If you live in London and miss the beach, but don’t want to up your carbon footprint by travelling miles to the nearest coastline then never fear; 54 Mile End brings an urban beach to the heart of the East End with real Caribbean sand.

The Venue
Just a short walk away from Mile End tube, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the wrong place – Mile End Road not being the most pleasant of environments. However, before long you’ll see the huge 54 Mile End sign and outdoor wooden picnic chairs beckoning you inward.

Strolling past the bouncer, you’ll immediately catch sight of the bar and the funky bricked DJ booth. Although the bar itself is quite petite and low roofed, there are plenty of areas to sit and chill out in - be it the black leather armchairs near the DJ or the long chaired booth by the bar, the idea here is to be comfortable. Out the back is the main attraction - the urban beach. There are striped deckchairs, picnic furniture, huge parasols and beach balls to complete the illusion that you’re in some far flung holiday destination. On the back wall is a painting of a blue sea.

Downstairs is the club, where party goers descend after they’ve had their fun upstairs. The electric blue lighting and industrial look make it feel like an authentic underground club; also, having a bar in here means you don’t have to keep going upstairs to get your drinks.

The Atmosphere
As it’s near Queen Mary University, 54 Mile End attracts a student-heavy crowd during the week. However, the main inhabitants of this establishment are people who are into their music and want to hear the right type of tunes. This means a blend of dubstep, electro, trance and techno so be prepared if that’s not the sound you are used to. Being the sister venue to Commercial Street, you can expect to see a mix of Shoreditch trendys and locals.

The party here doesn’t get started until about 9pm-10pm, so if you want a quiet drink before heading out then after work is ideal. The bar staff are friendly and courteous and are at hand to help you choose your drink and serve it speedily and smoothly.

The Music
On Fridays, 54 Mile End plays a mix of house and dubstep, including nights like Mono with residents Rob Holmes and Damion Burbank, and FHD Records spinning tunes in the bar area. On Saturdays there’s a different slant to the music with nights like Incognito and Dirty Dubbin’ playing funky techno and electro, deep funk and jackin house, with City Fly with guest DJs like Marc Mac from Four Hero hitting the decks. The fundamental idea is to have a similar flavour to 54 Commercial Street but pushing it that little bit further to feature the best DJs around.

The Drink
54 Mile End has some appealing offers like draught and bottled beer from £2.50 and spirits from £3, which go down a treat with the students especially, but it’s the cocktails that really steal the show. Starting at £7 the range and combinations of different flavours is great for a bar like this. The Hangover (shaken abs, Kurrant vodka, Bells whisky, Gordons gin and Baileys) is one to try and is certainly not for the faint hearted being strongly alcoholic in both taste and consistency; or the Widow Maker (Green Mark vodka, Jagermeister and Kahlua) will make you weak at the knees. Champagne cocktails are a cheap £7.50 and if you’re into girlie concoctions be sure to try the Russian Spring Punch (vodka flavoured with sweet and sour raspberries, topped with Champagne). If martini cocktails are your thing then the espresso martini (fresh espresso shaken with Green Mark vodka, Kahlua and gomme syrup) for £7 will add some kick to your night and keep you awake for all the dancing ahead.

If, however, you prefer your beer then lager lovers are well catered for with Kronenbourg Cold, Fosters and Guinness on draught and Stella, Sol, Tiger, Bulmers and Heineken bottled.

The Last Word
A funky venue that stands out from the crowd. With cool inhabitants and phat tunes, 54 Mile End is a much-needed addition to the area.

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