Departure bar is a bit of an anomoly. During the week it plays host, almost exclusively, to city boys and girls looking to let their hair down after a hard days grind. The spacious basement bar area provides a great place to unwind and even accomodates its own full-size American pool table. However, by the weekend, and due to its 24hr drinking license, Departure beomces a haven for party-animals eager to carry on after a night in hearby Shoreditch or Brick Lane. At these times the crowd is incredibly diverse ranging from your more typical indie kids to your atypical fashionistas and nu-ravers. As such you're more likely to find a more fun and friendly atmosphere on a Friday or Saturday night and the intimate feel of the venue encourages meeting and greeting.
Though there isn't a vast selection of food you can pick up some pretty tasty burgers and assorted snacks which come in at a fairly reasonable price. Drinks-wise this place specialises in cocktails and champagne, cocktails come in at about £6 which is very reasonable whilst a bottle of the finest bubbly comes to a whopping £175, so there's something to suit every wallet and pallette.
In terms of music there is quite a varied selection. Generally suring the week you're likely to hear some of your more standard pop, r'n'b and chart tunes whilst the weekend gets a bit more raunchy with a few grimy electro beats.
A decent venue but not a particularly fantastic night, it's good to know it's there though for those occasions when you're not quite ready for the party to finish. read more