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Tue / Jan 26
Party Earth Review A trip to Lounge Bohemia begins with an appointment – a visit would likely be futile without one. Then there are the two simple but steadfast rules: no suits and no standing room. Finally, there’s the journey inside: through... ... read full review
1 Great Eastern Street
London, EC2A 3EJ
Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Lines: Liverpool Street; Northern Line: Old Street
077 2070 7000
M–Sa 6pm–midnight, Su 6–11pm
Shoreditch / Brick Lane, London –
A trip to Lounge Bohemia begins with an appointment – a visit would likely be futile without one. Then there are the two simple but steadfast rules: no suits and no standing room. Finally, there’s the journey inside: through the unmarked door, along a hallway papered with old Czech newspapers, and finally down two flights of stairs into a lounge that combines an Eastern Bloc theme with a downright cozy atmosphere.
Furnished with 60s- and 70s-era sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, the eclectic space has become a favorite of literary and artsy types who settle into private alcoves along the bare back wall to discuss the revolution over high-end cocktails.
The menus – hidden inside volumes of classic Czech literature – include a very large selection of Czech beers, as well as intricate mixology gems like the Holy Smoke – a drink served in a flask smoking with frankincense and myrrh – and a variety of shots doled out in actual test tubes.
Free canapés come with the first round, but the stylish couples tucked around the handful of simple tables are usually quick to order additional platters, especially after sharing a teapot of the signature vodka-heavy Bohemian Iced Tea.
A refuge for anyone tired of the packed and noisy bars up on street level – and with barely room for forty people inside – Lounge Bohemia is a stylish and sophisticated subterranean haunt where it’s easy to have a conversation…
…except perhaps when the political debates get heated, comrade.
Martini fan? Try the Gypsytini, made with honey liquor, rosemary vodka, and dried prunes. Don’t see something you like? The owner, Paul, is crazy passionate about his cocktails and has created the vast majority of them. Tell him your druthers and he’ll figure out the perfect drink for you.
Intimate groups of friends, intellectuals and pseudo-intellectuals, literary and artistic types, and chill professionals looking to chat, late 20s to late 30s.
Ambient jazz.
Complimentary meat, vegetarian, and fish canapés provided to each customer, with the option to order more. Reservations strongly suggested.
Meat, vegetarian, and fish canapés £3.95/platter of four. Beer £5, wine £5/glass or £20–£30/bottle, cocktails £7–£14, champagne £65–£165/bottle, £11/test tube rack of six.
Creative, trendy, and hipster casual: retro glasses and turtleneck jumpers, smart vintage wear, classy dresses, fitted sweaters. Dress code: strict “no suits” rule enforced.
Any night that patrons can acquire a reservation promises a conversation-fueled and eccentric scene, with Thursdays through Saturdays being the busiest/kookiest.
Nightjar (129 City Road) continues the retro theme with prohibition-era cocktails and late night music.