GOING OUT
The big launch this week takes place on the site of recently closed Merah on Wells Street, Fitzrovia, an area getting livelier by the week. Project aims to offer the consummate VIP experience for House Music aficionados. Following a multi-million pound refurbishment and with Luca Maggiora (previously of Luxx) at the helm, this 400 capacity new venue should be a mecca for discerning House Music fans who prefer the finer things in life.
If you are looking for less of a VIP experience but still hate to queue, The Thirsty Bear in Blackfriars might be for you. London’s first self service pub allows you to control the beer taps on every table by iPad. You can control the jukebox too and it even helps you monitor your consumption electronically if you feel the need or just surf the net if you’re not feeling sociable. Another recently opened bar is a thoroughly British affair. 52° North Bar and Kitchen is new to Poland Street and the UK bias does not stop with our line of latitude. The ground floor bar and lounge is complete with fireplace and big sharing tables whereas downstairs is more intimate with a speakeasy feel. The menu is of course all British, sourced from draft British beers, whiskeys, ciders and even English wine.
Further west, Gloucester Road institution l’etranger has just opened Meursault at l’etranger, a bar and dining room below the original. Inspired by the main character of the French existentialist novel L’Etranger, Meursault is a younger and more spirited sibling. More loungy and relaxed, it should be great for aperitifs or a late night tipple with molecular cocktails, and sake on offer to match the extensive wine list. Inspired by the Belle Époque, expect a decadent and elegant interior. Finally, the Innerplace Hosted Bar at Sanderson is popping back up this Thursday with an arty theme and an onward tour of private viewing at Alison Jacques Gallery and Erarta Galleries London. Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s leading specialist VIP entertainment Concierge innerplace.co.uk.