Still one of Brick Lane’s finest and most interesting destinations, The Vibe Bar packs in a trendy indie crowd of musicians and fashionistas keen to enjoy cheap drinks and pounding hip hop and house music.

The Venue
Located in the old Truman Brewery in a small courtyard on Brick Lane, The Vibe Bar is easy to spot with its towering red brick building and vertical signage down the tower part of the building. Being on Brick Lane, it’s easily reached from Aldgate East underground station or Liverpool Street tube and rail station. Once inside (there’s a tiny entrance fee after 9pm on weekend nights, usually only a couple of quid), the ‘shabby chic’ interior is made up of battered red leather sofas, plastic and wrought iron chairs, a wall covered in youth club style graffiti, exposed pipework, free internet terminals, and even some Playstations. When the interior just gets too much, escape outside to the heated courtyard with picnic tables and a great barbecue.

The Atmosphere
The Vibe Bar always attracts a mixed bag of young indie kids, largely drawn from the music and fashion worlds, keen to enjoy the buzzing, sociable feel and club atmosphere. Expect skinny jeans, Converse trainers and heavy black frame glasses in abundance. The music is literally pounding - so loud that the courtyard offers a necessary respite at some points when it all gets too much - and the heating and great burgers and hot dogs make for a nice outdoor break whatever the weather. The staff are friendly and enthusiastic about the music and keen to tell you about forthcoming events, but can be annoying and a little smug when they decide the bar is too busy at 9pm on weekend nights and stop serving draught beer to speed things up.

The Music
Born out of the acid house revolution at the end of the 1980s, Vibe Bar declares ‘Can You Feel It?’ as their anthem, although today they’re just as likely to spin hip hop, funky house, soul and handbag tunes. At one time they pioneered UK garage music, but their enthusiasm for this genre waned at the same time as its popularity.

The Drink
Offering Guiness, Staropramen and Hoegaarden on tap most of the time, The Vibe Bar prices are cheap at less than £3 a pint. Unfortunately, they frequently switch the taps off on busy nights and sell bottled beers only, priced a little more highly at £3.50-£4. The cocktails are a terrific bargain and well worth a try, with a great range of mojitos and other modern long drinks at just £5.50.

The Last Word
It may have been around forever, but The Vibe Bar shows no signs of aging – it still packs in the cool kids keen to enjoy cheap drinks, great music and DJs and a cool, urban feel. A regular on every fashionista’s list!

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