So Bohemia like you....

Slipping through the narrow door and down the fragile, suspended metal steps, I felt like Alice stepping through the looking glass.....
My initial visit to Lounge Bohemia started in a rather strange way, tentatively I approached the bar and was given an interrogation about my booking – quoting my own name and then realising it had been booked under another (my then 'date', now long suffering boyfriend) I was accused of double think by the perfectly groomed O’Brian - like bar man. Quickly restoring his confidence that I was not a spy or a liar, my initiation test was complete.

This, I have discovered since (and through various online reviews of opposing points of view) is the standard treatment of Lounge Bohemians patrons. However, persevere with this 'interesting' (okay, pretentious) approach, navigate your way through the more bright and shiny bar temptations of Shoreditch to the dark door wedged between a newsagents and a kebab shop and I guarantee, you will be rewarded.


This weekend, almost a year on I revisited this hidden gem to (thankfully) find it completely unchanged.


As you are directed to your seat, (often, a Swedish style arrangement we were sharing our table with 2 other couples) be ready to release the inner beatnik. Brown leather sofas, tweed chairs, simple tables and concrete floors all add to the Eastern Berlin vibe with the adage of sheepskin rugs providing some comfort and softness. The walls are lined with Czech newspapers, all bathed in the transient smoky orange glow emitted from low level, mello llighting. Miles Davis hummed in the background while the distinctly off beat vibe of this establishment prevailed in every detail.


The 60s décor gives the lounge a clean, streamlined look, while a low ceiling, series of alcoves and table service provide an intimate atmosphere

The cocktail menu is hidden in the communist era literature littering the tables. Flicking through the aged yellowing pages you will find an extensive choice of world beers, whiskys and spirits. Let down by short and standard champagne offering which was disappointingly sold by the bottle only with no Cava or Processco alternatives (maybe that's just me....) However any shortsightedness in this department is blown away by an orginal and creative (if a little pricey) cocktail offering.





Golden Delcious - Apple Martini

The expert mixologists took care of our order, after a slightly longer than expected wait they were delivered . A Lychee Martini, which tasted distinctly like Palmer Violets (to the delight of of my dinner partner for the evening) was coupled with a fresh Lychee on the side. The Apple Pie Martini delivered a strong alcohol kick which was soon soothed by the cinnamon and buttered brown sugar apple aftertaste. The men folk opted for Margaritas one regular and one premium, I am assured that they could tell the difference, but only just and it's probably not worth the extra few coins. The dandelion and burdock float brought back warm memories of childhood summers but with adult, boozey undertones - a wonderful idea but perhaps better suited to post dinner drinks...day time drinkers might want to opt for the the Bohemian Iced Tea for two served in a classic 60s teapot with cups and saucers but retaining the obligatory prole vodka hit.
 

In a neighbourhood as over populated and over used as Shoreditch, it’s easy to see how a bar such as Lounge Bohemia keeps it’s edge. The strict reservations only policy coupled with the 'no suits' dress code,  even for just a short time, you are in with the in crowd.

Play by the rules, book in advance and don't be put off by the slight nihalistic attitude of the staff and you will be in for a night to remember.

Lounge Bohemia

1E Great Eastern Street EC2A 3EJ

By appointment only: 07720707000