Hoxton Square was once the epicentre of the Brit Art movement, the cultural capital of the capital. And, whilst the White Cube gallery might still be there, today's square is one of swanky bars and restaurants offering premium-priced drinks to impossibly trendy partygoers and weekend warriors. Is Bluu, one of the most infamous bars in the area, still a hit on the scene, or is it merely another venue with its glory days behind it?

The Venue
Bluu is laid out on two levels. The top floor is all bare vents, brick walls and plush furnishings, with the odd neon lamp in verdant opposition to the pitch-black Hoxton Bar and Kitchen next door. Downstairs is the unsurprisingly-named Basement, which looks a little more like a pole-dancing venue than a bar. With an interior swerving Hoxton's love for zeitgeist, bluu's clientele are a far more mixed and relaxed bunch, and this translates to the friendly and helpful bar staff.

The Atmosphere
Rather than pipe achingly hip tunes through the PA, bluu keeps it cool with an endless supply of funky house and ambient tunes. The music's not at ear-splitting volume, either, so you can enjoy a drink and a chat without your eardrums bursting. While many of Shoreditch and Hoxton's venues are blighted by snobbery and boisterousness, bluu's atmosphere stays the right side of fun throughout, a fact helped, again, by the staff who go the extra mile to make you feel like another drink. And another.

The Drink
Where to begin? bluu's drinks menu is longer than OJ's criminal record, yet the massive choice doesn't water-down what's on offer. At the forefront is a brand spanking new cocktail menu (something they’ve always done well), counting plenty of exciting new blends, as well as a fair few golden oldies, among its ranks, all of which are priced around a hugely competitive £6. The classic Mojito is given a twist of passion fruit and vanilla, leaving it smooth and slender without losing any of its freshness. The Singapore Sling is definitely one for the ladies, with its salmon-pink complexion and oh-so-Del Boy aloe leaf sticking out the top, and the taste does what it says on the tin with a generous blend of cherries, orange, pineapple, pomegranate, bitters and gin.

The Mint Julep may be too much for some tastes; far too much for others with its mixture of bourbon, mint and ice, whilst the classic White Russian also comes without a choice between milk or cream, instead settling on both. Yet the Sour, a heady blend of citrus, sugar, egg white and either bourbon, gin or Amaretto, bridges the sweet and strong gap perfectly. Equally as impressive is the Garden Martini: the definition of a crisp English summer with elderflower, cucumber, apple and Hendrick's gin. That every ounce of fruit is locally bought each day is a nice touch.

If cocktails aren't your cuppa you could go for a simple draught lager. From Amstel (£3.30) to Peroni (£4.10) there’s little to excite in between. Bottled beers are much more adventurous, with oddities like St Helier Pear Cider (£4.30), Innis and Gunn (Scotland, £3.70) and Rekorderlig Cider (Sweden, £4.50) complementing old favourites such as Sol (Mexico, £3.50) and Budvar. Just about every shot you can imagine lines the bar, priced between £2.60 and £5.00, and each type of grape is accounted for fourfold, setting you back between £15 and £27. There are even four fish bowls for more pernicious livers, ranging from £24 for the Pimm's Vodka Cup – no prizes for guessing its complexion – to the £30 Chelsea Rose (Champers, Chambord black raspberry liqueur, elderflower and apple juice, fresh raspberries).

The Last Word
Spectacular isn't the right word for bluu, a place happier to sit in the shade of its louder neighbours is closer to the mark. But with its affordable prices, relaxed atmosphere and healthy catalogue of cocktails, it’s an old favourite that’s still got what it takes to pull a crowd in an increasingly competitive area.

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