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Fifty Five Bar and Lounge is the archetypal hip, laid back, music-scene Camden venue – with a twist. It’s actually a very good cocktail bar to boot!
The Venue
Found on the corner of Jamestown Road and Arlington Road, Fifty Five Bar and Lounge can be spotted by its outdoor seating and the chattering crowds on the pavement. Inside, it looks just how you’d picture a rock bar in Camden to be; wooden floors, burgundy-painted walls and framed posters of rock bands from the 70s to present day on display. There are black leather couches and stools with flickering candles providing the lighting around the walls, and higher tables and chairs nearer the bar. The bar itself is along the back wall and is fairly small, echoing the size of the venue itself. With a backdrop of hundreds of bottles and other cocktail ingredients, it can look quite cramped as the barmen try to manoeuvre around each other to put together their concoctions. Up some stairs behind the bar is where the live music is presented. Here there is a miniscule bar that nonetheless promises to serve exactly the same range of drinks as the one downstairs, and large leather sofas around the walls on which music fans can lounge whilst enjoying the show. Here, the lighting is very low and mainly comes from the large candles that are dotted about on low tables and in a cluster on the bar.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a key attraction at Fifty Five Bar and Lounge. The owner himself serves behind the bar and the bar staff are quick to tell you how much they enjoy working her and stress the ethos of the place - make every evening one long party and to make every customer feel like a friend. Cheesy rock music plays downstairs to the accompaniment of the cocktail-juggling antics of the barmen, whilst upstairs there is often quality, live music from up and coming bands on offer. As expected, the clientele is very laid back and unselfconsciously trendy in their attire and attitude, but there is no cliqueyness and you will often find the odd suit with his jacket shrugged off and tie removed.
The Drink
Despite its small size, this bar offers a massive 160 different cocktails and is always seeking to add to this. There are tastes to suit every palate – if you like fruity and sweet drinks try the Mixed Berry Collins (£5.60). Served in a tall glass, you can barely taste the vodka even though the measures are generous. It has just the right balance – it keeps the deep sweetness of the berries but without their tang, and also manages not to be sickly. Those who like their rum should also sample the caipirinhas (£5.60). The strawberry and kiwi one is a tad dry – capturing the more bitter elements of both the strawberry and kiwi fruits but despite this, it works well to counter the sweetness of the Collins. If you like your alcohol straight up and strong but want to try a cocktail, try the Straight Up Vanilla Daiquiri (£6.50), which is basically vanilla-infused rum and lime juice with a hint of vanilla sugar. Served in a martini glass, the vanilla is only just evident in the drink’s aroma and is barely discernable in its taste. It is a very strong cocktail but don’t be scared to try it! If cocktails aren’t your thing then Fifty Five Bar and Lounge also offers a range of shooters (from £4), non-alcoholic smoothies and flings (from £2.70), wines (from £3.50 per glass and £10 per bottle) and champagnes (from £30 per bottle). There are also beers and Guinness available.
The Last Word
Fifty Five Bar and Lounge exemplifies all that is great about Camden – laid back, hip and very into the music scene, but you don’t have to be au fait with the latest obscure bands to be welcome there. It is a place to enjoy great music and classy cocktails in a fantastic dress-down party atmosphere.
From viewlondon.co.uk.
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