The Retro Bar, Strand

Very mixed gay bar, a bit cliquey but I'd imagine because of its success it attracts the same crowd over time. Friendly bar staff of all ages and a good selection of music bordering towards the more indie and rock sound, although hosts a Eurovision night once a month. Good selection of drinks, good quizzes and excellent random DJ nights. Can get overly busy at times but spread over two floors means you can usually escape to a table. Used to be incredibly smokey, I'd imagine that isn't a problem now. Recommended.

3 Jul 2007 16:43

Via Fossa, Canary Wharf

I suppose the darkened corners and naff viking sofas in lurid colours are a nice distraction for the bland brightly lit Canary Wharf corporate offices, but it doesn't wash on the rest of us. I mean, yeah, you could say this place has character, but that's more too with the old dock building than what they've put in there. Drinks and food are overly priced, but expected for the area. More a place to go on a rainy winter day for a cosy sunday lunch than a drink filled party evening.

3 Jul 2007 16:37

The Beluga Cafe, Canary Wharf

Serves the Canary Wharf crowd with pretentious bar service and overpriced drinks, but for us remaining eastend drinkers it all seems terribly ladidah. Hosts a local gay night once a month for the local fruits in suits but if that's your thing you'll have more fun down the road in the White Swan or Chariots at Limehouse. Food was decent although service was a bit po-faced. A place to go if you want to look flash with the cash and feel part of the yuppie crowd.

3 Jul 2007 16:29