Bars & Pubs

As part of the legendary 333 Club, Mother is something of a Shoreditch institution. Tthough its sleazy, late-night allure has had the edge taken off it with the increasing proliferation of post-pub watering holes, it remains open long after other bars have shut up shop. Via an unmarked door at street level, you climb a shabby staircase and enter the first of two boxy rooms, decorated with red and gold wallpaper, a black padded bar - on which is set a small dressed mannequin - squashy black vinyl seats, gilt-framed mirrors and a chequer-board floor. Adjacent to the lounge area is the dance room, where well-oiled revellers let loose to the DJ's choices beneath a glitter ball or stand back to check out the live bands - a fairly recent re-introduction to this venue. Beers are your basic draught (Red Stripe, Guinness) and bottled choices and the cocktail neon sign seems a hangover from the past, rather than a current advertisement, but then, no one visits Mother for posh drinks. Late and lairy is what it does best.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9