Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: Comfortable and edgy converted warehouse chic.

Funky Features: Regular rotating art installation, ‘debauchery room’, cocktails by Dale DeGroff, Dick Bradsell menu.

Location and History

A stone’s throw from Old Street underground the black and orange sign signals the Sosho’s presence in the middle of trendy Hoxton. City business types and Hoxton artists and designers mix in roughly equal proportions in this third outlet in the successful Match Bar chain. Voted Time Out’s bar of the year 2001 the Match Bar is definitely a choice location for a Shoreditch night out.

Interior

Once a photographic studio, this trendy bar and club makes full use of a large and airy basement now known as the ‘lounge’ and a high-roofed large warehouse style space above it. The beauty of Sosho is that it offers a sensuous departure from the increasingly homogenous interior style of London bars. Various alcoves and dens offer a wide range of seating arrangements in which to enjoy some great Mediterranean food or to sip a finely mixed cocktail.

Skylights allow natural light to flood into the upper bar and illuminate the contemporary artworks. But Sosho feels just as good at night when the art is lit by dappled light from a large glass chandelier suspended above the DJ booth. Incense burning from sticks tucked in the exposed brickwork and candles throughout the bar cast a glow over the studiously unmatched range of leather sofas and add to the sense of warmth. Outside, a trail of glowing glass bricks leads drinkers up to a small covered deck.

Dale DeGroff, the King of Cocktails worked on the vast cocktail menu at Match Bar to produce a heavenly drink selection. The menu ranges from DeGroff’s original recipes like the Strawberry Nirvana to classic bartender favorites.

Spaces for Hire

The main space for hire is the ‘Lounge’. With a capacity of 150, this rich red room creates a comfortable private space and a large cushioned seating area in which to relax as well as dance floor complete with disco mirror balls. There are two DJ booths downstairs so that a party can hire its own DJ. For decadence beyond the call of duty there’s even a concealed ‘debauchery’ room.

The ‘Gallery’ is situated upstairs in the main bar with a large art installation which changes regularly. This area features half a dozen leather booths suitable for up to six people per booth and a selection of tables and alternative seating.

The ‘Stage’ is a raised area opposite the bar with powder blue sofas and wooden dividers, which can section off the seating area which is tucked in an alcove.

The ‘Stretch’ is an assortment of dining tables that run from the end of the bar up to the glass fronted double doors. This area can house up to around 12 people.

Cocktail Master Classes: The ambition of Sosho’s founders was to inspire a new drinking culture where the quality of the ingredients reigned and the craft of the bartender was recognized. It’s a principle that the venue continues to hold fast to today. For an exciting twist to any event, Sosho holds interactive cocktail master classes where parties can gain an insight into the closely guarded tips and tricks of the experts. For more information contact sarah@matchbar.com.