Here at UJHQ, we’re always on the lookout for feel-good dining options: think good food, good tunes, and good atmosphere. And, true to form, London hasn’t failed us yet, from boozy brunches and late-night dining to pre-party menus. Now, we’re doing it old school with a bunch of new venues giving into classic nights of dinner and dancing. No need to move the tables.
We’ve always relied on old faithful Brilliant Corners for our dinner and dancing fix. Musicians play as you eat and people dance — a tempo plucked from a Japanese jazz bar of yesteryear. It’s dim and sultry, there’s a killer sound system and a rotation of live music and DJs, plus a selection of Japanese food to graze on.
Echoing this theme is the recently opened Ruby’s Bar & Lounge: great drinks, Vietnamese food and live entertainment until 2am – last time we there, the place was grooving to a live band. The same goes for La Cabina. You might roll your eyes at having to use the phone box to dial your entrance, but once in, it has all the ingredients for a good night – DJs, cosy booths, and a tapas and cocktail menu served until 5am.
And next on the list: Behind This Wall. The collective behind the former Plastic People club night have found a permanent space to call home. Set to open early Feb, we’re told to expect ‘clean’ cocktails (free of artificial additives, colours or flavours), a healthy menu of oysters and Hawaiian poke bowls but, most importantly, a booming sound system to get you moving.
Drink, dine, dance – Olé!!
