Beduin is a late bar styled up as a Moroccan Souk opposite Smithfields Market and is more Mock the Kasbah than ‘Rock’. However, it has its very own 24 hour licence, a great selection of house DJs and provides a light-hearted alternative to the headiness of Fabric.

The Venue
With a choice of great bars and clubs a mere stone’s throw away in Smithfields, Beduin successfully differentiates itself by its plush Fez-themed decor and menus. Beduin wakes up when the sun goes down, and three floors of red and gold scatter cushions and silver gleaming tables under dimmed lighting fill the place with the promise of a good night.

The open plan first floor offers plenty of space for dancing, and for those wanting to rest their weary feet, mirrored and leather booths are dotted along the balcony for those wanting more privacy. A spiral staircase winds down to where the party picks up later in the evening and the DJ booth blasts out a great accompaniment. The lower bar has carpeted walls and a velvet snug sunk into the ground next to the bar. Shattered mirrors adorn the shelves behind the bar, which is covered in multicoloured liquor in unusual shaped bottles. Downstairs is the tunnelled VIP area, which is cornered off by a metal curtain with exposed brickwork, but don’t expect a look in unless you’re friendly with the staff.

The Atmosphere
Late licensing hours, the outlandish Moroccan theme, and a varied DJ roster mean the atmosphere at Beduin is never the same two nights running. Firstly, a 5am-6am closing time on Fridays and Saturdays means you are bound to encounter some serious party goers. Secondly, their love of house is apparent on the play list every single night so dancing is always is on the menu. And thirdly, Beduin is a few doors down from Fabric, so those on the quest for the BNO will pop into the bar for an aperitif first. It’s a good place to either start or finish the night.

The Music
Beduin lives and breathes house music of every description. Open from Monday through to Saturday, the bar ticks off funk, soul, Latin and acid house, and they also offer DJs in their infancy the chance to come and show off their tricks. I Love Wednesdays kicks off mid week with resident DJs Bootsie and Steve D mixing up soul, disco and pop classics, who then up the tempo on Thursday with a house mix. Fridays are taken care of by Nick Crispin and Jose Hita with their Anglo Spanish night, before the week is rounded off on Saturday by prolific duo Scanners with their infamous night Debunk.

The Food
If you’re hungry, try the reasonably priced finger food with a distinct Moroccan theme. You can grab small plates of spicy chicken wings, stuffed jalapeno peppers and, strangely, Dim Sum for under a fiver. For bigger appetites, several platters are available from a grilled skewer selection to the very Morrocan Beduin Mezze, which are great for filling a hole. Finally, revellers can enjoy a Shisha pipe to accompany their tapas and cocktails for £10 in a selection of different flavours.

The Drink
The drink selection at Beduin is varied and boasts a dozen-strong bubbly list for the flashier among us, with a quite astonishing bottle of Dom Perignon chilling in the fridges at £1,100 - hopefully under lock and key. You can also pick up a bottle of Veuve for £55. There is also a robust cocktail menu hosting classics and martini style cocktails that start from £6.55, with pitchers of Long Island Ice Tea also on offer. Wine by the glass is available and the beer selection is slightly lacking, but it’s not a beer swilling kind of venue.

The Last Word
Beduin is reasonably priced and pleasantly cosy. And if it’s not your cup of tea, Fabric is just up the road.

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