Ocean & Collins - or 'The OC', as I've overheard some particularly astute members of Oxford's socialite population beginning to call it over recent months - was on top form last Thursday night.

Feeling Funky was the name of the night, and the tunes certainly lived up to the title. The formula to Thursday nights here sees the promoters of the night bring in DJs - occasionally bigger names like Radio 1Xtra presenters, and coming up on the 5th of June there are members of the UK garage scene's royalty; DJ Luck & MC Neat.

One thing that struck Marc (the photographer) and I was that despite us not looking the part for clubbing on a Thursday night - sticking out like sore thumbs, to be less economical with the truth - the level of warmth we experienced from the all round good-natured clubbers was satisfying, and caused my brain to release one part dopamine to two parts serotonin - equalling a warm, tingly feeling running up and down my spine. (Yes, those are naturally occurring chemicals.) All the people we asked were more than happy to have their picture taken! Standing at the bar while waiting for a drink, I started having a chat with an amiable looking gent - a conversation that soon turned into a deeper discussion!

He turned out to be a Cambridge Literature graduate, and upon finding out that I too am a literature graduate, he began to quiz me on my favourite authors and my critical views on certain poets.

If I had known I was in for that I would have sat down to some revision ... if truth be told I'm a little rusty on the ins and outs of how nostalgia is treated in the works of Dylan Thomas.

I quickly slipped in that my favourite author is John Fowles and book is The Magus; to which his drunken jaw dropped and praise for my 'intellect' was heaped upon me - I moved away before my head got too big!

But I have to say I was impressed that I'd just had that particular conversation in the OC. Next time you're out, try talking to the person next to you at the bar, but I accept no personal responsibility if you're silly enough to conduct this social experiment with the man with the Love-Hate tattoos and the eyes that are too close together.

Friendly looking people only please.

With a smile on my face, I returned to explore the club. At first, not too many people were in the club, but people kept arriving gradually. A steady stream of couples, then groups of friends followed by another couple walked through the doors - as though we were the paparazzi at a film premiere.

After half an hour these arrivals added up, and the place appeared to be quite busy.

If I was to take an educated guess on which date to come to Ocean & Collins in the near future, it would be for DJ Luck & MC Neat - I'm certain these Ayia Napa veterans can still draw a crowd.

So get ready to shout 'R-R-Rewind!' and 'Selectaaa!" at the top of your voice, and make sure you'll be there on June 5. More information about Thursdays @ the OC can be found at www.feelingfunky.co.uk

4:57pm Thursday 15th May 2008

Print

Email this