It's hard to believe that Bijou - the "Cocktail Social for Gay
Women"- is already a year old. Formerly located in the Carter
Rooms near Farringdon, it underwent a recent change of venue with
exclusive use of the Cos Bar on Queen Victoria St, a stone's throw
from Blackfriars. Recently refurbished, this smart, stylish
venue offers easy access to night buses for the homeward journey,
or for those preferring to drive, evening parking in the
surrounding streets.
Billed as a "sophisticated, stylish and relaxed" evening on the
second Saturday of the month, Bijou
certainly doesn't disappoint, due in no small part to the
welcoming, inclusive (and attractive) hosts Robin and Lauren.
Advance booking at £7.50 gets you onto the guestlist, which
tends to get fully subscribed up to a week before the event.
Otherwise admission on the night is £10. This women-only night
attracts a wide stylish mix of attendees, ranging in age from 30's
upwards.
Robin and Lauren go out of their way to ensure that everyone
feels welcomed and have made provision for a seating area with a
dedicated host for those who may be coming along for the first
time. This way, guests can be guaranteed a friendly face and a
welcome into a relaxed conversational group (with the added benefit
of a glass balcony from which to spy on the bar and
dancefloor).
The venue itself certainly offers something for everyone - on
the ground floor; the main central dance area, comfy lounge seating
and well-equipped bar. A rather grand staircase leads you to the
hosted mezzanine area, and then up to a wide seating area on the
level above.
Those among the first there like to chat and catch up with
friends (ie Superdry & me) which we do from the comfort of the
"thrones", whilst DJ Hedonica kicks off the evening in style.
The tunes flow to the beat of Prince, Santigold et al, before DJ
Silverhook takes it a little deeper for the second set of the
night.
A comprehensive cocktail list provides reasonable value at £7,
though Bijou have come up trumps by featuring a "special" of the
night for just £5. The cocktail created in honour of their birthday
was a dark rum and chocolate creation named the "Bean Flicker"
which was a popular choice on the night.
What stands out the most? The relaxed and friendly vibe. I'll
certainly be putting the 11 August in my diary….
@Melanie_Reeve
www.elysionevents.co.uk
www.cosbar.co.uk
