Loungelover London - Pub & Review , 1 Whitby Street, Shoreditch

1 Whitby Street,
Shoreditch,
London,
E1 6JU

0872 148 0023 Calls to 0871 numbers will be charged at a fixed rate of 10p per minute (from a landline or a mobile) no matter where you are within the UK. This number is unique to viewlondon.co.uk.

The ViewLondon Review

Review bykatheryn rice23/11/2007

Decadence and opulence reign supreme at Loungelover in Shoreditch.

The Venue
The minute you step in through the gathered velvet curtains at the entrance you are hit by the sophisticated, offbeat glamour of Loungelover, and you know you are in for a treat. As if to emphasise this, one section of the wall at the entrance proudly displays the numerous awards it has received over the years.

The first two thirds of the room are taken up by seating, which is mostly regency-style chairs with low, candlelit tables, some of which are also furnished with a four foot champagne flute at the centre.The bar area features high glass fronted bookshelves filled up not with books, but with wine and glasses, and more glasses are on display hanging handsomely from racks above the bar. Opposite the bar is the gated-off VIP section, which resembles an antiquities room, and also serves as a green room for any performers. The very back of the room is the red section of Loungelover. Decked out entirely in red, even down to red tinted windows, this area surely has only one purpose – seduction, so enter at your own risk.

The Atmosphere
Lounge music hums away in the background and immediately sets the scene, and table service is available throughout the night from the elegant staff. The eclectic crowd includes some chic, hip kids in berets and braces, some other sharp dressers sporting trilbies, huge afros and cravats, plus the odd Sloane and a few older bohemians. Be safe in the knowledge that they are all like-minded people, as the only seat you will get at Loungelover is one you have reserved in advance.

Aside from the regular lounge music you can enjoy each evening, there are also two notable nights. Ruby Slipper is a decadent burlesque night, showcasing up and coming signed and unsigned singer songwriters, varying from simple acoustic sets to full on soul outfits.

The Food
The Japanese chef works behind the green-tinted glass, lovingly preparing the Japanese recipes she has brought from her homeland, even going as far as shipping in hard-to-source ingredients from her mother in Japan.

This simple and light Japanese menu includes Kara-age, chicken ‘flash fried’ with soy and ginger sauce, with the condiment served in a charming miniature teapot with soy so you can exercise portion control. It’s crispy, filling and comes to life with the sharp and tangy soy sauce. Other dishes include braised beef meatballs, Loungelover salmon sashimi, Japanese croquettes and also four sushi options. The most intriguing dessert is chestnuts with chocolate cake, which has to be experienced. If you just want a snack, you can opt for wasabi peas or Japanese rice crackers.

The Drink
The drinks are glamorous of course, and include a delectable cocktail selection, including Lucky Charm: Whitley Neill gin and Red Poppy Cordial muddled together with blueberries, creme de Myrtille and a splash of lemon – absolutely divine. Champagnes include Loungelover’s very own, Veuve Cliquot or Krug, and the sophisticated wine list caters for a range of wallets and inclinations. Beer drinkers be warned – you’ll have to drink something else, as you won’t find any beer here.

The Last Word
Treat yourself to an enchanting evening of laid back lounge music, decadent burlesque or superb singer-songwriters in opulent, dreamlike surroundings, but be sure to book your reservation well in advance.

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