Bungalow 8

Lacrimosa

Funny name, funny place - but I liked it 27th August 2008

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I visited this exclusive members' only lounge bar last week with a degree of curiosity mingled with scepticism, having read online reviews in which 'hate it' seemed to outnumber 'love it' by nine to one. Bungalow 8 is situated in a subterranean spot inside the stunning St. Martin's Lane Hotel in Covent Garden, notable for its interiors designed by Philippe Starck which combine an airy mixture of modern and baroque. Its more famous predecessor is the renowned Bungalow 8 in New York.

Firstly I should point out that I'm not a member, but had an invite to the after party of a film premier screened up the road, so my review is likely to be skewed by the fact that this wasn't a regular night at Bunglaow 8 (although I believe it was still open to regular members). The place is split into two bars on two floors, both absolutely tiny but decorated in very different and distinctive ways. The upper bar was already heaving by the time we arrived so we quickly took our cocktails downstairs, and snagged seats near the DJ. My immediate impression upon entering this downstairs bar was that I'd just walked into one of those paper carrier bags from Joseph - y'know, the iconic black and white striped ones? Freaky. Anyhoo, the cocktails were delicious, the mood laid back and friendly, the lighting pleasantly low, and the music ever so slightly cheesy. People felt comfortable enough to get up and start dancing between the tables or up and down the aisle, often by themselves. Personally I found the staff to be really friendly and upbeat, although that may just have been because my date knew them all.

One word of warning: those, like me, in strappy 3" heels should watch out for all the stairs - once you've managed to reach the bars without breaking any limbs, there's yet more to the toilets.

All in all, I had a good time, and would go again given the chance. Realistically, though, I'm unlikely to get past the doorman a second time without membership. This, I believe, is about £350 a year or, for visitors, £150 per night. Ouch!