Head downstairs to the basement for a 300-capacity cocktail lounge, with plush, stylish sofas, a marble bar and table service. On the ground floor is a 150-seat restaurant, where you can sip cocktails at the stand-alone, central bar. Some of the staff are friendly, others have visions of grandeur. Be warned, even purchases over the bar have a 10 per cent service charge added. If you notice it – and don’t want to pay it – you can opt out.
THE GRUB: It’s a modern British menu on offer in the restaurant, boasting everything from steaks to scallops. At the bar, there are sharing platters. Choose from seafood, charcuterie or vegetarian with enough for two people.
BEHIND THE BAR: Wines, champagnes and cocktails galore. Top-notch vinos include Chablis, Cloudy Bay and Gavi di Gavi.
Bill please Sharing platters from £13.50; cocktails from £8.90; a glass of wine from £6.90; a bottle from £21; champagne from £45. A magnum of Cristal is £2100.
VERDICT: Yes, it’s pretentious. Yes, it’s full of beautiful people. But that doesn’t detract from it being a great venue for a glamorous night on the tiles. carol driver
19-23 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA
beachblanket.co.uk
TUBE: Shoreditch High Street
