This is an eclectic venue with a variety of different spaces in which to booze and play.
From outside, the Moroccan maroons and velvety reds of the Press Club attract attention. Inside, trendy girls in designer jeans recline on plush leather couches set under ceiling lanterns, the well-stocked bar glows like a candy shop for adults and an aeroplane-like propeller separates the lounge dwellers from the buzzing barflies. Live bands and DJs perform throughout the week.
In the adjacent Corner Bar, abstract metallic sculptures dangle precariously from the ceiling, and guests challenge each other to games of pool. The Middle Bar on the second level resembles the set of an
Austin Powers flick, with groovy yellow-and-black polka-dotted walls, crimson leather sofas and warm mustard lighting. Electronic, techno and house tunes throb through the space and drinkers down Green Goblins (absinthe, Paraiso, lychees, lime and mint).
Upstairs in the Moon Bar, hardcore ravers and chic space cadets party hard on the Empire's largest dance floor. This venue is renowned for its mix of regular resident and international guest DJs who blast out everything from breaks and drum 'n' bass to hip hop, funk, disco, house and electronica.
Melissa Townsend
