please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Essence is now no more. Developed on the site of the old Royal Barge sports bar, this place was marketed as bringing a west end vibe out to Kingston however, all it did seem to bring was swathes of chavs.
The old RB did need to go really as it was very run down and tired looking and considering its prime riverside location it could definitely be something better. Admittedly, Essence did look smart (if you like that kind of bar) and the DJ's was of a high standard.
Where they went wrong was when they decided it was a good idea to play grime music and one night when a well know grime artist (I use that term loosely) was performing it went off in a big way and a large amount of arrests had to be made. It was noted that about 70% of the punters in there had a criminal record.
License gone! I wonder what it will become next????
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it never can be a central london bar this place. as commented below - thumbs up for the decor but thats about it. pricey, not friendly.
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Poncy bar...visited one, that was enough!
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Was in this bar on Fri night, it was so dull and full of people trying to hard, left after 10 min.
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14 reviews and not one mention of beer. I think I get the message.
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oh, and the no trainers rules is rediculous! dancing in shoes is just plain stupid! shoes and collared shirts are WORKWEAR to me and frankly im not gonna wear them after a hard weeks work for partying in...
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another pretentious music bar.... really boring music - although the DJs do have skill, its such a shame that kingston only offers either funky or electro house - how about some actual funk or 80s electro? or even better - some REAL hip hop as apposed to the commercial rNb rubbish churned up by oceana... has great potential, but marred by the dull as fudge music policy!!! bring some hip hop to kingston!!!!!!!!!!!
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What a sh1thole. No trainers if your a bloke, but if your dressed like a hooker you're fine (including nuns outfits etc). No chairs to sit down except for the VIP area - not a VIP to be seen just some chavs who'd managed to phone up and book it. Moody bouncers, snotty bar staff, sh1te music.
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What a perfect bar if you are on the pull - for some one just a little desperate.....
It has been a long time since I've seen a line of men staring at the main floor of women, at first I assumed they were queing for something, but no, they were all just dribbling at the young Kingstonian 'ladies'.
If you are nearing or over 25 RUNAWAY!
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Great music from brilliant DJs, nice relaxed atmosphere with a touch of class that Kingston badly needed. Prices are slightly high but so is everywhere else in Kingston that's open after 12.
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You can get the same attitude/atmosphere with a more genuine London feel for the sake of a 15 minute train ride to Waterloo.....
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Popped in, to see what it was like, having been able to remember the RB.
Club/bar hybrid, not my cup of tea music-wise so didn't stay long. Seems a bit superficial but might last. Standard drinks available prices a little high but not earth-shattering.
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I was at essence on Sunday and if you want great food, in a place that has class and style, this is the place to be.
pippi - 22 Jun 2007 15:12 |
was at essence on wednesday evening absolutely brilliant night, the gorgeous female dj was amazing, top venue, with two4one cocktails all night and not a student in sight. will def be my reg wed night.
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this place is unbelievable you would actually think you were in the westend i have never seen such a stunning venue they have truly spared no expense and so many beautiful girls in one place, no wonder essence has become the place to be in kingston
anonymous - 21 May 2007 22:03 |
at last somewhere decent where you can go in kingston, where the crowd is older, the decor stunning and there's no trouble, oh yes and the toilets are actually clean for once. top venue top music, by far the best kingston has ever seen
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If this pub was not by the river in a lovely area it would have about as much character an Ikea picnic table.
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Quite an odd "pub" really. Nice sitting outside in the sun but inside has loads of weird chez lounges and is quite club like.
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