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With a recent transformation Bar Music Hall has returned to its roots. Having gone through a fleeting 'hot' time the venue has embraced what used to make the Old Brick Lane Music Hall the heart of Shoreditch's bar, music, media & fashion scene.
There are a few changes but all for the good. The peanut butter brown walls have gone and there's artwork all over the show (I'm not Hoxton trendy enough to know who); which makes this wondrously cavernous space feel a lot less cold. Demi booths in comfy black leather have replaced bare ledges, so though you've still got tonnes of seating, this time it's unlikely to give you pins and needles in your glutinimous maximus. What has remained is the same stunning 120ft pewter bar, and the same focus on continental beers and decent food.
During the week the crowd features quite a few suits, but I've been told that the free live music (Jazz, DJ's playing electro, 80's and freestyle) they've been featuring is pulling in the local lot too.
The food menu is also considerably tighter which sounds like a big noooooo! But what they do have for eats is really well done. Mains hover around the £8 mark; bangers and mash were three fat, juicy specimens busting at their piggy seams on top of a light, creamy mash with onion gravy. But if you don't wanna risk getting food envy then go for the burger. An impressively tasty burger with bacon, onions, cheddar and a meat patty cooked to order, served with a pile of crispy fries.
For drinkies there are a handful of cocktails (£6) but personally, i'm in favour of what BMH do really well. Beer is apparently the new booze du jour anyways, so choose from their lovely range of beers (8 on draught, 7 bottled). A pint of Kriek (a cherry beer) costs £3.50 as does a bottle of Duvel (the gastronomes' Special Brew at 8.5% vol).
Bar Music Hall is tighter, warmer and brighter than it's previous incarnation. Hell has well and truly frozen over.
Reviewed by Sophia Wong
Description:
Situated in the heart of the Shoreditch triangle, Bar Music Hall is a trendy European cafe bar specialising in cocktails and imported beers, particularly Belgian beers. Formerly the Brick Lane Music Hall, this large Victorian warehouse has been at the heart of Shoreditch's buzzing nightlife for decades through its various guises as a cabaret club, a late 80's rave venue and 90's music hall. This entertainment tradition continues with a regular DJ schedule and live music programme. The centrepiece of Bar Music Hall is a 120-foot central pewter bar, surrounded by an assortment of comfy banquette seating and sofas along with plain wood tables and chairs. The large uncluttered walls are often used for modern art and photography exhibitions. Perfect for large events, a la carte, buffet, canapé and breakfast / brunch menus are all available, accompanied by Wi-Fi internet access and a canopied terrace.
(Updated 16/06/2009)
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- Additional Info: Food, DJ, Live Music, Cocktails, Children Allowed, Disabled Access, Dancing License
Bar Music Hall Address & Contact Details
- Address: 134 Curtain Road,
Shoreditch,
London,
EC2A 3AR
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Old Street
Bar Music Hall Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
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Customer Reviews for Bar Music Hall
“Lots of straight people pretending to be gay and dressing for attention, which could be fun until you realise how seriously it is all being taken. After having your dress sense evaluated by a sickly looking waif yet to grow out of his new romantic phase you'll find yourself amongst wannabe fashionista cretins whose idea of a fun night out is watching Britains next top model and air kissing to the faux papparazzi.”
Rating:
— David, London
(25 Jan 2008)
“Was at Bar Music Hall on a Thursday a few weeks ago for my friend’s birthday. Had a really good time, loved the look and feel of the place. They also have a huge selection of interesting beer. One little question about the beers started a small tutorial and tasting session from the cute female bartender who obviously was very passionate about beers (my kinda girl!). Even thought I was warned about the lethality of their house beer Duvol (apparently meaning Devil!) I unfortunately woke up with a big hang over the following morning.
We were very well looked after, and I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for somewhere to go for a great party.”
Rating:
— Jack Ryelliey, Clapham
(12 Dec 2006)
“I like it here... the music is great and the crowd is fun. The door policy is a little harsh but that's Saturday nights in London! The drinks aren't "amazing" but that's not the main point for visiting this venue. If you like a fun mix of music and heddonistic fun I think this place is for you. Just remember to pretend like you know the door man.”
Rating:
— tom, london
(18 Oct 2006)
“Shaky start maybe, hotter summer than hell itself and now our hell is coming into its own. You're getting better each day. Keep the faith.”
Rating:
— julie, rivington st
(15 Sep 2005)
“Good beer selection, plenty of seats, and the nicest beef burger I've had in ages.
Oh, and if you ever find yourself with seasonal adjustment disorder, I recommend 5 minutes in the light-drenched toilets.”
Rating:
— Doug, Greenwich
(12 Jul 2005)
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