Plenty of bars have come and gone since Juno opened its doors but this popular spot more than holds its own against the competition in Shoreditch.

The Venue
In the middle of Shoreditch High Street, a pit stop or one-stop-shop for many East London punters, Juno doesn’t just feel like another Shoreditch bar. Comfortable old-fashioned leather sofas are dotted around the room for large groups to relax, as well as smaller tables with stools for more intimate affairs. At the back of the room the bar lines one side, with simple blackboards displaying the array of cocktails, whilst on the other, there are DJ decks with a makeshift space around it which often becomes a mini-dancefloor. The walls are decorated with urban art, which is regularly changed and painted directly onto the wall, giving a slightly different look every time you enter.

Retro arcade games like Pacman nestle in the corners, highlighting the laidback atmosphere of this particular Shoreditch hotspot. Downstairs, less effort has been made with the décor, but supposedly this is intentional, with the aim of creating more of a club-like space for people to let loose.

The Atmosphere
Juno’s been around for a while, so any new trendy edge it may have had is lost now. However, it seems to have never strived to be achingly cool. A good thing: it shuns the pretentious airs of some bars in the area to deliver a much more relaxed space. The friendly staff blend in with the cheery crowd, which is largely made up of twentysomething East London types enjoying a chilled drink with friends (although it often ends up getting far boozier). The music is a good mix, varying from old school hip hop to house and funk – it caters for most music tastes.

The Food
The hearty food served at Juno has been kept simple and cheap, which suits the tastes and budgets of the students who frequent here. Starters are around £4, while mains go up to £8 max. The chicken wings are spicy and a tasty option for a sharer nibble, as is the salty calamari that goes well with a drink. But the homemade burger is the star of the show – well cooked and delicious, it is served with plenty of thick-cut chips to fill up the hungriest of customers.

The Drink
There’s a decent selection of cocktails for only £6, making it far too easy to have a few. The cosmopolitan is a good version of the classic, with a nice balance of Cointreau and cranberry. For something spicier, the Moscow mule has a great kick of ginger which warms up your throat nicely. The mojito could do with a bit of a stronger flavour of rum and mint, but the margarita is wonderfully sharp. The wine list is limited, but cheap at around £12-£15 for a bottle, and there are plenty of bottled beers such as Grolsch, Heineken and Sol for around £3 each.

The Last Word
Offering everything you need in a good time bar, Juno has become the favourite of many East London young residents, as well as the party seekers who come from further afield, and it’s easy to see why.

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