Retro vibes paired with an edgy design, authentic sushi and huge cocktails make Fluid Bar the perfect Farringdon venue to while away the hours.

The Venue
Located squarely opposite Smithfield Market on Charterhouse Street in the heart of Farringdon, Fluid Bar is about five or ten minutes walk from either Farringdon or Barbican underground stations.

Externally, it doesn’t look the friendliest of places – the doors and windows have a mirrored covering so you can’t see in, and the black and murky green colours aren’t too cheery. Push through the heavy door though and inside you’ll find a comfortable venue with retro arcade games, vending machines dispensing bottled beers (useful when it’s busy!), heavy black sofas to sink into and large, open seating areas. Divided into street level and basement bar areas, the venue is designed to offer spaces whether you arrive on a date with one other person or in a big group, and has an edgy, downtown feel of a Tokyo nightspot.

The Atmosphere
Fluid Bar attracts a trendy after work crowd during the week, and plenty of pre-club drinkers heading for Fabric down the road or Turnmills a short walk away at the weekends. With Fluid staying open until 4am though, that means that many of those won’t need to head for a nightclub!

The vibe is fun and sociable, with large open seating areas encouraging friendly chat to strike up between visitors here, and the funky house, electro and techno soundtrack ramping up the party atmosphere. The bar staff are keen to please, taking their time to create you a personal cocktail or talking you through the lengthy sushi menu. The downstairs bar is available for party private hire if it’s a special occasion.

The Food
Fluid Bar stands out from the crowd of identikit Clerkenwell after work venues by offering an authentic and lengthy Japanese food menu, with sashimi, tempura, and donburi sushi options.

Unmissable options include the soft shell crab rolls, priced at £7, which are creamy and light and so good you’ll demolish one after another in minutes; and the salmon and tuna sashimi (£7 each) with fresh, delicate fish paired perfectly with hot green horseradish and ginger. All the sushi plates are generously portioned and well presented.

The Drink
With a range of unusual and fashionable bottled beers priced at just £3-£3.50, and cocktails at £7, you’re spoilt for choice at the bar. You can kid yourself you’re being healthy by ordering a ginseng scented lager, or go for the deliciously sweet Amber cocktail with apple, vodka and ginger flavours. Alternatively, explain to the eager bar staff the kind of flavours you like and they’ll take their time to create something unique for you.

The Last Word
Packing in a funky crowd to enjoy great cocktails and outstanding sushi lifts Fluid immediately above the nearby faceless chain bars so often frequented by City types – this is the place to stop if you’re looking for a bar with personality.

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