The Legion is a stalwart of the East London scene and shows no sign of succumbing to the latest trendsetting spots that seem to spring up in this neck of the woods on a daily basis.

The Venue
Located on Old Street, a stone's throw from Shoreditch High Street, The Legion offers a welcoming doorway. The interior has been reinvigorated with subtle refurbishments since it first became a scenester's haven but it's kept to its roots.

The log cabin feel still abounds but there's a lot more New York loft about the venue that makes the most of its exposed brickwork. Things definitely feel more subterranean with added sheet metals that swirl across the (still) exceptionally long bar. The cabaret stage tucks neatly into the space and there's room in front and around it for rocking. The furnishings remain much as they were, failing to shy away from the sunken leather sofas and old low wooden tables. The lighting is subtle and whether you visit at night or during the day it always sets a scene with low levels that relax.

The Atmosphere
The Legion is an East London staple, like bagels and salt beef. Since the beginning it has experimented with new music and DJs but it's now gone on a foray into the art world with work exhibited across the walls. Dalston may be in vogue right now but Old Street’s Legion sticks in the memory.

Stressy Dalston exteriors aren’t anywhere in sight and there are even smiles on faces on the dance floor. The crowd isn't limited by age or style and you'll find club kids mixing with part time City boys - a product of the bar's success. There is generally something going on here every night of the week with more leftfield events on Tuesdays and a progressively aggressive sound building up towards the weekend.

The Drink
The Legion has a sense of diversity in mind for its drink menu. The range of wine is ample and starts relatively cheaply with expensive treats on offer as well. The long shelves are stacked with multiple choices of spirits although it doesn’t tend to deviate from the norm too much. As well as selection of bottled beers, this is a bar that keeps people happy with lagers on draught. These include Stella, Staropramen, Hoegaarden and Leffe.

The Last Word
It’s easy to see why The Legion has retained its ‘cool’ status in the minds of the notoriously fickle cool kids. Unpretentious, it is what it is.

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