The Starting Gate Penn

31/08/2026

14/08/2026

Today is Cam's last shift with us. A massive starting gate thank you and we all wish you the best for the future.

12/08/2026

Another amazing vinyl night yesterday at the Starting Gate.
Here is the track listing.
Grateful thanks to Andrew Glassey for the speaker upgrade. They really sang, and although the old Celestions have done us proud over the last few years the new Missions made a massive difference. I may have to upgrade the amp to keep up!
Next date for your vinyl diary is 25th August.
Usual rules apply - you bring it, we play it. If you’ve got something incredible and you don’t trust anyone else to touch it you’re welcome, but we don’t do “sets” like some other vinyl nights. We will try and play everything we are brought regardless of ‘taste’ but we are normally overwhelmed with stuff so can’t guarantee it.
No tracks over 6 minutes please. This is so everyone has a chance to hear what they brought played.
We play singles mainly but may pivot to album tracks after around 10pm. Unlocatable tracks on splatter vinyl with no track or speed listings may get gratuitously ignored. Some record labels really need to sort themselves out!
We make every effort to return all the right vinyl, sleeves and covers etc. to their rightful owners but very occasionally we do get something wrong. If you end up with something that is not yours, bring it back and we will sort it. Likewise if you find you’re missing something. We keep records of every track we have ever played (thanks to Suzy Blake) so it gets sorted out in the end.

Don’t forget the tickets for the Ukraine raffle and opportunities to donate to the humanitarian evacuation vehicle are still available from behind the bar.

See you in a fortnight!

09/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Starting Gate Vinyl Afternoon yesterday. Grateful thanks in particular to Mole Smith, Andrew Glassey, Simon and Suzy Blake for bringing brilliant music to play and to Charlotte Pope, Alice Pope and Kim Gleed for keeping us all well lubricated.
We had a great time spinning the decks and although the sound at times wasn’t the greatest we know where the weaknesses are in the kit and hopefully I can improve it for next time.
The next Vinyl Night is just this Tuesday (11 August) so remember “you bring it, we play it” subject to time constraints only. Unlike the vinyl afternoon the evening session is limited to tracks under 6 minutes long.
Also big thanks to everyone who supported the Drive Ukraine Evacuation Vehicle raffle by buying a ticket (tickets are still available from me, Suzy or behind the bar) - you’re supporting a great cause.

Here’s the track listing for yesterday. 120 tracks, every conceivable genre.

The vinyl cat is pleased!

09/08/2026

Absolutely fantastic Saturday for vinyls in the garden
Massive thank you to the legends aka Steve and Suzy ❤️
Mole we hope you had a brilliant retirement party and hope to see more of you now you've got some spare time on your hands
And we hope our Queen Sheila had a lovely birthday

07/08/2026

We will be raising money for a humanitarian evacuation vehicle for Ukraine at the SG over the next few weeks. The unbelievable generosity of staff and regulars means we have some fantastic prizes on offer with more to come.
Please show your support and buy a ticket, or just buy a ticket.
Sales start at this Saturday’s Vinyl Afternoon, just £2 each. Draw is at the SG Quiz on 1st September.

02/08/2026

It’s the first week of the month, so that means the Starting Gate Quiz is back on Wednesday.
Bring a team and see if you can defeat our defending champions, Wrights and Wrongs.
Or compete for the Malteasers.
Only £1 per person entry, maximum six per team.
Pre-booking strongly recommended.
Also available “Play Your Cards Right” which requires no skill whatsoever but can win you a substantial prize. Also £1 per entry.
See you there?