Dray Walk,
Brick Lane,
London,
E1 6QL
0872 148 1778
The ViewLondon Review
Turn into the inconspicuous Dray Walk and you will reach an urban oasis in the heart of East London. Welcome to Big Chill Bar.The VenuePart of the franchise famous for the annual eclectic Big Chill festival, the bar is just as easygoing and refreshing. The pedestrianised Dray Walk is a great location – independent boutiques, galleries, delis, second hand shops and the fabulously individual Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market are all close by. With glass fronted doors, it’s a huge space with enough room to fit in plenty of couches and low seats, artwork on the walls and long wooden tables for communal dining and drinking. In the summer, crowds spill out onto the Walk, beer in hand, sitting in gutters and chatting to friends. In cooler weather, they huddle by the patio heaters on the veranda or cosy up on some of the comfy couches in this relaxed haven.
The AtmosphereGood-natured staff and a chilled-out vibe contribute to the festival atmosphere. The crowd is carefree and nobody eyes you up to check you’re wearing the right gear when you enter. Different DJs mix behind the decks and the diverse choice of music lives up to the ethos of the Big Chill name – you’ll hear some well-known tunes including everything from lounge, house and RnB to ska-latino, jazz, reggae and electronica.
The FoodThe menu is a delicious array of easy to share snacks, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches – perfect for either lunch or dinner. It’s upper class pub food with a twist, reasonably priced and served until 11pm – so you can grab some sweet potato chips or a platter when late-night hunger kicks in. There are also some great options for vegetarians.
The DrinksThere’s plenty of space to order your drinks at the fantastically long bar and you’ll find a standard selection of reasonably priced wines, spirits and cocktails. A good range of beers are also available, both bottled and on-tap. Dedicated Big Chillers swear by the Big Chill Punch - a jolly rum concoction.
The Last WordPerfect for both laidback lounging and upbeat evenings of drinking and dancing with friends, this vibrant, unique bar will leave you feeling chilled and all warm and gooey at the same time.
The Big Chill Bar has been reviewed by 15 users