What’s this? A bar in Shoreditch that isn’t rammed and full of poncy show offs? It can’t be! Believe it and prepare to be wowed.

The Venue
Sandwiched between a kebab shop and newsagent, you’d be forgiven if you just walked by this secretive venue as the entrance doesn’t look like anything special. As you carefully make your way down the steep metal stairs, you are presented with low ceilings, bare grey walls, and 60s decor, which is fitting with its Eastern European theme. The furniture is simple, chic and very old school but its simplicity is what wins you over. With two small alcoves fitting between 10-12 people in each, and a small seating area with amazingly comfy chairs and sofas, the night is an intimate affair.

The whole of Lounge Bohemia fits about 35 people sitting and there is no standing room, which is brilliant as it never feels crowded or claustrophobic. You have to call up in advance to book a table for the night and it is rare to get in without pre-booking. The attitude is, once you have reserved your seats and table, you have it for the night. Good luck finding the bathroom though when drunk, as it can be a tad challenging.

The Atmosphere
As there are less than 40 people in the whole venue it doesn’t get too loud and you can have a conversation without shouting, which is unusual for a bar situated in this area. Lounge Bohemia feels cosy and chilled out with an eclectic music selection that is unobtrusive to your night. Ranging from swing to Amy Winehouse, it certainly keeps you on your toes and is never boring.

Expect to find people in their late twenties to late thirties, wanting a night of cocktails and good company, rather than a boozy raucous night out. The table service is the best feature of all as it means the only time you have to get up is to visit to bathroom and nothing more. You feel pampered and taken care of, which means there’s no standing in an annoyingly long queue at the bar.

The Food
The only food served at Lounge Bohemia is the utterly divine Czech canapes. Once you order your first drink, a small tray of three different canapes are presented to you for free. As soon as you sample them and realise just how incredibly moreish they are, you’ll be ordering tray after tray without batting an eyelid. There are three different flavours: cheese, meat and fish, all costing £3.95 for a platter of four. One stand-out treat is the prune wrapped in peppered black forest ham. The ham is so smoky and delicious that your taste buds urge you to try some more. The quails egg with red caviar is also a tasty treat.

The Drink
The selection at Lounge Bohemia is plentiful and tempts all senses. Only stocking the best bottled beers sticking firmly to its Eastern European roots, you can sample Budvar Dark (£3.50 for 500ml bottle) or Ostravar at the same price. The wines start at £3.10 a glass and £12.90 a bottle, but the main reason to visit here is the quirky assortment of delectable cocktails.

Martinis are £4.95 as are the deadly Shorts. One sip of them, and you’re away for the evening. In particular, the pear mash is a wonderful concoction of brandy, pear eau de vie, pear juice and cinnamon liquor. For people who prefer quantity then the Longs at £5.50 are definitely for you. This selection has a more fruity feel and tastes more like fruit juice, the chances are you’re gonna get secretly wasted without realising it.

Two good choices are the bohemian iced tea for two, which comes in a sixties style tea pot with china cups and saucers (£9.95). The other is the Lab Test (£9.95) where you get six shots in test tubes placed in a wooden rack. The choices are: sweet, creamy or sour.

The Last Word
For a truly unique and hassle free evening, bop down to Lounge Bohemia as the drinks keep flowing and the bar never gets horribly full. What more could you ask for in a bar? (Remember to book in advance though, or you won’t get in).

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