It's one of the latest opening bars in the area and if cocktails and techno are your thing, you'll love this tiny venue. Just don't complain if there's nowhere to sit.

The Venue
Exit Bar has a great location right on Brick Lane. Whilst the bar is more attractive in the summer when the glass panels can be opened out to create a welcoming atmosphere, there's nothing really outstanding about this tiny venue. It's the drink offers and DJ listings on the board outside that draw most people into the venue, rather than its appearance.

Once inside, you'll approach the seating area, with a selection of low-level modern-looking sofas, funky lights and character wallpaper. Carry on through and you'll hit the bar area, which is a reasonable size and has a few seats opposite, but mostly space to stand and bop to the DJ playing at the back. The decor is new but not sparkling – everything looks well used, as if it's been there for a while. Head downstairs and you won't find much other than toilets, a giant mirror for checking your full-length reflection and a stand full of flyers.

The Atmosphere
Bars with relatively plain decor such as this one rely on the people to make the atmosphere and the change from day to night in Exit Bar demonstrates this most. During the day, this is a really chilled out place with relaxed tunes and a few students and locals lounging with drinks on sofas. Come the evening, the crowd is made up of a lot of people who don't know where to go next – especially on a Friday and Saturday night.

Whilst this is a great place to go during the week for a quiet drink, avoid it if you hate being surrounded by a busy throng. Exit Bar does play host to a lot of specialist dance nights, so there are people who visit just for the music. The staff are friendly and willing to chat or make you a drink that's not on the menu.

The Music
Although known for its house and trance tracks, Exit Bar plays quite a selection of tunes, including funk, soul and rare beats, as well as more heavy house tracks. This is not the place to come to if you want to listen to commercial tunes, but if you're open to listening to new things, the sheer variety of music could be an eye-opener.

The Drink
There's a reasonable selection of drinks on offer at Exit Bar and a great choice of cocktails. All are priced at £6-£7 and there are more than 25 on offer. The caipirinha, made with cachaca, fresh lime and brown sugar is zesty without being too sharp. For something more sweet, the Pink Panther made with Absolut vodka, Disaronno, Chambord, milk and Grenadine might take your fancy. It's sickly and has a not-unpleasant children’s medicine taste. There's also a reasonable selection of shots on offer, costing around £2.50 for a single shot to £7 for a Southern Comfort KamiKaze, which serves four people.

There are five white wines, five reds and one rose, priced at £3.50 for a glass and up to £17.50 for a bottle. The selection of beer is a little random, but it includes Stella, San Miguel and Asahi.

The Last Word
There's nothing overtly special about this music-focused bar, but if you love your tunes and sipping on strong cocktails, you really won't care.

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