Eat & Drink
Originally published on Thursday, 17th April 2008
Mephisto
One of the last clubs that I enjoyed going to in a non-cheesy way was Cherry Jam - I know, I don't get out much. That aside, CJ and Neighbourhood founders Deon Kerk and Michael Watson seem to have a nack for getting the right balance of groovy urban nightspot and non-cliquey vibe.
Having opened quietly at the end of last year, their latest venue Mephisto is equally unpretentious and could well be the hit club alternative of the summer. I hesitate to use the term 'funky' but there doesn't seem to be any other way to describe the low-lit space with it's red and black decor and poppy graphics lining the walls - there's also an antiquarian-styled 'Library' space further back, good for cosy get-togethers with a large-ish group.
Admittedly it's not really about the food here, with cocktails like See You In Hell (rose flower wine, lime, mango and white rum) on the menu, but there's yakitori chicken and edamame if you're feeling peckish, which is better than the usual potato wedges and gunky dip.
With regular up-and-coming House DJs on the menu too, Mephisto brings a much-needed dose of cool to the West End.
Hours: Mon-Sun • 5pm-12am
Place: 254 Edgware Road, W2 1DS
Cost: £25
Web: mephistobar.co.uk
Book: 020 7724 9436