The Oval Studios

Worst venue experience of my life - avoid at all costs. Firstly when waiting outside for my friend (whom I had a ticket for) to arrive, I was approached by security staff and told that I would need to enter the venue the immediately or I would not be allowed entry later. When trying to explain that I was waiting for my friend I was shouted at and ignored. Fortunately before I got to the front of the queue my friend had arrived and I was able to give them their ticket. After being forced to enter the venue 3 hours before the headline act, we were greeted with a £6 cost for a 330ml can of "multipack - not for resale" Estrella. Even the tap water was out of an old stagnant plastic container. There was even a hole at the top of the container which would have allowed someone to drop anything in there. (See attached picture) After discovering the insane price for a small can of beer and only unsafe drinking water, we attempted to leave the venue to get some refreshment elsewhere before returning to see the headline act. As we attempted to leave, the security staff ignored us and ridiculed us before simply pointing at a very faded and almost invisible "no re entry" sign (see attached image). This was clearly hidden to prevent us noticing during the rush to get everyone inside earlier. We were then told that this was in the venue terms and conditions, which after checking it is not. After questioning this we were then told "you can leave now and don't come back" unless we purchased new tickets at £20+ each. Despite this we managed to suck it up and stayed for the duration of the event, however there was absolutely no ventilation causing inhumane temperatures and condensation was dripping from the ceiling. Even the band on stage complained about the temperature and state of the venue. Absolutely disgusting attitude from the security staff with no consideration for paying customers. Will never be returning to this venue, hope management can address these issues before someone is seriously hurt or the place shuts down due to alienation of paying customers.