A 24-hour licence makes Departure something of a Chameleon, morphing from underground City bar to after-party venue with ease.

The Venue
Tucked away on an offbeat corner of The City, between Aldgate and Tower Hill tubes, the Departure sign leads you into a burgundy foyer before beginning your descent into the main bar. Down two flights of stairs, the rich leather upholstery and intimate booths surprise with a plush underground City bar complete with a full-size American pool table. Red trimmings and dim lighting make the most of the limited space and the alcove setting spreads people out. If you fancy a smoke you’ll have to make the usual journey back up to the street.

The Atmosphere
On weekday evenings, City boys and girls head here for the happy hour drinks and a few games of pool, so get there early if you want a game. For those in the know, Departure provides a welcome escape from the more traditional pub or wine bar boozers littered about the square mile. Due to its off-centre location, it doesn’t tend to get too busy and can be a great place to host a work night out.

The vibe changes at the weekends, so expect a hedonistic crowd just getting in their party stride, with the staff having as much fun as the punters. The intimate setting means it’s easy to get chatting to people. On Saturday mornings the long-running Departure afterparty sees an influx of hardcore party people dressed in neon and the obligatory shades carrying on from Shoreditch and Brick Lane.

The Music
During the week, anything goes. Popular RnB, hip hop, house and dance pumps out over the pool table and resident DJs take over from 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays. The weekend graduates to more serious clubbing when regular nights offering everything from ragga to electro move in to get the party started. These nights tend to have their own unique personalities, which Departure adapts to, providing a welcome home to new name DJs and talented promoters. Regular events include electro and house night Nu Breedz and Latin night Rumba Caribe. There’s also a live music night twice a month.

The Food
Departure offers a small menu of bar snacks, including sharing platters, sandwiches, burgers and chips, with an average price of just £6. Good news if you’re out for a long night of drinking and want to line your stomach.

The Drink
Those fond of a pint will be impressed with the good selection of reasonably-priced draught beers on offer, including the house Departure beer at £2.80. There’s also an inspired array of cocktails, martinis and shooters. If you have a sweet tooth try the Melonberry Crush or the Peachy Mangorita.

The Last Word
Departure is both intimate and unpredictable - a good place to start the night and great way to carry it on.

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