146 High Holborn,
London,
WC1V 6PJ
0872 148 1675
The ViewLondon Review
Brown Sugar is one of the few lounge bars to actually look like a lounge, offering predictably comfortable apres-work drinking and dining in the heart of Holborn.The VenueThe style of Brown Sugar is a few decades out of time, pitched in the sixties and redolent with retro interior design touches your parents would recognise. Surprisingly, the design works cohesively (even if the illuminated pictures on the wall are a bit naff) and produces a very relaxed and comfortable tone.
Interesting seating made up of large mismatched tufted leather couches, club chairs, and chaise lounges complement dark wood tables and chairs and allow early arrivals to drink in exquisite kitch comfort. Continuing the retro theme, a myriad of lightshades hang from the ceiling, providing interesting and unique low-level lighting for the main area of the bar.
The AtmosphereBy virtue of its location, Brown Sugar is a mecca for local suits and media types during the week, although a local crowd file in as the evening progresses to take advantage of the good value Thai food on offer. Indeed, the bar used to open purely during the week but is now available for private hire at weekends with a full complement of friendly and courteous staff. DJs and a well stocked jukebox provide a suitably tasteful aural accompaniment to your night, ensuring that tomorrow’s working day is the last thing on your mind.
The FoodBrown Sugar may have gone through a number of facelifts and name changes in recent years, but the Thai food still comes highly recommended and is good value for money. So much so that, at meal times, the bar can become busy almost instantaneously.
The DrinkGuests are spoilt for choice when looking for something to drink whilst lounging here. A good choice of wine by the bottle or glass is offered, as well as draught and bottled beer and a small but well-executed list of cocktails. None of the drinks served here will break the bank and, as such, this bar is a popular local choice.
The Last WordWith drinks more reasonably priced than a lot of other bars in the area, Brown Sugar makes a refreshing and stylish change to the traditional local for after work drinks with a vibrant soundtrack.