36-38 New Oxford Street,
Bloomsbury,
London,
WC1A 1EP
(020) 7580 3057
The ViewLondon Review
The potential for The Bowery to become a hip destination is there but some fine-tuning is needed before it really hits its stride.
The Venue
Taking over the space from live music stronghold The Fly, The Bowery has been refurbished lightly, without going over the top: the space feels lived-in and more welcoming than your usual slick bar. Spread over two floors, if the basement serves as a multi-purpose dance floor, live music venue and sit-down comedy space, the ground floor is simply a comfy bar. Furnished with basic mix-and-match chairs, old leather sofas and visual references like an old typewriter, a collection of mirrors and a vintage drum, the bar may well become rich in personality and aesthetic appeal, but more work is needed to fill the space which, at the moment, feels quite empty.
The Atmosphere
With a name inspired by the American poet Jack Kerouac, the atmosphere is very East London, attracting the usual statement haircuts, insensible outfits and attitude. This little piece of ‘East up West’ could actually be a pulling point but, for now, the crowd remains varied and, depending on how quickly they can establish a decent roster of events, it might not be long before there’s a long queue to get in. There are plans for a regular comedy (every Monday, free entry) and acoustic nights as well as club nights with live DJs. The venue is also trying to market itself as an event space suitable for anything from record launches to private functions and fashion parties.
The Music
The music selection may not be as fiercely independent and obscure as in Shoreditch, but the genres aren’t too dissimilar spanning indie, pop, electro and rock. A live acoustic session happens mid-week and bands are likely to be on stage soon. It's also worth noting that they're already signing up bands to do DJ sets, with names like the Mystery Jets sure to put the venue on the map. The bar has chilled-out music until the club nights take over. Then, depending on what is happening downstairs, it cranks up a few notches.
The Drink
A cocktail list is a work in progress and so is an extended wine list (at the moment confined to five bottles at £3.45-£3.65 per glass or £15 per bottle), although The Bowery does not leave you thirsty. The beer selection is better than most, with less common bottles (£3.40-£4.20) like Moose Head, Brooklyn Lager, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Sagres and Crabbies ginger beer. The draughts (£3.40-£3.80) include the fairly uncommon Birra Moretti, along with more familiar tipples like Red Stripe, Amstel and Heineken. The list of spirits and liqueurs (£2.20-£3.60) is also decent. Coffees and teas are also available (£1.50-£2.10).
The Last Word
The Bowery is a place to watch. It’s still early days, and it needs to work on a few aspects of its offering, but it has the potential to become a big hit with those looking for cheap drinks and good-value music and comedy in central London.
The Bowery has been reviewed by 5 users