Tonight:
5°c
Critic rating
Right attitude at Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes
16 Dec 2008
The proprietors had a great concept. Whether it was to cut expense, or a flash of inspiration, the place looks like almost no renovation was done to turn it into a bar. Even the original signs from when it was two separate wholesaler's shops (hence the name) are present.
Inside, it's a stripped-down sort of place, with only pieces of artwork decorating the walls, old leather sofas in place and a pretty utilitarian bar. In the basement, a brick fireplace is the only decoration and the only thing hinting at the building's Victorian past.
Its dark ambience makes it feel like a Beatnik hangout, only the Philosophical discussions about Sartre are replaced by conversations about haircuts. Musically, its a mixed bag: we've heard everything from ironic 80's power ballads to blues here, but it usually hovers somewhere in the indie section of the musical spectrum. Ultimately it's a great place, erring on the right side of pretension and one the better bars in Hoxton.
NEAREST STATION: Shoreditch High Street (opens 2010) station
FEATURES: DJ
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
