With so many pubs in the area, this lounge bar and club may be no contender for a post-work drink - Cave Austin is desperately trying to find a personality of its own.

The Venue
Sitting in the heart of Blackheath Village, Cave Austin doesn’t immediately fit in with the general look of the area, with two-for-one drinks advertised in the windows and posters highlighting upcoming events in the club downstairs.

Inside is a subtler affair, with comfortable looking chairs and candles on the tables helping make this a more sophisticated establishment than the outside decor implies. Unfortunately, first impressions of the interior begin to wear off once you are midway through your first drink. Although there is nothing particularly wrong with the modern style, it feels a little sterile and unlived in, doing little to convince you to stay for one more. An alternative to the main lounge is the surprisingly charming outdoor area at the back of the bar, where a small patio and quite large tented terrace provide a change of scenery.

The Atmosphere
Popping in for a tipple on a weeknight, you’re likely to find couples and small groups of people local to the area sharing a bottle of wine, but the real target market is for those looking to stay out later than the other bars in the area allow. As a result, there is a slightly confused vibe here at times, with pop music played a few notches too loudly, even when the low volume of customers and cosy lighting would perhaps demand a more chilled out and intimate approach.

It seems there are two conflicting personalities in Cave Austin; one that aims to provide a sophisticated setting for a quiet drink and the other piling all its energies into being a club. As it stands, a comfortable balance hasn’t quite been achieved but there is certainly the potential for it to work.

The Music
In the club downstairs there are a few theme nights, with an eighties night every Thursday (until 1am) and karaoke on Sundays. Weekends are home to a broad range of chart and house music and are open until 2am, while Wednesdays host an evening of chill-out classics.

The Drink
With so many drinks offers advertised, this is an attractive option for those wanting a cheap night out. There is an extensive list of cocktails and a small but varied wine list with prices ranging from what you would expect to find in most bars in the area up to what would more often be found in restaurants. A good selection of spirits, bottle beers and non-alcoholic alternatives are also available.

The Last Word
If you’re looking for a chilled out drink in a comfortable setting then this probably isn’t the place for you. However, as a club and late bar, Cave Austin provides a decent alternative to many of the more traditional establishments in the area and is worth checking out even if it’s only for a cocktail.

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