30 Lisle Street,
Leicester Square,
London,
WC2H 7BA
0872 148 1947
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Consisting of two floors flooded with natural light, Ku Bar in Lisle Street is an excellent, proudly prominent and completely
enjoyable gay bar, serving a range of drinks from unbelievably attractive staff.
The Venue
Located just south of Soho in Chinatown, Ku Bar manages to remain secluded from the Soho bustle and yet inclusive towards its
clientele. Well known to the gay community, Ku Bar is a busy spot and for good reason: slick and polished, the venue looks stunning
while remaining friendly and welcoming. The ground floor is decked out in optical black and white wallpaper, with the addition of
sculpture mirrors and flat screens pouring out music videos. It looks more Miami than London and that is definitely part of the
appeal. Upstairs, it is more like old Britannia, with an old-fashioned wooden bar mostly serving champagne. Here the décor is more
subdued but definitely on trend, as flocked floral wallpapers in shades of grey cover the walls. Overall, Ku Bar makes the best of
the space available, exuding style along the way.
The Atmosphere
Ku Bar is the winner of the Gay London’s Sexiest Bar Staff 2012 award and they truly are genetically blessed types. But there is more
to Ku than meets the eye: it may be geared towards a young and fashionable clientele but it is thankfully welcoming towards anyone -
gay or not, trendy or unfashionable, young or not-quite-so - looking for a drink. The atmosphere is upbeat, thanks to the lively pop
soundtrack, and the overall attitude of the kind, friendly but energetic bar staff.
The Drink
The drinks list is kept basic on the ground floor, while the selection becomes more extravagant upstairs. Regardless of the location,
you can rely on a handful of classic cocktails (£6.50 each or £10 for two during weekdays), a few beers (£3.60-£4.10), a dozen or so
bottles of wine (£12.50-£22 with small and large glasses also an option), and plenty of spirits and champagne (starting at £34 a
bottle). Upstairs, though, the champagne bar offers more bubbles: the prices start small and end up big, at £240 for a bottle of the
notorious Cristal.
The Last Word
Ku Bar is commendably inclusive. No matter who you are, it is hard to feel out of place at this lively, buzzing bar.
Ku Bar has been reviewed by 8 users