Although Kleerup and his guest singers throw themselves energetically around in a bid to get the audience dancing, really the venue, on St Jansstraat, is more suited to a jazz or acoustic show. Another popular academic venue is the headquarters of the USVA (the university’s cultural faculty) at 10 Munnekeholm.

In one of its two rooms the rockabilly teenage band Kitty, Daisy and Lewis are in full swing. I just catch the end of their set having pulled myself off one of the comfortable sofas in the dramatically draped bar to listen to the siblings belt out 1950s inspired tunes.

It’s definitely a venue worth visiting, if only for the opulent décor and heady left-bank type ambiance. Although not a university building, the venue Simplon (69 Boterdiep) feels like a student union bar. It’s around 15 minutes walk out of the city centre, and to be honest, is only worth visiting if there’s a band that you desperately want to see as it’s not the easiest place to find as a visitor.

Back in the centre, tucked behind the square is the rickety charm of De Spieghel bar (11 Peperstraat). Inside is all wood panelling and murals of musicians, downstairs there’s a backroom with a stage but up a flight of narrow stairs is the main gig area. Little glass holders containing flickering candles are scattered around tables, providing the majority of light.

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It’s one of those lovely places just right for when the weather is bad. You can get slowly merry and forget about the rain soaked city outside for a couple of hours. While the city centre may groan with great venues, there are far less hotels and so it is worth booking well in advance for popular accommodation.

Eurosonic took place on January 10 -12, 2008

Where to stay

The Schimmelpennick Huys Hotel, 53 Oosterstraat, is an elegantly restored patrician's house, just two minutes walk from the market square. Double rooms start from 130 euros. Even if you do not stay in one of its gilt-mirrored rooms, at least stop by its superb club sandwiches. These towers of delicious meat, salad and cheese are best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee.

The Hotel De Ville is more modern in design, but just as luxurious in appearance. The rooms, which start from 129 euros, are effortlessly stylish with that enviable northern European approach of pared-down design, but with a quirky or retro item thrown in to prevent the decor from being clinical.

Do work in some time to take tea or sip a cocktail in its bar that overlooks a stunning courtyard. It is worth trying to book a city centre location, as taxis are not that easy to come by given that the majority of the native population travel everywhere on bikes. Also, after a night out on Groningen’s energetic gig scene you will want to hit the pillow as soon as possible in order to get yourself refreshed for the next eclectic night.

Other Groningen attractions

The Martini Church

Overlooking the Grote Markt is Martini Church, where 370 steps will take you to the top of its tower and stunning views across the city. Next to the church is the De Kostery coffee shop, which offers the most gorgeous cakes. Creations of cream, sponge and fruit tempt you from behind glass cases and it’s impossible not to succumb.

Groninger Museum, Museumeiland 1

The museum is a technicolour treat in itself, designed by a collective of architects including Phillippe Starck. It’s actually located on an island, with a tall golden tower at the centre of the building through which you enter to find an almost Jeff Koons-style interior. A spiral staircase leads you to the galleries, where paintings are shown against pink and aqua blue walls rather than the traditional white. The south side of the building houses a café/restaurant that afford fine views of passing boats.

Shopping

For interior design fanatics, Groningen is an inspirational place to indulge your soft furnishings fetish. There are independent furniture and décor shops on practically every street, although the prevailing style is modern design with a quirky edge.

When it comes to fashion, most of the stores are again independent boutiques but fairly uniform in the ranges of quality knits and leather goods. However, for vintage fans the store Recessie, 54 Jatstraat, is a goldmine. Retro sunglasses for five euros, a huge selection of dresses at 16 euros and plenty of menswear, including military jackets and trousers.

Getting there

The nearest airport to Groningen is Amsterdam. However, the train journey from Amsterdam’s central station is just over one hour and a return ticket is 28 euros.

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