Bars & Pubs

Just off the bustle and tat of Shaftesbury Avenue, this airy cocoon - sister venture to the End - claims to have been London's original DJ bar, and it's still grooving along nicely. The two-floor interior is assured and modern, with balconies reaching into brickwork and black sofas sitting low in the artful gloom; the zinc bar has separate cognac, champagne and 'fine spirits' menus. Needless to say, this isn't your typical clubbing scuff's hangout, although presumably the punters' styled locks are let down a little at the Saturday morning post-club session. The rest of the time, it's pre-club sets; on our last visit there was noodly jazz-funk early on and more pumped-up house and techno later.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9