Bistrotheque is an exclusive feeling bar-cum-restaurant-cum-club hidden away in an unlikely corner of Hackney. Who knew a disused factory could be so stylish?

The Venue
Situated on the periphery of an estate, down a desolate, industrial street, it’s almost impossible to spot this beautifully converted ex-factory. A discreet courtyard denotes the entrance and behind this sits a tiny foyer containing three doors leading to the Napoleon Bar, an event room (named the Cabaret Room) and a staircase to the restaurant.

The look and feel of the old factory door misrepresents the scale and tone of what lies behind it. Long, narrow and squat, with a bar running down most of one side, the designated drinking area of Bistrotheque is an instantly appealing sight. The dark grey exposed brickwork and small metallic windows minimise the amount of light thus creating a saturnine, sexy environ. The furnishings are suitably congruous: sumptuous black velvet bar stools and chairs alongside dark wooden tables.

The bright and spacious dining area and event room sit in stark contrast to the bar and pertain more to the rawness of the original building. The bar has a feel of London’s posterity whereas the restaurant could be straight out of Manhattan. The diversity and stylistic success of all the rooms is impressive to say the least.

The Atmosphere
Bistrotheque is known for hosting alternative, interesting events such as transvestite lip-sync contests and cabaret nights - including regular appearances from the famed Jonny Woo. It is a genuinely underground, alternative place and exudes a sense of exclusivity that isn’t always that favourable to newcomers. The clientele is very specific - cool, established locals - and that is how it comes across as wanting to remain. It is the kind of place that, if unaccustomed to it, can make you very aware of yourself and can be hard to relax in.

The bar fails to stand alone effectively. If visiting Bistrotheque on a night that isn’t holding an event or without the intention of going to the restaurant, it lacks purpose; the staff will immediately ask if you intend to eat or not rendering it more of a pre or post-dinner place.

The Food
Bistrotheque is evidently all about the dining more than the drinking and is highly regarded for its food. Whether you go for brunch or dinner the food is great and portions generous. The menu offers traditional but sophisticated French and English dishes with mains varying in price from £10.50-£19. Considering how the restaurant aspires to be, the service could be more personalised, and at times the staff would do well to appear less stressed by their job.

The Drink
Cocktails are definitely the thing to have here. Unlike many places, you won’t be overwhelmed or confused by what’s on offer. The cocktail menu is seasonal and differs from the bar to the restaurant. The bar staff express reassuring knowledge and make a point of saying you can ask for drinks that aren’t on the menu. Classic and successful reinterpretations of classic cocktails are all executed very well, as well as being unexpectedly reasonable in price.

The Last Word
Bistrotheque is, despite its somewhat unobtainable attitude, a great place to experience. With the exception of the specific event nights, its aim is to encourage languid, indulgent dining over anything else. Discreet and aloof, this place epitomises cool but doesn’t want to appeal to everyone.

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