INC Bar

INC Bar has been closed for about 5yrs and last night I went to the re-​opening.
I was actually looking forward to this because INC used to be one of my regular haunts way back when — stumbling distance to my door and on-​point cocktails (hence the stumble factor). I was told it went through a refurb so was keen to see the new look. Hmm…
As I entered the sliding glass doors with my mate, I was happy to see people downstairs with a proper coatcheck this time around. We ascended quickly and to my surprise, I found the main bar/​dance area was exactly the same. Hmm…
My friend wanted a drink but I said let’s have a look around first at the other bars. INC has a raised bar/​seating area above the main room. Another bar to the left rear and a small chillout/​lounge opposite that. So, we went to the back bar and to my surprise (again) this room was virtually unchanged. New wall décor in the way of rock/​pop singers and their records adorned the space. The furniture was evidently from Greenwich Market. I live locally and know the wares. Hmm…
I started getting the feeling like I was having déjà vu or some retro flashback to five years ago. Not a good thing. We got a drink and went across to the small lounge to enjoy the fireplace. I forgot to mention it was very cold throughout the building including this room with the only working fire. I did hear some people near the bar talking about turning the heating on because others were mentioning the chill factor. So, looking around the lounge area, again, nothing had changed and there was still a scratch in the wallpaper from five years ago that I noticed. Also one of the sofas had a mismatched seat cover. Now, this alone would have set me off to the door but we decided to have our watered down drinks and stay a while and see how the relaunch panned out.
While in the lounge, 4 others came in and decided to make it THEIR private space. How you ask? Well, they moved the stools to surround the fireplace — despite the fact that my friend & I were still in there — so they’d have the warmth all to themselves. This also created a barrier preventing us from exiting the room because of how they arrange the furniture to suit THEIR needs. Coincidentally, a ‘manager’ popped his head in & I mused to my friend if he would tell them the room is for everyone and they’re blocking the entrance. WELL, he didn’t. His only comment to them was, ‘Don’t try to light anything in the fireplace like cigarettes or marshmallows’ all while my friend and I remained trapped to the left of the room in plain view. We decided to leave… much to the annoyance the other patrons who then had to relocate the furniture again.
We went back to the other bar opposite and chatted over the watered down drinks we had and I observed more TOWIE & Derek Branning wannabe’s filling the place. As we listened to the music, I realised these were the same songs that I’d heard in here 5yrs ago — on a loop. YES, even the music was frozen in time!
I’d had enough but my friend remained optimistic and said let’s check out the main bar and dance area before we go. I obliged and we sang/​danced to Madonna’s, Into the Groove and a few other oldies. I drew the line at the Weather Girls and we both decided it was time to leave this time warp!
I don’t mind retro or even that déjà vu feeling — if it’s taking me back to something good but INC Bar’s relaunch didn’t even get off the pad for me. A £5 entry fee on a launch night without even a canapé or welcome drink! I’m hoping my review gets someone over there to sort this place pronto. I so want my Greenwich cocktail bar back.

I’ve had couple great nights at Inc Bar mainly the Choice FM Friday night raves. Nicely laid out bar and nicely furnished but too small! Gets very sweaty when 75% full. When at full capacity it is abit of a nightmare! But nevertheless nice smart bar and a decent vide for a raving Friday night.

Hate it. Haven’t been here for ages as the place is a complete hole, a hole decorated by Mister Llewellyn Bowen with pseudo voile wallpaper of risqué images… oooh really pushing boundaries!
What I’m trying to say is you can’t polish a turd. Inc gets the dregs of people piling out of pubs combined with unfriendly wannabe yuppy po-​faced punters. All of this is coupled with terrible music, staff with apparent learning difficulties and bouncers that have no manners or brains.

The Inc Bar is great for a night out but even better for an early evening drink before it gets busy (if you are a bit fogyish like me!). They have a great cocktail list and mix up very good martinis and the décor (which was done by former Greenwich resident Laurence Llewelyn Bowen) is a real talking point! It is very elegant in there and has a lovely spot overlooking Greenwich high street. I really love it and it’s opening really added to Greenich nightlife giving it something a little more glamourous than downing cocktails in one of the many mexican places on offer. I’d reccommended a couple of cocktails in here then onto the Spread Eagle for dinner (or comedy and dancing at Up The Creek if you’re feeling more lively!)

I really don’t like this bar. Yeah, so it was designed by Lawrence lewellyn bowen (you’ll find him flouncing about outside sometimes) but it’s just not very Greenwichy. It’s one of the only clubs in Greenwich, so you get a crowd of people who are so drunk but all the pubs are shut. The music is shocking and to be honest, the staff, punters and bouncers are often rude.
Really not worth your make-​up.