Based in the very heart of Hoxton, this venue might appear ‘too cool for school’, but it ain’t bad for a night out.

The Venue
As the name suggests, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen sits facing Hoxton Square – an area that’s a stone’s throw from Old Street and known for being cool. The decor is definitely reflective of this so-called scene. Think glass - and lots of it. The back is entirely glassed out and is often subject to some interesting scenes from the nearby circus training centre. The front opens out onto decking (which is naturally full of smokers) and gives you a taster of the fashionable hip Hoxton residents who hang out inside.

The interior is a typically sleek warehouse-style conversion. Refreshingly, where other trendy venues lack character, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen doesn’t. The back room – home to club nights and gigs keeps this place real.

The Atmosphere
Unpredictably, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen hasn’t got a pretentious vibe when you’re inside. And although the clientele could be mistaken for looking like they’re trying too hard, they’re actually fairly relaxed and very friendly. The venue is open for brunch from 11am and families and children are welcome during the day. This gives the place a distinctly different feel from the evening.

Come 9pm, young, hip crowds who experiment with fashion start to stumble in and through to the dancefloor and stage at the back. Monday to Thursday this area plays host to gigs, whereas Friday to Sunday the venue holds club nights playing everything from ‘80s classics to the hottest indie tracks – setting out to please everyone in the crowd. Be warned though, there’s strictly no entrance after 12pm.

The Food
Food is available throughout the bar from 11.30am-11pm Monday to Saturday and 11:30am-7.30pm on Sundays. You can also sit in the more formal dining area. The menu is varied and European – you can get everything from a hearty brunch to bar snacks, and the main meals include the tasty Hoxton burgers, fish from the sea and a selection of items from the flame grill. Expect to pay anything from a couple of pounds up to 20 quid depending on what you decide to eat.

The Drink
Drink prices at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen are not cheap, but certainly no more than you’d pay in any of the neighbouring venues. There’s a cocktail list with all the classics like moijitos, margaritas and caipirinhas listed, which are up to £7. If you’re planning to get a double spirit and mixer, you can expect to pay about the same.

Beers include Kirin Ichiban, Red Stripe, Guinness and Paulaner Wheat Beer on draught and a large selection of bottled beers. There’s also a reasonably priced wine list.

The Last Word
Hip, overpriced and typically Hoxton, despite all this Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen venue shouldn’t be shunned.

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