At The Orwell, we always but always play recent acquisitions, new spins and lesser known quality tunage that (a lot of the time) we're thinking of playing in our main spots over the coming months. Lots of the things we're currently playing started life like this. I believe people want to hear summat different whilst they're settling into a venue for the evening. I would say that without exception, the four of us who run The Orwell can't wait until it's their turn to play the early set. I also think (at most venues) that that's when most of the best tunes are played!
Cheers
Steve