Eating, drinking and trying not to get too merry was the order of the day for this venue review website
Henry J. Beans
If you love cocktails then you’ll love this Wimbledon-based American bar. And with affordable prices, great music and friendly bar-staff, Henry J. Beans will soon become a firm favourite with south-west Londoners.
The Venue
Barely five minutes away from Wimbledon Station, The Broadway is home to the impressive HJB. Cavernous, cool and actually quite comfortable, HJB is a great place to unwind. Dimly lit booths complete with plush leather sofas make for ideal lounging.
The spacious nature of HJB means there is plenty of room to sit around tables and booths without feeling too crowded. There is also a little space to have a dance if you’re feeling funky, and it’s rather conveniently placed just inches away from the bar. Sweet!
The Atmosphere
Whether you want to take a date out for a warm-up drink or you are looking for somewhere to spend an evening with a group of friends, you cannot lose with HJB. You have all you need to make you feel comfortable.
There is always a great selection of music on offer with all your favourite pop and dance tunes. A favourite with the local office Wombles HJB gets busy from as early as 5pm. Expect a classy clientele on entry and no underage shenanigans here! The clientele are generally friendly and down-to-earth, no doubt relieved that the end of another working day has arrived. At weekends you can expect a similar clientele and a much livelier atmosphere.
In addition to this, the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. Always close at hand to ensure everything is to your satisfaction, they can even make you your very own personalised cocktail.
The Drink
As cliché as this may sound, there truly is something for everyone at HJB. All your favourite beers, spirits, wines, and all reasonably priced. However, the highlight of the drinks menu has to be the cocktails.
Serving everything from the old favourites like Cosmopolitans and Mojitos, they have also invented their own special cocktail. Named after the main character of your favourite television series Sex and the City, the Carrie Bradshaw is a blissful blend of vodka with a hint of cranberry and raspberry juice. And £6 is a small price to pay to spend time with the delectable Miss Bradshaw.
The Last Word
The city is fabulous for nights out. But you cannot deny that sometimes, with the expense of travel and entry fees, it can be costly. So if you’re looking for fun without all the exorbitant costs and hassle then why not think Wimbledon. Besides, how could you ever turn down a night out with Carrie Bradshaw!
Star Rating: 4/5
Copy by Sarah Allen
Fridge
According to ancient mythical clubbing proverbs ‘good things come in small packages’. In the heart of Brixton resides the perfect example of the old adage.
The Venue
Brixton is not actually vice city. It’s been in all the papers – or at least one of the freebies. Fridge is a pretty good testament to this. Conspicuous, inviting and conveniently close to the station and bus stops, Fridge is a truly great venue. Once you enter, it is just small enough to make for an interesting evening. With two floors, the place is stylish and contemporary in its décor with cool and comfortable tables and chairs and stools nicely propped up by the bar.
Downstairs is where things get a bit more lively. Here the DJ plays sounds that only a deaf person would be able to resist. With more space and a bar tucked away in the corner, this part of the club is specifically designed with the intention of getting bums off seats and feet on the floor. Dimly lit the basement has just enough atmospheric lighting to encourage even the most bashful dancer onto the dancefloor.
The Atmosphere
People go clubbing for many reasons but people come to Fridge for one. That reason is simply to have a good time. This motivation is nothing short of infectious and sustained by people from their early 20’s to mid 30’s. You can expect to meet stylish and sophisticated people who come dressed to impress and invariably succeed.
The staff are also amiable. Prepare to be searched at the door by bouncers keen to ensure clubbers’ safety. Barstaff are polite and accommodating, ready to assist you on your night. With attitudes left at the door and your best dance moves at the ready, you really can let your hair down at Fridge.
The Music
With the best in old-school funk and soul booming from the speakers you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the 80’s – in a good way. Along with the highly revered classics can be heard all the modern favourites.
DJs prove their worth as they effortlessly weave the old with the new. This is a great place to remind yourself of why you love music so much. Giving the best music lessons of your life various DJs at Fridge show you they really know how to get a crowd going.
The Drink
As a classy venue, Fridge has a duty to offer drinks as classy, and at this they are victorious. Fridge offers no standout concoctions but neither do they disappoint in their selection. As well as all your favourite reds, whites, cocktails and draughts you can find some snazzy spirits. Whether it’s a simple vodka and coke you’re after or a cool Courvoisier, you won’t feel compelled to complain about the costs.
The Last Word
For a hot and fun night out, head down south. With great music, great staff and a great vibe, there is nothing cold about this Fridge.
Star Rating: 4/5
Copy by Sarah Allen
Sarah Allen 