If you’re expecting glamour, affluence and over extravagant decor, you’ll be sorely disappointed with Bar A Bar, but if you’re after a good night out in a basement with a disco ball precariously hanging from the ceiling and a decent selection of electronic music, then Bar A Bar is the one for you.

The Venue
Bar A Bar is situated half-way down Stoke Newington High Street towards Dalston. Positioned on a corner spot, it's lit up by neon blue lighting at night and, on the way in, a couple of bouncers brand your hand with a stamp which proves resilient when you try to scrub it off in the shower once the night’s done.

The bar itself is underground, in what looks like somebody’s basement. The stairs downwards are hardly the easiest to walk up and down and the pungent smell might make you wince. But if you’ve got this far it only gets better from here on in. The bar greets you as soon as you enter through the double doors, with old chairs and tables scattered across the side of the room. A disco ball hangs from the ceiling above the bar and there’s a tube of neon lights stuck to a skirting board surrounding the dance floor. The sound system stands to the side of the DJ booth, towering over any dancers.

The Atmosphere
The staff are all extremely friendly and quick to serve, but do expect a little wait for drinks at peak time. As the bar is close to pubs such as The White Hart and The Coach and Horses, and the notoriously trendy Church Street, a nice selection of alternative friendly fashionistas and arty types make up the party.

The Music
The events so far have provided a variety of tech, progressive house and dubstep mixed by talented DJs who obviously have a passion for mixing and know how to get everyone moving, as opposed to some clubs/bars where the DJs flick from one song to the next without even mixing. Expect to pay a few quid to get in for some of the bigger events.

The Drink
Prices are all of a reasonable standard, Bourbons cost between £3 and £4, as do most other house spirits. Bottled beers range from £3 and £5 and you can expect brands such as Heineken, Becks, Corona, San Miguel and Peroni. If the heat gets too much and the smoke machine dries your mouth out, bottles of water cost £2.

The Last Word
If you’re in need of some beats and bleeps and live in or near Stokie, this basement bar has plenty of quality DJs in order for you to stay local.

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