Moose succeeds in balancing glamour, attention to detail and stunning looks, with a less daunting and more amicable atmosphere than many of its neighbours.

The Venue
The drinks may be more affordable, but Moose, formerly known as Moose Bar, is arguably better looking and more interesting than many of its exorbitantly priced neighbours. The creativity here has been channelled into a theme that is fun, cosy and glamorous. Fashioned to look like a rustic ski lodge, there is a profusion of unpolished cream timber and mountainous landscapes blown-up to cover entire walls, all of which creates an ode to the country of its inspiration: Canada. No detail is left to chance: the tea lights on every table are placed in candle stands made of natural driftwood, while the wall of the staircase that leads to the basement club is covered in circular logs. More and more details complete the picture: low tables made out of a tree trunk and, the main highlight, shot glasses made of empty rifle cartridges.

In the basement, the club has the defining feature of many high-end venues in the area: a light matrix. Here it is cleverly disguised behind rough wooden paneling on the walls. When the light strips are not on, you see just rustic walls, which transform into a striking visual element once the fluid light matrix is turned on.

For those looking for a more subdued atmosphere, a private room on the ground floor hosts an L-shaped high sofa and this large recliner acts as private space for couples or small groups.

The Atmosphere
The layout over two floors allows for two different scenes to happen. Upstairs, Moose is a fashionable bar without the need for table service. In the basement, a different story unfolds – here you can experience all the pampering, self-indulgence and table service you associate with a typical night out in Mayfair. Order by the bottle – it is cheaper here than in most places in the area – and people watch all night. The crowd is wealthy, well dressed and on the conservative side of fashionable. Think: tanned couples, glamorous clusters of female friends and the occasional dandy in his 50s with a silver neck scarf and bow tie. The service is pretty much impeccable and, as often is the case in this post code, attractive to the eye.

The Music
A crowd-pleasing mix of commercial music is on offer between Monday and Wednesdays but, from Thursday-Saturday, DJs drop upfront electro house, which is more in tune with the likes of Luxx and Maddox.

The Food
The nibbles available at The Moose are a simple gesture to its fashionable customers: there is no real intention to fill up stomachs, just the desire to please as much as possible. You can pick from finger food like mini fish and chips, rustic salads, tapas dishes and barbecue ribs.

The Drink
Selected cocktails (Apple Martini, Mojito and Caipirinha) are reduced to a mere £4 from midday until 9pm. The signature cocktails (£7) carry on the Canadian theme with concoctions like Maple Flowers (passion fruit juice, Amaretto, maple syrup), Lumberjack (bourbon, apple juice, maple syrup, bitters) and a couple of others. A few shots and cocktails are also available to share. In the Big Guns selection (£35-£95), you pick between 15 or 30 shots of concoctions like the 12 Gauge Shells (vodka, Prosecco, pear juice, cinnamon gomme), or the Niagara Falls Barrel (Pinky vodka, Pimms, lychee and passion juice and gomme, topped with Champagne) which caters for 8 people.

Naturally, champagne is present too. There are a few bottles on offer starting from £60 for Moet and rising to £200 for Krug Grand Cuvee. Spirits by the bottle are slightly steeper but still acceptable at £120-£150, including some rarer labels. Draught Stella is supplemented with bottles of Corona and Peroni (£3.50-£4). A single spirit and mixer, something like a JD and Coke, costs around £4. Up until 10pm on the ground level, prices of drinks are cheaper than those charged in the club space.

The Last Word
Moose is a smart choice for drinking and clubbing in central London. If you prefer substance over exclusivity, this gorgeous bar, with its fair prices and non-judgemental atmosphere, is for you.

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