• Added: 11th of January 2008
• Area: Shoreditch
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London EC2A 3EJ
07720 707 000

anellaw said
New kid on the Eastern Block
Tucked between a kebab shop and newsagents, this new east London basement bar is easily missed, but it’s the low-key entrance that keeps Lounge Bohemia free from a passing trade of weekend boozers and brawlers for a more discerning crowd.

Inside Lounge Bohemia stays close to its eastern European roots with Czech newspapers lining the walls and communist era furniture. The 60s décor gives the lounge a clean, streamlined look, while a low ceiling, series of alcoves and table service provide an intimate atmosphere.

Choose from Czech bottled beers, including the rare Budvar dark and excellent Krusovice (both £3.50 for 500ml) or work your way through an extensive range of spirits, from a Johnnie Walker Red (£4.80 for 50ml) through to Black (£5.40), Green (£5.80), Gold (£11) to the infamous Blue label (£18). Or see if your tequila taste buds are sophisticated enough to appreciate the difference between a Jose Cuervo Especial (£4.80) and the Cuervo Reserva de la Familia (£18.00).

There’s an eclectic mix of new takes on old classics and avant-garde originals, with plenty of eastern European influence. For £4.95 you can enjoy martinis and shorts, like the Grasspirosca (a Caipirosca made with lemongrass infused vodka), or for £5.50 you can get a long cocktail like the unusual Milho Verde Batida made with sweet corn and condensed milk, or Van’s the Man - absinthe, lime, elderflower and ginger beer. If you fancy something more playful choose a Lab Test, six experimental shots served in test tubes and wooden rack, or the Bohemian Iced Tea for two served in a classic 60s teapot with cups and saucers.

From award-winning glassware by Czech designer Jiri Pelcl, to the Riki Watanabe trays on which Czech inspired canapés are served, there is a real attention to detail throughout the bar. You can sample canapés for free with your first drink and if this whets your appetite you can order further meat, cheese or fish platters, including beautifully presented bites like quail’s egg and red caviar, hunter salami or traditional Czech marinated cheese on rye (£3.95 for 4).