Wow, this was one well attended event. What a privilege to be invited along to one of the special events during the launch week of the latest addition to Chiswick's nightlife options. Let me add first of all that I used to live in Chiswick when the choice was limited to Pizza Express and a couple of pubs, so I'm retrospectively jealous ...
The refurbishment of the old fire station has definitely been a success, and this is an absolute improvement on All Bar One. Apparently, this is the third of a new chain of "village bars" and the concept makes perfect sense. I loved the interior, all clean and muted colours, massive bar dominating the main area with loads of casual and more formal seating options - never even made it out to the outdoor area at the back. This will be a local favourite in summer for sure. Not so sure about the choice of greenery though, all prickly cactuses which don't agree with delicate summer dresses.
The crowd last night was not representative of Chiswick as everyone was here on special invite. I was the only West Londoner at my table and expect this to become much more of a local haunt, as well as obvious venue for birthday parties and similar. I will be back if invited by a W4 friend but probably won't make this a destination as I am generally drawn further into town rather than out. This is actually in keeping with the concept and I eagerly await the addition of a Notting Hill branch ...
OK, back to last night's event which started at 6.30 which meant that I was not the only one lugging about a heavy bag as there was no time to drop my laptop home before making it to the venue. They had special coat racks for the occasion but no provision for bags, I can only hope there will be a proper cloakroom on regular nights.
My apologies for being unfashionably early, but I wish I would have been made feel a little more welcome - first impressions count and I just felt awkward as I was left to my own devices after someone crossed my name off the long guestlist. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long until the rest of the Yelp posse arrived, and the prosecco certainly helped me settle in. It was good to get a chance to look at the place before it got too crowded as it really looks rather lovely.
We were treated to more prosecco, a choice of three bespoke cocktails and bucketloads of beer - literally! Just as well the evening also included a taster menu of canapes. These ranged from mini portions of fish and chips to a large array of deep fried goodies, including fish cakes and other fillings including spinach, aubergine and pumpkin as well as black pudding ... my favourite were the beef tortillas.
There were no copies of the menu, so no way of telling what the food selection will be like on a regular night. I can only hope the choices are a little bit more healthy and hopefully more tasty. My table agreed that while we were grateful to be so generously treated to a free night out, we would have felt resentful paying for the food. Most of the canapes, while beautifully presented, were rather bland and greasy with the pumpkin the only exception to the other extreme - still greasy but far too salty.
Not sure if the DJ will be a regular fixture, but the music certainly worked well for this one-off party. Good to see a classy woman on the decks btw, nice touch. Compliments to the waiting and bar staff for coping extremely well with the crowds - a good omen. read more