NIGHTLIFE
Originally published on Monday, 12 May 2008
Wanted: Ironically Inebriated Equine
I know I said it was pouring with new drinking establishments a few weeks ago, but apparently I was just getting worked up over the first little shower to break the winter drinking drought.
But with the opening of The Botanist (a new gastropub from The Empress of India chaps), Graphic Bar (bringing banquettes and fruitinis to Golden Square), and a relaunch of the ICA bar (after a two month makeover by Oliver Peyton) all happening this week, it looks like the rain of intoxication truly is underway.
And there's more. The Hoxton Pony, the second new venue on Curtain Road within a month, also finally let us in for a peek. Brainchild of Gerry Calabrese (son of old-school cocktailian, Salvatore), the Pony is a curious blend of West London 'quirky-trad' restaurant with West End cocktail bar and club, repackaged for East London with everything from taxidermal vignettes to futuristic neon-chic and an apt car crash installation.
With a solid line-up for the club, and quality menus, clearly a lot of care (and cash) has gone into the place. But I just can't help but wonder: with more and more mainstream venues like East Village and BBB, has the 'Ditch finally lost its fangs?
The Hoxton Pony - opens to public Thursday May 15. 104-108 Curtain Road, EC2
The Botanist, 7 Sloane Square, SW1
Graphic Bar, 4 Golden Square, W1
The ICA Bar & Café, The Mall, SW1