Bar 54

Pretty mediocre during the day, but for later nights out it turns into a grimy little nightclub with generally excellent DJs — for those who just haven’t had a long enough night out in other nearby clubs.

Recently went here for a works drink, chosen by the boys because a) they’ll open early for us, b) we can occasionally get free drink and c) they like one of the barmaids.
For the most part, it was pretty dead in there though I’m told that it livens up later in the evening, with a club downstairs. I stayed until about 11.30, must be a late crowd…
In short, it tries too hard to be like it’s cooler Brick Lane counterparts.

Bar 54 is located only a short walk from the ultra trendy areas of Brick Lane and Shoreditch and is clearly trying to cash in on the success of this area. In spite of this, 54 feels very divorced from the rest of the social scene, it’s not glamorous enough to be high-​end, nor is it grimy enough to be interesting.
Like its sister bar, recently opened on Mile End Road, 54, whilst trying so hard to make an impression, simply leaves you a little flat. There’s lots to like here; the bar is well stocked, the décor while not spectacular is smart and the food is quite tasty. But you can’t escape the fact that 54 is a business first and a bar and restaurant second.
The staff are lovely and it would be for the excellent service that I might come back but in all honesty there is not a lot else that would tempt me.