A very pretty, chilled cocktail bar, with a slightly feminine vibe. Not packed on a Thursday night in Shoreditch, being somewhat hard to find down some delicate spiral stairs. Lots of little adjoining rooms each with different atmosphere, decor and sometimes different music. Music was at a volume where you could still carry a conversation. I loved the little room at the back where all the furniture (Louis XV chairs) was wrapped up in white hospital gauze, Christos style. The room where a walnut grand piano served as a large communal table was quite cool too. Complimentary popcorn was served in dainty china tea cups. Oodles of style. Decor changes frequently, I'm told.
My only objection was having to watch an older couple necking passionately at the bar. Given their age, it could have only been adultery. That said, it is a perfect location for a date.
Gingle Lists Everything
+4.5
We ended up here the first time by accident. I had secured a free place at a Bombay Sapphire-sponsored event round the corner but by the time we arrived they were full. To make up for this they gave us two tokens and told us we could redeem them at a place called 98 Bar and Lounge around the corner on Curtain Road, for two gin and tonics. So we duly did this, almost missing the awning which is the only sign that this bar exists. It is sub-ground level so you need to keep your eyes peeled, otherwise it is very easy to miss. We went down the little ornate iron staircase (slightly treacherous when wet, or you’re drunk, or these two should happen to coincide) and entered. The staff had not yet been made aware of the deal that we were trying to avail ourselves of, and looked a little puzzled when we handed over our tokens, but some phone calls were made and they happily made us the free drink we’d been given.
The place wasn’t busy by any means, it was a Wednesday night I think, but it got busier as other people who had turned up too late to get in at the other place also made their way around. We managed to get a seat on one of the loveseats in the corner to sip our drink. I loved the place. I think it can best be described as ‘fabulous’. It is one of the quirkier bars I’ve been to. It is simultaneously luxuriously and decadently kitted out, but also kooky and kitsch. There is a grandeur within the ornate furniture, the lampshades of pillowy white feathers, the baby grand piano that makes you feel you’ve stepped into a rich eccentric’s parlour. A viscount’s estate with a 20s twist. But the sweets in jars and little rubber ducks that festoon the walls make you also feel like you’ve stepped into a child’s fantasy playroom. It’s an odd combination but, to my mind, totally works.
We stayed for only one drink, a drink not of 98 Bar and Lounge’s creation. Therefore I did not feel I had truly experienced what the bar was all about. I could not cross it off the List.
But we went back and did sample a 98 Bar and Lounge concoction. It was London Cocktail Week and bars all over London were offering a signature cocktail, or one created especially for the occasion, for £4 to wristband holders. We were such wristband holders, and 98 was one such bar. So we popped in for a drink before we headed to Beard to Tail for our dinner (they are opposite each other). The cocktail on offer was called the Gentleman’s Jamjar. It was an apricot-inspired drink, with real chunks of apricot in it, it had a whiskey base I believe and was topped off with nutmeg. That nutmeg made all the difference, elevating it from just a nice fruity cocktail to something different. Really scrummy. And then, a huge bowl of warm, salted popcorn was brought over. Yes, we were eating dinner directly afterwards, but we still polished it off. I thought it was a lovely little extra touch. Normally they don’t open on Mondays, but, they told us, they had opened because of Cocktail Week, however, we were the only ones in the entire place! Admittedly, it was early, and I hope that when the Cocktail Week bus made its way to Shoreditch it brought with it some more customers. I do get the feeling that this is one of the lesser known bars in Shoreditch - it certainly doesn’t shout out its presence, but it is a gem and I will definitely be going back again.
Just threw my birthday party here. Had absolutely the best time. Kath and her team were really nice, all details of the party were discussed beforehand through the call and they really tried their best to accommodate us.
Staff were super helpful and nice, we felt welcomed. Drinks are really nice as well, I liked the mocktail I got bc I don’t drink but my guests seem to like their alcoholic drinks.
The atmosphere was absolutely the best, there are so many interesting pieces throughout the space, you can tell they really tried to create a unique space.
Overall an awesome experience we had at the bar, will def come back w a smaller group and enjoy the front space a lil more. They also have a gallery space upstairs, make sure you ask if there is anything going on when you are there.
Great choice of drinks. Very friendly staff.
The decor is just a bit too mental. We love a quirky vibe, but this just like a bit of a mess and the lighting was quite flat throughout so it lacked a bit of atmosphere.
The bar is unique!!
The bar is quite hidden place :)
Such a nice cocktails and music!
I did love the vibe in here :)
Friendly door staff, attentive bar staff, fantastic decor and a good selection of cocktails. Great spot.
Karim kherba “PervySageTime Gaming”
+5
Amazing cocktail bar had the best drinks defiantly try the smoked whisky would deffo recommend. great people work there too
Super cute and hidden venue. Yummy cocktails. Love it
Great vibe, great decor. Drinks were fantastic and bartender gave us a great drinks consultancy making us comfortable in our choices and wanted to explore other options. We sat at the Lego table, great fun! Will definitely be back, would be a great place to hire for a birthday party or go on a date!!! Xxx
Drinks are unreal. Presentation is extraordinary!!! Prices are reasonable all drinks are roughly 10pound but their drinks are very impressive! I ordered a whiskey sour and it came in a suitcase and they opened the suitcase and it was filled with smoke and when it cleared .. My cocktail appeared! Very funky colourful place! Would certainly recommend!
Hidden, quiet cocktail bar with a nostalgic but slightly creepy vibe. Price is London prices (£10 per cocktail + a small service charge) but the drinks are presented quite nicely. I had the whiskey one which was presented in a small box with dry ice inside that escapes upon opening.
Great cosy, strange and attractive place! You'll see the decoration from 1000 different places, all great together. Great cocktail barmen, new menus frequently and cool waiters. Hidden spot in London, worth checking out for a chilled - or not - drink.
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