The ViewLondon Review
Situated deep beneath the tarmac of London’s Leicester Square, Metra Bar and Club offers clubbing in a contemporary environment; its youth and inner beauty making it a jewel amid the cheesy venues that clutter the west end.The VenueThis club a cross between a grubby French boutique and the Moulin Rouge, the red soaked walls, mirror tiled pillars and neon adorned seating sections offer both a serene and romantic setting for London club heads. Make your way through the large doors, pass the security and down the narrow steps, and you’ll expose yourself to a large open space tinted with adventurous red and black furnishings, a large dancefloor and ornate chandeliers. The toilets are spick and span, and the small but cosy VIP section - hidden behind a thin red curtain - is the perfect place to migrate, chill and connect with friends after a hectic 9-5.
When visiting Metra Bar and Club, it is important to bring traditional methods of identification with you (driving license or passport) as the venue is strict on security. Before entering, your ID will be taken, electronically scanned and handed back to you.
The AtmosphereJam-packed with an abnormally energetic crowd of clubbers, the dancefloor is mostly occupied by middle-class revelers whilst the highly pretentious of London’s elite adorn the outer seating segments. But it’s not just the straight and moderately wealthy that count Metra Bar and Club as their local. Expect to see an assemblage of gay guys about town, shaking their booties to the latest dance classics. The staff are good-natured although the bar service is a bit slow and the door staff have too much attitude, which is becoming quite common in London venues.
The MusicThe music at Metra Bar and Club varies. The club offers a respectable DJ line up and the music jumps between genres, predominantly from RnB classics to old skool pop, as well as dance, funky house and the latest sound to pollute the London airwaves – baseline house.
The DrinkGiven its location, the drink prices at Metra Bar and Club are very reasonable. The cocktail list is bulging with adventurous alcoholic tag teams that will cost you around £6-10. Tuesday and Thursday nights offer cocktail deals; however, if you’re not in the mood for adventure, you can always opt for a house spirit and mixer that will set you back £3.80 – half of what it will cost you at the Ministry of Sound or Crystal Club.
The Last WordThis place has it all: location, good music, cheap drinks and beautiful décor; however, the venue loses points on its slow service and the attitude of its door star – something that they should, hopefully, perfect over time.