Somewhere you should go… Manero Private Members Bar, Dalston

Somewhere between The Haggerston pub and The Geffrye Museum Gardens is a yellow door. If you are lucky enough to get past the bouncer’s Steven Seagal jokes (I was, just about), you will need to negotiate some steep stairs before entering a dark, cellar bar. This isn’t the kind of area you would expect to find a members bar – but its less about exclusivity and more about keeping the fools out… for now anyway. The space is designed to resemble a speakeasy: exposed brick work, wooden beams, an air of shadiness.

Seating is sparse, apart from a few leather armchairs and wooden stools towards the back of the room. But, you will probably be spending most of your time on the large stone floor that is distinctly dance floor shaped; different DJs help to fill it Thursday to Saturday. This is definitely the kind of east London place to lose a few hours on a Friday night… in a good way. And, since its open from 10pm until 5 am, you might just get a chance to.

The bar staff are exceptionally knowledgable and take their mixologist trade very seriously. Each night they have a cocktail board to chose from. But, they would also encourage you to tell them what you like and let them work their magic. We tried some exceptional flavours from Whiskey sours, Jagermeister and mint shots and elderflower gin drinks. The place may be new, but word is definitely already out. Currently, you don’t need a membership to get in but you soon will by the end of the month. Find out how to apply from the bar staff. (Words: Laura Thornley)

For more info, visit www.facebook.com/APrivateMembersClub

Laura Thornley

Laura is a writer and journalist working across disciplines. Her background is within the arts, having studied both its history and practice at undergraduate and postgraduate level. If she isn’t digesting the latest in visual culture, she can be found indulging her other passion – seeking out the best grub from around the world.

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