy, I also carried a serious responsibility as the licence holder. Public safety was a top priority. I was required to report regularly to the police and local authorities to confirm everything was running smoothly. If there were incidents of anti-social behaviour, drug use, or anyone caught bringing in illegal items, I would be personally liable. That meant following strict legal regulations to the letter ensuring security was tight, staff were trained, and we always stayed compliant with licensing laws. It wasn’t just about keeping the bar alive it was about keeping it safe, responsible, and respected in the community.
The Dog House wasn’t just a bar, it was my passion project, a community space, and a crash course in leadership, law, and rock ‘n’ roll.
A Venue with Rock History All Around
Acton has deep roots in rock ‘n’ roll history. Just down the road, Led Zeppelin once played in a pub, and directly across from The Dog House, The Rolling Stones took the stage at the local Working Men’s Club. A couple of miles away, The Sex Pistols were formed, and nearby in Hanwell, Jim Marshall, the father of the legendary Marshall amp built his legacy. Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix’s drummer, was from Ealing, just around the corner. And of course, The Who themselves started in Acton.
The Dog House kept that raw spirit alive. We brought in DJs from local rock radio stations, hosted live rock acts, and even got coverage from MetalTalk, who helped spread the word that a proper rock bar had arrived in West London.
Sadly, the venture was short-lived. It cost over £1,000 a night to run, and with the steady decline in people going out in London, alongside the growing number of pubs and bars shutting their doors, it became clear that the business wasn’t financially sustainable. But while it may not have been a commercial success, The Dog House was a powerful personal one. It proved that with passion, team work, and determination, you can turn a dream into reality.
What I gained from the experience was far more than profit, leadership, operations, licensing compliance, team management, public responsibility, and event planning, all skills I’ve carried forward into other areas of my career. The Dog House may have closed its doors, but it will always be one of my proudest ventures, and a reminder that no dream is too far-fetched when you’re willing to go all in.
- Reviewmetaltalk.net
- Published28-October-2014
West London’s new Rock Bar opens
“The Dog House in Acton High Street opened at the weekend pleasing its new customers with a covers band live set on Friday 24th October and with TotalRock Radio’s Tina Saul spinning the discs Saturday 25th.
West London has been lacking a rock bar since the Wellington in Shepherds Bush called last orders back in the 90s. Another missed venue was the Red Lion in Brentford which used to host rock nights on the Saturday with DJ Nick London. Sadly both of those venues have been turned into McDonalds restaurants and rock fans in the area has been cheesed off ever since.
The Dog House is currently only open on Friday and Saturday but is looking to open weekdays too once a music licence has been granted for more days.
MetalTalk’s Mark Taylor checked the venue out on Saturday and this is what he had to say:
West London area has been crying out for a decent rock bar for far too long. The Crobar in Central London is great but often far too packed. Big Red in Holloway Road is a great stylish venue but a trek to get back from for those who live in West London. With the Intrepid Fox uprooting to Archway, the Dog House is a welcome alternative.
Acton High Street is easy enough to get to for most West Londoners and for those from the surrounding areas. Acton is also deeply rooted in rock history with both The Clash and Deep Purple living in houses nearby when they first started out and The Who played in the area often.
Upon arriving, I found the door security a bit over cautious getting a full body frisk. I’ve been searched less at Heathrow airport, but I’m sure this measure will soon ease once they realise that rock fans are the least troublesome compared to the local chav scene.
The venue is dark and loud with some neat murals on the wall of iconic bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Comfy sofas for those who wish to relax and high stools for those who like to spend more time at the bar.
An intimate vibe with a capacity of 200 ideal for new upcoming bands to perform. Drinks are moderately priced with a pint of beer costing £4. The bar is well stocked with most spirits available and bottles of red and white wine cater for the more refined rocker. The bar staff were friendly enough and more importantly quick serving.
There’s no pole dancers, but you’re more than likely to meet a friendly Pole drinker. The toilets were clean and actually have seats! There is also a large smoking area at the front to watch the world go by. Time quickly flew by and a good time was had by all. In the words of Arnie “I’ll be back”.
The Dog House can be found at 48 High Street, Acton, London, W3 6LG, which is part of the Uxbridge Road. The venue is in between the Gala Bingo Hall and the Windmill pub.
It is served by the Acton Central overground train and the nearest tube is Acton Town (Piccadilly Line) but can be a bit of a walk, so if you’re travelling on the Central Line it’s actually easier to get off at either Shepherds Bush or Ealing Broadway and getting on the 207 bus and you’ll be at the Dog House within minutes. The 207 runs all night every ten minutes.”