Amy Winehouse performs surprise pub gig

Winehouse has not performed a set since appearing at Bestival in September 2008

Singer Amy Winehouse has made a low-key return to the stage in a surprise performance at her local pub in London.

The 27-year-old played an impromptu set of six songs during a monthly charity club night at the Hawley Arms in Camden.

The 150-capacity pub heard Winehouse sing Tears Dry On Their Own, the Specials cover A Message To You, Rudy and some new material.

It was her first full performance since a slew of festival appearances in 2008.

Izzy Lawrence, who runs the Apocalypstick club night, told BBC 6 Music that Winehouse just turned up at the pub.

"Amy just whispered to me, 'I know I'm not on the line up but do you mind if I play?'" she said.

"Obviously I wasn't going to say no and she got up and played and it was amazing."

Winehouse is currently working on songs for her forthcoming follow-up to her successful 2006 record Back To Black.

Ms Lawrence gave a positive reaction to the star's new tracks: "It sounds great - it's quite upbeat, quite funky, very soulful.

"I think this is going to be massive. If those songs are going to be on the new album, it's going to be huge," she added.

The monthly club night, which is organised in association with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, places big acts alongside up and coming musicians.