Loving this lounge

Trendy venues are by definition always going to be victims of their own trendiness. Few, if any, pass muster once public euphoria fades in favour of the next big thing. But if you crack enough oysters you'll eventually find a pearl - a rare and precious gem in London's glittering array of bars. The new Loungelover bar in the yet-to-become-fashionable fringes of Shoreditch is one such and it's likely to remain popular for the next decade.

Why? Daring to be different can be a risk. In terms of design you have to be audaciously different to pull it off, and Loungelover couldn't be more dramatically different to any other bar you're likely to come across - anyone familiar with Loungelover's parent, the &Ucedil;ber-style restaurant Les Trois Garcons, will know what I mean.

Two flaming braziers signal the entrance to this former meatprocessing warehouse and, once inside, you'll be treated to a glamourfest of furnishings so visually stimulating it will take several hours to absorb. Antique tables blend with modern masterpieces, candelabras mix well with dramatic chandeliers and old street lanterns, there's a bit of taxidermy, a huge doll's house, an elegant wine library, and a naughtylooking caged area that would be wonderful for a gathering of a dozen or so people.

I should warn you it isn't pitched at those on a budget, with a bottle of Tiger beer or Weickse Witte wheat beer costing £4.50. But there are some fabulous deals on the cocktail list - an ingenious collection of thoughtfully prepared, sublime drinks, made with premium quality spirits.

You should start with the Loungelover Liqueur, a 50ml shot of fig-infused vodka (£6) sure to get you in the mood. The Sunset No.6 is a long, refreshing mix of Buffalo Trace bourbon with sugar and lime, topped up with ginger beer (£8). The excellent Plymouth gin Martini (£8), is not for the faint-hearted, containing the equivalent of four shots of gin. And if you really want to push the boat out, you can fuel it with spirits by the bottle such as Grey Goose vodka (£100), or Buffalo Trace bourbon (£75). Complimentary mixers are provided.

The food did not disappoint. We ordered a substantial plate of chicken satay (£4.50), Vietnamese spring rolls (£4.50), and spinach and ricotta cannelloni (£10.95). The service was exemplary, which was a surprise given the newness of the place, and the mostly male team presumably spend their off-duty hours on the catwalk.

Given that this was probably the best visitor experience I've had this century, things can only go downhill from here. But that will only happen when the place gets mobbed with discerning punters beating a hasty path to its door. I therefore urge you to stay away from Loungelover for at least the next five years. It will be around forever, honest.