It’s not every night you find yourself in the basement of a guitar shop listening to three of the UK’s most promising singer-songwriters on vintage Gibson acoustics. But that’s exactly what Zenith Cafe pulled off last night at the Gibson Garage in London, delivering an intimate and warmly hosted industry showcase that felt more like a family gathering than a formal label event.
The Cambridge-based independent label invited guests—mostly from across the music industry—to its London showcase, where Gareth Dunlop, Danny Addison, and Nathan O’Regan each played short, acoustic sets. The vibe was relaxed but purposeful. There was free canned wine and beer, canapés on arrival, and plenty of mingling before the music began.
Sophie and Laura Turner from Zenith Cafe welcomed the room and introduced each artist with clear pride, setting the tone for a night rooted in community and connection.
Gareth Dunlop was up first, easing the room in with a quietly powerful set, drawing from his latest album Welcome to the House of I Don’t Know. He’s clearly in his stride—confident, self-aware, and generous with stories that had the crowd laughing. Danny Addison followed with a more delicate performance, with really beautiful vocals. Nathan O’Regan closed things out, blending soulful delivery with the dry wit of someone who's spent plenty of time in front of an audience.
All three performed using Gibson and Epiphone acoustics borrowed from the venue—an appropriate touch in a space lined wall-to-wall with guitars.
The show took place downstairs at the Gibson Garage, a kind of temple for guitar enthusiasts, with an entire upper floor filled with instruments and gear. But downstairs, under warm lights and surrounded by instruments with decades of musical history, the mood felt personal and immediate.
As the evening wrapped up, guests were handed Zenith Cafe tote bags filled with physical releases—CDs, vinyl, and even cassettes—a reminder that for all their forward momentum, Zenith still holds on to the value of the tangible.
Now into its third decade, the family-run label is in a strong place heading into 2025. With artists like Dunlop and O’Regan gathering critical acclaim, and Addison joining their roster, this event felt like both a celebration and a quiet statement of intent.
If last night was any indication, Zenith Cafe is very much thriving.