An unpretentious venue in an area renowned for the opposite, Ruby Lo is an easygoing basement bar hiding behind Selfridges, just moments away from the crowds of Oxford Street.

The Venue
A short walk from Marble Arch, Ruby Lo sits humbly on a corner with only a small blackboard outside and a dark exterior that gives nothing away. Once inside, part with some cash (West End entry prices apply) and head down some narrow steps to the cloakroom where you’ll only pay £1 for the privilege of hanging up your coat.

Proving that looks can be deceiving, the dark, heated basement opens out from the narrow stairway into a lively yet cosy bar with ample low leather seating and space for you to test your dancing shoes. Your eyes may take a while to adjust as the strong red and black decor is deepened by low lighting, but the bar is straight ahead and extends across the width of the venue. Round to the left of the DJ, a slightly raised seating area full of inviting sofas and booths explain why large groups are so attracted to the place; it’s perfect for resting heels or enjoying a drink with friends away from those shimmying on the dancefloor.

The Atmosphere
Full of post-work drinkers even on a Saturday night, the limited space is occupied by twenty-to-thirtysomethings winding down with a drink and dance. Groups crowd around the square corner seating areas whilst couples prop up the bar, cocktails in hand. Unlike many bars in the area, this side-road hangout has an atmosphere of ease as everyone gets on with having a good time - you may even feel like you’re crashing a party. The staff are friendly enough, although you may wait a while for your drinks. The only niggle is the surprisingly high price tag for such a laid-back space.

The Music
Pulling in a crowd that likes to move, well known London DJs take to the decks throughout the week to bring a variety of music to the small bar. From Kid Who on a Saturday playing an eclectic mix of commercial party sounds, including pop, disco, reggae, funk, RnB and house, to their soulful Sundays, as well as urban sounds throughout the week, there’s something to please most tastes. Although it’s only a small bar, the group-friendly design means the crowd is more than happy to show some appreciation to the DJ’s mixing skills.

The Food
If you’re peckish after work or want some party food to keep guests happy, Ruby Lo has a short and sweet menu to keep hunger at bay between 5pm-10pm. From nachos served with guacamole, sour cream, salsa and melted cheese, fried lamb cutlets in Mauritian spicy yogurt marinade to Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce, the worldly selection will feed your appetite for an average of just £5.

The Drink
With a 2am licence, Ruby Lo offers up a selection of cocktails using its assortment of spirits and liquors stacked in the illuminated bar. If you can squint your way through the menu, you’ll find a list full of tempting concoctions, which will set you back on average £7 a go.

Although served with very little decoration, the cocktails are worth a try. The Mai Tai is strong and sour with an overpowering shot of lime and sickly sweet syrup, whilst the Bellini is a bubbly taste of luxury, but the lacings of peach are lost beneath the fizz. The Floridita has a summery touch, a Cuban classic with dark rum and lashings of lime and cherry liquor, but with a sharp edge that gives it a manly kick. For whisky-loving girls, a cold, sweet Manhattan does the job, whilst for an even more refreshing tipple, Abbey’s Heartbeat is a softer, longer option with deep raspberry flavours to bring summer to your night.

Draught beers are limited with Carling, San Miguel, and Kronenbourg on offer, whilst bottled beers include Corona, Budvar, Tiger and Nastro Peroni. A wide variety of wine is available, with red or white bottles starting at just £14, and lightly fruity roses starting at £18.

The Last Word
A dark and sultry bar with a lighter hearted atmosphere, Ruby Lo doesn’t take itself too seriously, which could become its downfall. With a little more enthusiasm from staff and a better stocked fridge, this hidden nightspot could become the West End’s best kept secret.

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