Stoke's Sugarmill hopeful to become NME's Best Small Venue

Courtesy of The Sugarmill, NME Britain's Best Small Venue

NME are looking to crown the best small venue in Britain and Stoke-on-Trent's Sugarmill is in the running.

Following the Sugarmill's 2011 triumph for the Best Small Venue in the Midlands, the Hanley nightclub is looking to improve on the accolade.

They previously beat Nottingham's The Rescue Rooms and the Custard Factory in Birmingham to top the poll.

Sugarmill promoter Danni Brownsill said: “We won all the heats that were voted for, so that meant the world to us to know that people supported us so much.”

Glasgow King Tut's, winners of the 2011 poll, will not be eligible to receive the title again.

“What we do know is that our customers are amazingly dedicated and are as passionate about The Sugarmill as their local venue as we are.

“We aren't some faceless corporation, we are a small independent business, and we treat out customers like family, and they respond to that.

The Sugarmill must win the regional title again to be apart of the 2012 national shortlist.

“We are what we are and do what we do because of them as much as we work hard, we are nothing without them.”

Spring has seen the likes of Maximo Park, Hadouken! and Mystery Jets been announced to play at the prestigious venue.

“I think we're incredibly lucky to have such a passionate music scene in Stoke, especially as we are a small city. The fact that bands with a big profile want to come and play here is a testament to our great crowd.

The Stoke music scene has seen a great rise with the likes of local talents such as Aaron Mobberley, Jim McShee and All The Young.

“I personally believe that it is the smaller venues which are the heart and soul of the UK live music scene.

“Every band has to cut their teeth on this circuit, every city has a venue like this, where people see their first shows, where people who share a passion for music get together and enjoy it collectively.”

To vote for your favourite venue visit the NME website and explain your choice in 100 characters or fewer. The first round of voting closes on April 20.

Check out this promo video for the Sugarmill by Liam R. Dawson below:

Sugarmill from Liam R. Dawson on Vimeo.