3-5 Rathbone Place,
Soho,
London,
W1T 1HJ
0871 971 3975
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Golden oldie still going strong.
The Venue
Something of a legend on the Oxford Street strip, The Roxy has always provided glam pop fun while the likes of nearby 100 Club and recently defunct Metro offered down and dirty rock ‘n’ roll thrills.
She may have been around for many a year, but this party girl’s still looking rather good for her age with a splash of rouge offset by ivory chandeliers dangling above the bar and an attractive bouquet of orchids behind it. Chamois bar stools and leather-coated pews provide the space to kick back your heels either before or once you’re done tearing up the dance floor.
The Atmosphere
Although it’s tempting to describe The Roxy as cheap and cheerful, that would be downplaying the jovial air that permeates this dusky little discotheque whilst overplaying its value (bargainous for the early birds, but if you miss happy hour it could cost up to £10 just to gain entry).
Hen and stag parties are welcome, which is never going to enhance a joint’s classiness, but their desire to have a good time can prove infectious if you let it. The only pre-requisite here is a fun loving attitude, although over exuberance can raise the danger of the intimate dance floor turning into meat market territory.
The Music
Every night offers something different, from Monday’s Rehab (a party of indie and electro-pop) to Saturday’s Don’t You Want Me (a kitsch journey from the ‘50s to the ‘00s). Most nights showcase The Roxy’s distinctive brand of ‘indie cheese’ mashing together the likes of MGMT and Rick Astley, it’s a combination that’s occasionally uneasy but rarely less than feel good.
The Drink
A sad lack of draught beer is only marginally compensated for by the variety of bottled lager, with Becks, Kronenburg, San Miguel, Budvar, Corona and Red Stripe all costing £3.20-£3.40. For bitter drinkers there’s zilch, while cider drinkers have to make do with Sirrus. Wine fans are better served, with bottles from Spain, France, Chile, Italy and America costing between £12.95 and £25.50, the Chateu Lyonnat St Emillion being the most expensive. The more expensive wines are only available by the bottle, but then this represents better value than a glass anyway.
Befitting the slightly cheesy Club Tropicana qualities of The Roxy, the cocktail list is probably the most popular option, populated with classics such as Sex on the Beach and Long Island Iced Tea. There’s barely a table not adorned by a jug of some colourful concoction or another, especially during happy hour when pitchers are half price at £7.95.
The Last Word
If you’re only just discovering The Roxy then you’d be forgiven for wondering what sets it apart from the many other mid-market clubs of this type, but in the age of the pop-up bar it’s comforting to think that it will probably still be here to entertain a new generation of late night revellers in years to come.