Bringing a touch of glamour and sex appeal to Bethnal Green Road, Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch offers a more upmarket choice for visitors to the area.

The Venue
Located just along Bethnal Green Road, Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch is hard to miss. In an area devoid of much in the way of overt glamour, the club stands out like a beacon. A black, patterned frontage with little in the way of a sign announces its presence to those looking for it. Up a couple of steps and through a large doorway guarded by the ever present bouncers will see you entering a world of complex design detailing.

Anyone who’s ever been to its sister venue in Notting Hill will know that the brand is all about decadence. This is still ever present throughout the Shoreditch branch, but with clever twists to add that East London vibe, albeit one that’s commercialised. As the real trendies migrate further east into Dalston and Hackney, it offers the perfect mix of trend and commercialism to those left behind.

A large central bar with attractive foliage is the first area to greet you. Seating encircles the bar in the form of bar stools and leather booths. Attractive modern art on the wall mixed with a mish mash of style brings it all together. A large beach sign above an open kitchen, a sign declaring no swimming, a statuette complete with a white feather boa and a huge wooden clock with interesting numbering are peppered around. Up a couple of steps, separated from the bar by a divide is the dining area: a more refined space with attractive tables complete with tablecloths and beautiful tablewear. The décor here is neutral without being boring. In all, whether you’re drinking or dining, you’ll be enveloped in a world away from what’s going on outside.

Downstairs is the main cocktail bar where the main party action takes place. An attractive basement bar with a bigger party vibe than upstairs, be sure to take a close look at the art piece on the wall on the way down the stairs. Is it sperm swimming out of the wall? You decide. It’s certainly a talking point! Past the large bar is the VIP area with comfortable leather booth seating and decor continued from the main bar. Finally, upstairs on the first floor is a sea of white in an area that’s well set up to act as a gallery or party space and is available for private hire.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch is dependent upon where in the sprawling club you are. The bar is refined whilst being fun with an underlying party vibe. The dining area upmarket but with an excellent soundtrack of party tunes played loud enough to encroach on your evening but not so loud so as to spoil the ambience. It ensures you’ll want to continue the night downstairs, where the music is loud and the club atmosphere tangible.

The staff bring it all together: an eclectic mix of all nationalities all of whom are very attractive and walk around with a self assured attitude that isn’t arrogant. The crowd itself isn’t typically Shoreditch: there are no Converse trainers or skinnies here (unless coupled with beautiful strappy tops, of course). However the code isn’t as strict as up west, trainers and ripped jeans are allowed - even flip flops! Just as long as you look the part, scruff bags and drunken louts will be politely turned away. The crowd is moneyed, attractive and confident in themselves, but pretension is kept to a minimum.

The Food
The food at Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch is nothing short of exquisite. For a venue like this you may not expect a quality menu, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Best of all, you’ll be hard pushed to break the £50 a head mark (minus the drink) for three courses of delicious food. For example, starters include dishes like delicious Scottish oysters, which are fresh, light, large and slip down with a pleasant vinegary aftertaste courtesy of a delicate vinegar based onion dressing that comes on the side. Alternatively, such choices as the moules marinere are perfectly cooked - light with no rubberyness, they almost melt in the mouth.

Mains are equally well balanced and, like the starter choices, are divided into vegetarian, fish and meat dishes, with a nice mix across each group. Dishes like duck breast with orange and summer vegetables are tender and full of flavour, perfectly cooked and pink with juices melting across the plate. The lamb cutlets with dauphinoise is equally delicious. The only criticism would be the spinach dauphinoise is perhaps a little dry, but not so much so as to spoil the flavour. If you like sweets, you’re spoilt for choice with such offerings as a pistacchio parfait, sticky toffee pudding, hazelnut brownies and various ice cream flavours. All are light and sweet without being cloying or sickly.

It’s important to note that the menu here changes weekly. This is to keep the regulars happy so they can always come back and experience something new, which is the real essence of Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch.

The Drink
Who needs a cocktail menu when you have Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch? Sure, they have a rather small if perfectly formed cocktail menu covering all the classics, but you’d be crazy to go for it when you can take advantage of the skills of the bar staff. What do you fancy - a gin based fruity cocktail in a Champagne glass? A vodka based alcoholic tasting drink in a martini glass? Just tell them your specifications and they’ll come up with a special concoction just for you. And it’s guaranteed to be delicious. Here it’s really about quality cocktails. Best of all they’re not as expensive as you may think - you may even get change from a tenner!

The Last Word
Purist Shoreditch type may not appreciate what Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch is trying to do. It’s glamorous and a little commercial. However, those not into the full trendy scene but are bored of the cold hard ‘glamour’ of West and Central London will appreciate its kooky design, attractive staff and delicious food and drink menu. Highly recommended.

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