17 Manette Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 4AS
0871 971 7404
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Perfectly situated near ‘Guitar Street’ (otherwise known as Denmark Street), Crobar is a haven for rock gods and tattoo enthusiasts who crave a slug of bourbon.
The Venue
Just off Charing Cross Road, you enter through narrow double doors and are greeted by an impressively stocked bar. The maroon walls are covered in stickers, flyers and song sheets and a few small tables and stools are scattered around the entrance, with ample space to stand. A narrow passage leads to a larger seating and, sometimes, dancing area illuminated by an almighty neon skull.
With an abundance of graffiti, posters, merchandise, and skull and crossbones on ash trays, the whole place has the feel of a large, bearded, heavily tattooed man. It does in fact have a lot of them.
The Atmosphere
A great mixture of people fill up the bar, ranging from 60-year-old punks in ripped denim jackets and 20-year-old hipsters in skinny jeans to really pretty girls - with loads of piercings. Every so often a long haired rocker will drop off a flyer on your table inviting you to a gig with a grin and a wink. There’s a lot of fun, laughter and grunting. The bar staff are very laid back and chatty.
The Music
The music is what makes Crobar such fun. It’s a great buzz just sitting at a corner table with a glass of Wild Turkey Rye listening to Motley Crue, Journey or Led Zeppelin. Awesome live recordings from concerts are mixed with sing-along staples and the volume gets louder as the night goes on.
The Drink
Bottle upon bottle of different kinds of bourbon line the bar and are used in abundance in cocktails and shooters. Margaritas (£7) and Long Island Iced Teas (£8) are very decent choices but to get into the spirit of things (sorry) it’s best to go for the luxurious and dark Piranha (£6) or Corpse Reviver (£7). Happy hour is from 4pm to 9pm and will get you a jug of your favourite cocktail for £12. Shooters are £3.50 each and Caught in a Mosh, Sammy Jager and Hippie Killer have to be tried to be believed. For something less exciting go for a can (yes, can) of Red Stripe (£2.80) or a chilled bottled cider (£3.40).
The Last Word
Crobar combines potent liquor and a great soundtrack in a dirty, dingy, stinky and very rock ‘n’ roll environment.
Crobar has been reviewed by 6 users