Previously known as The Langley, Foundation is a new venture from the Late Night London group and it pulls all the right party strings, without any pretentiousness.

The Venue
Burrowed underground yet spacious, Foundation is split into three main areas but plenty of quirky nooks and crannies litter the recently revamped space. Walking down the entrance stairs you first hit an inviting bar area with its cow skin sofas, bar stools and egg swivel chairs. Iron trellises separate areas including the popular secret garden with its fairy-lit tree. Spray paint graffiti adds an urban edge to the toilet walls and the unique bricks in the corridor display individual hand-painted blocks from nearby shops and companies.

As you pass through to the club area, the ceiling is awash with disco balls, and booth seating surrounds the dance floor. The booth design is totally eclectic. One booth is lavishly Moroccan in theme, one houses a quirky tea party, and another has projections of Isaac Newton on its canvas walls. More snug booths lined with high-backed velvet hug the outer wall.

On the flipside of the club area’s bar is the restaurant area, again decked out with stylish seating. In the bottom corner there's a private area which, unlike exclusive Mayfair clubs, is available for hire from just £25 per table.

The Atmosphere
The staff are effortlessly competent and as charismatic as their surroundings. The venue plays host to a variety of vibes, be it the relaxed bar or the vibrant club. This labyrinth attracts a mainstream party crowd of 20-and-30-somethings. From skin-tight sequins to unnecessary wayfarers, Foundation is even a place where men dare to wear harem pants.

The Music
DJs spin funky house in the club room, before moving into more commercial dance territory later in the evening. It’s the perfect weekend formula for a West End party venue.

The Food
Displayed on vinyl records the bar menu is short, spicy and simple. Small bites start at £3.50 and consist of the usual crowd pleasers; chips, nachos, BBQ wings - you get the idea. The crab cakes (£5.50) are presented beautifully in decorative scallop shells and have a lovely citrus taste.

Large bites are also available under the £10 mark and consist of pizzas, burgers and a steak sandwich, but the sharing platters are the ultimate carb-lover’s indulgence. The Foundation platter (£17.95) comes with a deliciously fresh hand-rolled pepperoni pizza and two pork spring rolls. Three miniature fire buckets hold the rest of the generous platter: the chips are pleasingly thick-cut and fluffy, the voodoo wings burst with flavour, and - the bizarre finale – the chilli popcorn is light and crunchy with a deceivingly hot aftertaste. A separate menu is available for the restaurant section.

The Drink
Although Foundation has an extensive list of champagnes and wines, and the usual bottled beers, it’s obvious people come here for the cocktails.

Their trademark cocktails include some fun experiments. The strawberry margarita (£8) is served with a popping candy rim; the Fizzy Barrel (£9) - a fruity mix of passion fruit, pineapple, peach bubbly and Finlandia vodka - is served in an ornamental porcelain barrel; the Garden Jam (£8.50) is mixed and served in a jam jar; and the Sundae Best (£9) in a coffee glass with cream and a flake on the side.

As for pitchers, they’ve had a Mad Hatter’s makeover. The Bling Brew (£20 for two) – strawberry juice, vodka, Chambord and chilli prosecco – is served in teapots rescued from charity shops. It even comes with custard creams on the side.

The Last Word
In this part of town, Foundation is sure to be packed with after workers and groups of friends having a big night out in Covent Garden. And, as it has its own dance floor-slash-club, once the drinks are flowing and the evening munchies satisfied, there is absolutely no need to move on.

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