Although Ghost Inc is trying to compete with the East in terms of edge, being based in the basement of the upmarket Gainsborough Hotel with various suits popping in for a drink does detract from what it’s trying to achieve, making a good idea seem contrived. That said, if you’re a West Londoner who doesn’t fancy trekking over to Shoreditch for your trendy kicks this is definitely worth checking out.

The Venue
Ever heard of graffiti chic? A quick visit to Ghost Inc will enlighten you. You may not expect to find such a trendy bar in the basement of an upmarket hotel, but this will certainly surprise you.

Descending into the basement, you’ll immediately notice that large portions of the walls are covered in graffiti, done on site by ‘The Don’, the rest is lined with funky skull wallpaper and the ceiling sprayed with black glitter. Everything here is meticulously put together, from the colourful stroboscopic fluorescent tubes hanging vertically on the walls, to the many animal horns, customised motorcycle, milky white chandelier and chesterfield benches complete with luxurious leather and stones replacing the usual buttons. To complement these, surrounding the round silver tables are miniature chairs covered in red damask. Cute and fun, they match the funky decor but this is definitely an example of style over substance as they’re not too comfortable to sit on; but then nobody said looking good was easy.

The Atmosphere
Ghost Inc definitely looks and feels cool, even if you get the impression the bar is trying too hard considering the upmarket and conservative neighbourhood. Given the free entry and the 2.30am closing time Wednesday-Sunday, expect to find locals trying hard to fit in with the graffiti chic surroundings; think mean vintage, nu-rave and other styles favoured by the culture-vultures, alongside young professionals in suits. If trendy is really your thing, you are better off in Hoxton.

Sure to become an instant favourite among the crowd of South Ken, the bar is worth visiting, if not for the decor then for the music, which is kicking if sometimes a bit too loud. With excellent DJs most nights, expect a varied week infused with rock, minimal electronica and chillout tunes with a live bongo player.

The Drink
The drink list at Ghost Inc revolves around a decent list of cocktails based on vodka, rum, gin, whisky, bourbon, cognac, tequila (all £6.80) and Champagne (£8). There’s a long list of classics alongside new concoctions made up of unusual spirits and liqueurs. Try Alfonso (Dubbonet, Pechaud bitters, sugar and Champagne), Rosita (tequila, dry and sweet vermouths, Aperol and orange bitters), Smoked Chocolate Sazerac (cognac, whisky, Mozart black chocolate liqueur, sugar and Pechaud with a touch of absinthe) or Corpse Reviver Number 2 (gin, orange curacao, Lillet Blanc, pastis and lemon juice) for a new experience in line with the edgy surroundings. The Smoked Chocolate Sazerac in particular will leave you with a hangover the next day, the chocolate liqueur and sugar only just counteracting the strong flavour of the absinthe.

Alternatively, you can indulge by selecting a bottle from the long Champagne list (£85-£1000) or purchasing one of the premium spirits (£130-£270). Prices aren’t cheap, but they are in line with other venues in the area.

The Last Word
Ghost Inc may not live up to some of the genuinely too-cool-to-care bars of the East End, but it offers a refreshing break from the norm in an area peppered with overly glamorous and unimaginative venues.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (16) image gallery (3)