Raise a Glass: Steel Yard Founder Shares Why His Venue Deserves the Crown

Celebrating the City’s Best: The Steel Yard

The Toast the City Awards are set to honor the city's most outstanding spots this October. This week, we spotlight the Steel Yard, a music venue that has made it to the finals. The inaugural awards aim to recognize the best restaurants, bars, green spaces, and more, narrowing down the list to a select few.

Now is your chance to vote for your favorites. To help you get into the spirit, we’ve spoken with some of the finalists about why they believe they should win. This week, we feature Charlie Adams, the events booking manager at The Steel Yard.

Why The Steel Yard Deserves to Win

For The Steel Yard, success starts with relationships. People buy from people, and many of the team members run their own brands or club nights, which gives them insight into the challenges venues face. This understanding allows them to make things as simple and straightforward as possible, whether it's for a party, a show, or a corporate event. When people feel valued, they tend to return. The Steel Yard believes that this commitment to ease and genuine hospitality is what sets them apart.

A Journey into Nightlife

Charlie Adams' journey into the nightlife industry was not a straight path. He worked in sales for many years before realizing he wanted a more customer-facing role. At 32, he took a leap of faith, moved to Berlin, and started at the bottom as a kitchen porter. From there, he climbed the ranks and never looked back. That experience taught him resilience and the importance of teamwork, while also instilling a deep love for the industry.

The Hidden History of The Steel Yard

The Steel Yard takes its name from the Stahlhof, a riverside compound that served as the Hanseatic League’s London base from the 13th century. Once a walled city with merchants, warehouses, and even a chapel, it survived wars, the loss of royal privileges, looting, and the Great Fire before Cannon Street Station was built above it. There are also tales of river pirates and smugglers along this stretch of the Thames, adding a mischievous edge to its history.

The Charm of the Square Mile

What makes the Square Mile special is the way old and new coexist. You can walk past a glass skyscraper one moment and then stumble upon a Roman wall or a medieval church the next. This blend of striking modern architecture and hidden layers of history gives the area a unique character. It feels like the entire story of London is packed into a single Square Mile, making it unlike anywhere else.

Memorable Moments

One of Charlie’s fondest memories is from an 80s day party hosted at The Steel Yard during Halloween. His parents, both in their seventies, came along with their friends. They all dressed up, the music was loud, and they danced the afternoon away. It was incredible to see them let loose, enjoy the atmosphere, and be part of an event that brought together different generations on the same dance floor.

A Secret Spot in the City

There’s a little bar that offers pints for £3.50 from midday until 9pm. In the middle of the Square Mile, that’s a rare find. Sometimes, it's the simple things that make the biggest impact.

A Favorite on Toast

When it comes to toast, Charlie’s favorite is his dad’s cheese on toast. His father melts the cheese in the microwave first, then spreads it over toast with pepper, salt, celery salt, or sometimes garlic powder. It’s simple, but always reminds him of his childhood.

The Toast the City Awards will take place this October, and you won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the city's best. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the nominees.