The Big Chill is a major brand, combining the festival, the house in King’s Cross, the label and this bustling bar off Brick Lane, which offers the same laid back, anything goes vibe that Big Chill has become synonymous for.

The Venue
Situated on Dray Walk, in the heart of the Truman Brewery and a few metres from Café 1001, the Big Chill Bar is about a fifteen minute walk from Shoreditch High Street overground and Liverpool Street station, and a ten minute walk from Aldgate East underground. Its large outdoor heated smoking area, where people gather and spill out of during busy times, is a major part of its appeal and, inside, a long bar service area nearly fills the whole left side of the space and there is plenty of room for comfy sofas, wooden tables and even a spot of dancing. The décor is sparse and the ceilings are low. The faint smell of alcohol/cleaning products lingers in the air and the floor is sticky but as the place is darkly lit, it only enhances the slightly dingy vibe. As is consistent with most other venues in the area, a trip to the toilets can be pretty whiffy.

The Atmosphere
Fun and relaxed, the clientele are a mixed bag of local creatives and party seekers from out of town who head to the area for its late night thrills and spills. It can get raucous later on in the evening, with lots of dancing in between seats and plenty of munted punters. Maybe a little surprisingly, it isn’t full of trendies, instead, on the whole, it attracts a nice, diverse crowd. The staff are friendly and quick on their feet too. Although getting a drink at peak times can be a pain in the arse.

The Music
Listings change regularly with resident and guest DJs on regular rotation. Much like the popular summer festival, the music is an eclectic mix of house, funk, hip hop, reggae, electronica and jazz. DJs spin all-day on Sundays, perfect if you like carrying on after a Saturday night.

The Drink
Cocktails are popular at this venue, offering classic blends and a few specialities. With names like Big Chill Punch, Jaywalking Honey, and Rum and Ting, the quality might not always be sky-high but they’re potent party brews nonetheless. Prices range from £6.50-£8. On draught there are standard beers like Amstel, Budvar and Heineken, priced at around £4 a pint. Symonds, Aspall and Savanna cider are also on offer at similar prices. Be warned: at peak times you may have a long wait at the bar, especially if someone in front of you orders a big round of cocktails.

The Last Word
The Big Chill Bar is part and parcel of Brick Lane life, and after six years it’s still not lost its popularity. It’s perfect for daytime drinking, especially when the weather is kind and you can sit on the benches outside, and it works just as well as a place to start or finish a night out.

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