Max's reviews
Review of Monkey Face
02 Oct 07, 12:21
The Only Empty Pub in London? 
Came here straight from Bald Faced Stag (packed) three minutes down the road to this place to find it completely empty. While the white minimalist interior may work when packed, when completely empty, it only helped to accentuate the emptiness of the place. In five years in London, I can't actually recall ever going to a bar on a Saturday night that is completely empty.
Emptiness aside, the staff were happy for us to stay, and what could have turned into a major negative (no atmosphere) turned in to a positive as it meant we had the place to ourselves and the bar staff were happy to play our music requests and do table service. I'm sure this must have been a freak quiet night.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of I C A Gallery
14 May 07, 14:43
Eko Eshun sort it out
The ICA is a mixed art space covering three main gallery spaces, small theatre/live performance area, two cinema screens and a great little bar/restaurant.
While the bar and restaurant remain a safe bet when everywhere else starts to close (ICA bar open until 1am most nights), since Eko Eshun has taken over as Director the quality of the ICA's programme seems to have severely dropped.
During a time when ICA's programme of talks could never be more pertinent given the political climate, the breadth and quality of speakers and discussions seems to have faded away.
Rather than setting the agenda within London's ever growing film festival scene, the ICA seem to be a rent-a-venue add on to whatever festival is taking place. While Hans Hoffman's curated shows lack any real bite or big names.
I love the ICA, but I feel that it now severely lacks any real direction, something which rests heavily on Eko Eshun's shoulders. I suggest, he spends less time tinkering with the logo and brochure format (two changes in less than twelve months) and more on the substance its shows and programme.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Bar 43
05 May 07, 14:51
So So 'Member's' Club
Private members club, though I've always managed to get in without any problem (without being a member). The cafe downstairs (open during the day) is a great place for a cheap lunch just off Oxford Street where most other options are pretty poor.
The bar itself, however, has never convinced me - very overpriced bar snacks and drinks. Subdued, dark decor comes across as dated faux-chic rather than contemporary cool and you always get the feeling that most people drinking there are there because they think it is cool place to hang out, rather than actually enjoying themselves. Zero atmosphere.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.