Après Lounge Review

Best for: Mayfair cocktails, private functions, an ‘experience’

Great: hidden room, Alaskan theme

My 24th birthday is looming and, as such, has been besetting my mind in a worryingly succinct manner: “24, noooooo”. This could be found oddly vacuous for a subject that rallies an incalculable amount of feelings in me. I attempted to share one such feeling, in a more garrulous manner, with a friend.

Me: “You know what it means for a woman to be 24-years-old?”
She: “It’s all over?”
Me: “Almost. It means you have to stop making anthropology with men.”

We were overheard by a girl who believes in God. Every single thing this girl was wearing was a symptom of Christian fundamentalism: butterfly hair clips, a mandala print tissue t-shirt; light stretchy jeans with a kick flare, a simple silver cross, and weird Sketchers/Timberland hybrid shoes (heavy on the contrast stitching). The look on her face confirmed what I suspected; she’d never had these experiences, not at any age. In fact, she probably doesn’t even believe in anthropology, or in ‘experiences’ outside a matrimonial union. I had no worry this girl would overhear such provoking chatter at Après Lounge. It’s not the sort of place those who own Sketchers hang out.

The hoi polloi in Après Lounge want to diversify themselves; they are people who aren’t limited to one type of shoe, and whose Bible is a copy of The Economist (Old Testament) and Vogue (New Testament). Spending an evening at this Marylebone bar is just one of the many things on their ‘to do’ list, alongside conquering Mount Everest, completing a mile on a space hopper and discovering the meaning of life. So much to do, so little time...

So how is Après Lounge so different that it can be classed as an ‘experience’? It could be the fun, creative ski lodge theme. It might be the result of the expansive mountainous landscapes that are positioned where I had expected white walls to be. Perhaps it’s the consequence of tree trunk tables or woodchip wallpaper. It’s probably a culmination of all these. Whatever the reason, experience seekers, my now naturalised Canadian brother and those Brokeback Mountain boys would see some serious wood for this ode-to-nature bar. Too much? A sense of humour is the only quality from which you can deduce both intelligence and morality; obviously I have little of both.

Après Lounge are committed; the theme runs through the bar, from its decor to its drinks list. I sampled many (probably most) of Après Lounge’s unique cocktails. I concur. Sam, the young, well-dressed man opposite me, favours the Watermelon Cooler made from vodka, maple syrup and watermelon. It’s billed as one for the ladies or for the guys who are comfortable with their masculinity. Sam’s pink shirt affirms what I already know.

In between The Hoose Cat (vodka, peach liqueur, cucumber, lime juice and a fresh raspberry), the Maple Flower (amaretto, passion fruit, soy milk and maple syrup), the Tomahawk (two whiskeys, cognac, port, moonshine and pineapple and orange juices), we ate platters laden with cold meats, olives, strong cheddar, fresh bread, humous and artichoke – yet another new experience. Hold on to your cross God Girl, brandish your garlic and chant your well rehearsed bible verses.

I realise that though the person opposite me, to whom I had been talking, obviously likes me, he hasn’t been laughing at many, if any, of my jokes. I deduce that this means he can’t hear me, I’m not funny, or he’s too engrossed in his Old Cuban; his fourth cocktail, made from gold rum, mint, lime juice, sugar and champagne. Perhaps he’s just drunk.

Time for a cocktail intervention: advancing down the staircase bordered by log piles, Sam and I peek into the basement club. It’s only a Tuesday night so the room is being used for a private event, but with its curtained areas this would be the perfect club for a night out. Schmooze with the staff just enough and you might even gain access to the most exclusive area: the hidden play room. Here, pairings of extreme sexual dimorphism are hidden from judging eyes. It’s a place limitless in its depravity, where dirty words like ‘harem polygamy’ can rest in accepted peace.

I don’t want to turn 24 because of the experiences I’ll have to turn my back on, but it doesn’t mean I have to stop having experiences altogether, and at Après Lounge I’m free to do just that. ...read more

Faye Armstrong 07 Oct 2010

Après Lounge Description

The only late lounge & cocktail bar in W1

Established on the simple concept of quality products and services; situated opposite Selfridges, amidst the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. Après, located at 31 Duke Street, provides a perfect boutique après ski lodge, yet hidden away from the mania of W1.

With a list of London’s hottest signature cocktails and special blends, Après and its team pride them selves of being able to make any drink from anywhere in the world, providing the ideal sanctuary for the global nomad to feel at home.

The team has a combined experience of over 30 years in the leisure industry, working at top end venues such as: Sketch, Lounge Lover, Lonsdale and Cocoon to mention but a few.

The philosophy of whatever, whenever’ is something that echoes through the Après family. Thus, whether there’s a signature cocktail with exotic fruit at 5pm or homemade canapés at 3am we are here to provide. Whatever your vice is: white chocolate watermelon martinis on our terrace or a bottle of chilled Prosecco with our signature nibbles while watching a movie in our snug room Après can offer it all.

Après Lounge is open Monday to Saturday 5.30pm - 3am
31 Duke Street, London, W1U 1LG

For table booking or more information, please contact Miriam Howells on 0871-223-1205...read more

Customer Reviews for Après Lounge

Average (based on 7 votes): 7 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Après Lounge.

“Great place for chilling with your friends. The cocktails are delicious and definitely well worth the price tag. the service was fast and friendly, we were served by a told guy very funny :) I really recommand this place if you looking for somewhere intimate.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Rania, london (6 months 19 days ago)

“bad cocktails, no atmosphere.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Jennifer, London (7 months 4 days ago)

“Had a great time last saturday at Apres. Went after dinner with some girlfriends. Music was good and cocktail amazing. Will surely return soon”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Miss Sally Gown, Surrey (9 months 21 days ago)

Show all user reviews for Après Lounge

Après Lounge Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Bar
• Dress Code: Smart / casual
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)