Loungelover

Opulent Brick Lane haunt, home to the high fashion set and to excellent cocktails.

Due mainly to its unassuming location in London’s gritty East End, this exceptionally decadent, eccentrically styled, fantastically flamboyant bar has kept a reasonably low profile over the years. Functioning at one time as a meat-packing factory the building now functions purely as a late night fun factory for Brick Lane’s party-loving fashion set. Opulence is the buzzword here – blood red drapes reflected in gilt mirrors and flaming torches surround antique Swedish and French furniture overhung with sparkling chandeliers. Such lavish furnishing excesses demand equal attentions from guests who are expected to glam up for a night of cocktail swilling and hobnobbing. Needless to say, the cocktails here are excellent – pricey, but you’d expect nothing less in a bar of this calibre. One of the best ways to pass the time here is by wading through the cocktail menu savouring the extravagant selection, whilst at the same time languishing back on a plush sofa admiring the surreal artwork on display – the eccentric collection of dolls’ house memorabilia takes on an even more disturbing aspect after a couple of vodka Martinis. Split up into different sections, each with its own unique style, there’s fun to be had moving from one to the other as the mood takes you – rustic, Baroque or day-glo, the choice is yours. If you’re lucky enough to make it into the exclusive gated Private Room a camp collection of clutch purses and handbags awaits you. This is heaven for the glam at heart.

Best for:
Flaming torches and antique furniture, dressing up, decadence and dolls' houses, surreal art and extravagant cocktails.