Its not an easy task to impress me. I want quality music, but not so loud I can't chat to my mates. I want friendly staff who take pride in what they do. I want to feel relaxed in my surroundings knowing i'm not going to be hit on by a bunch of lecherous idiots. Its also a bonus if I can go somewhere for a night out dancing, but still tuck into some food (and OMG do I love Sushi!! :) and I'm quite anal about cocktails. I like to go to bars because I want to be able to take my time over a drink and a chat with the girlies rather than being turfed out at midnight like naughty teenangers.
Fluid managed all this and more.
A Japanese-inspired bar (think Bladerunner Anime style), very well stocked bar full of Japanese exclusives, their cocktails were fantastic (a very decent Midori sour and the lychee-infused mortal kombat was delicious!), the barstaff were attentive (the Mortal Kombat was immediately recommended to me!) , whilst the sushi was fresh and also delicious. I had the sushi bento whilst my girlfriend had the chicken katsu. The prices are pretty reasonable and certainly cheaper than the west end!
The upstairs Djs earlier on were switched on enough to be keeping it chilled whilst everyone was eating and not too loud that we couldn't talk. It was really refreshing to actually hear some DJs playing nice funk and disco records rather than all this banging electro that your head hurts like in so many west end places. Thank you Fluid for that!
Later on, they had more House DJs in the basement which is much darker and clubbier. Everyone throwing shapes. Took me right back! Great fun!
We've been back loads since and happy to report its very consistant. You know what you get when you go to Fluid. I actually prefer small places like this to huge, rammed nightclubs.
So if you're looking for a great night out (we left at 3.30am!) and don't want somewhere huge where you are treated like cattle, then we really recommend it but if you don't want somewhere that tends to get a bit raucous after 11pm, id say its not for you!
We'll be back for sure! x
