The Old Truman Brewery,
Brick Lane,
Shoreditch,
London,
E1 6RU
(020) 7247 0005
The ViewLondon Review
This Brick Lane venue is a restaurant by day, supper club by night and is sure to set trendy East London tongues wagging.The VenueA converted warehouse-esque space in The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, The Brickhouse is a restaurant and supper club set up over three floors, with edgy paintings, sketches and sculptures scattered throughout. The main floor’s stage is against the wall, with tables scattered around it and a bar in the back corner. Steps by the bar lead up to the first floor, where there are huge leather booths that can seat eight pressed up against the railing overlooking the action below, as well as a private room off to the side. Another set of stairs leads you up to the top floor, where there are low beds for lounging. Unfortunately, the set-up on the first and second floors means that, unless you’re right next to the railings, it’s hard to see what’s going on on the stage, so if you’re really keen on seeing the acts instead of just soaking up the atmosphere be sure to get a seat on the ground floor.
The AtmosphereThe crowd at The Brickhouse is pretty much exactly what you’d expect for The Old Truman Brewery set – hipsters, scenesters and arty folk galore, complete with a few glamorous model types thrown in for good measure. The staff are decently friendly, although it helps that they’re just as attractive as the crowd.
The MusicExpect a mix of entertainment, from sultry singers and cabaret acts to quirky and sexy burlesque performers. The opening night, for example, saw performances by jazz singer Alison David and aerial artist Empress Shah, who twirls about erotically on a giant hula hoop suspended from the ceiling. Between the acts a DJ plays edgy house music so there’s always something to listen to.
The DrinkCocktails are pretty good value at £7.00 (£8.50 for extra booze) and the menu includes classics like Bloody Marys, mojitos, martinis and Cosmopolitans, as well as the slightly more unusual Burnt Orange Margarita (Jose Cuervo tequila, triple sec, lemon juice and burnt orange) and the Floradora (a mix of gin, chambord, lime and ginger ale).
The Last WordThe Brickhouse’s loungey beds and huge booths are sure to be a big hit for group dinners, but for a more intimate evening – and to be able to see any of the entertainment – it’s best to stick close to the action on the ground floor.