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Please note, Klub Trop is now closed. Time Out Food & Drink Editors, Jan 2017.
‘Bonjour’, purrs the woman behind the bar as we enter. Her and her partner – both French, both friendly, both très chic – are bringing ‘Eurotrash’ levels of kitsch to the base of Lower Clapton Road at a bar that’s so fun it has set tongues wagging almost as much as the tail of Klub Trop’s very own dog. (And no, he’s not a poodle, but he is suitably nonchalant.)
The narrow room is a camp carnival of pineapple-shaped lights, flamingo statues and red Formica tables straight out of the ’60s. On paper, it sounds like a nightmare, but in reality it’s a tat-filled paradise that totally works.
Unlike the song, the drinks aren’t free, but cocktails are cheap: just £6 at this cash-only bar. The menu is short and sweet – and I mean sweet. A fruity fraisette was packed with gin, strawberry, lemon and elderflower – the only thing lacking was a cheeky cocktail umbrella. They serve four craft beers and an interesting range of infused rums on the rocks – the pineapple was the best for pure tropical transcendence. Booze is paired with a popular menu of hot dogs (or should we say haut dogs?), so loaded with cheesy toppings you’ll need a knife and fork. The French was a rich blend of Toulouse sausage avec caramelised onion, emmental cheese and mustard.
Wavey house and French electronica play loud and there’s already a strong crowd – mostly French – cementing this idyll’s party vibe. Basically, all that’s missing is the sea.