Leamington's Assembly voted 'best venue in UK'

A 1,000-capacity venue in Warwickshire has been voted the best in the UK by members of the music industry.

The Assembly in Leamington Spa beat contenders including The O2, Shepherd's Bush Empire and the Lexington to win the coveted Music Week award.

It reopened in August 2008 after designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen restored the venue to its former art-deco glory.

The Enemy's lead singer Tom Clark said the venue had an exciting vibe.

Promoter Chris Alexander told BBC News that people appreciated the friendly atmosphere.

'Get a break'

"I think the fact that we're independent and it's the closest thing to a family run venue I can imagine without actually being related to anyone," he said.

"People like coming here. It's almost like coming to a family hotel or guest house but it happens to have a PA system and lights."

Tom Clarke, from rock band The Enemy, said he was glad the venue supported local talent.

"It's amazing," he said.

"This venue has been here for about three minutes and it's just got a plethora of amazing bands that have already played here.

"But, what I think is more amazing about it is, that the venue and the people that run it always give local bands the opportunity to support bigger bands coming through and that is how you get your break."