Kemia Bar
NileGuide Expert Says:
One of London's most atmospheric non-membership bars
Address:
25 Heddon St., W1
WIB 4BH London, England
Phone:
020/7434-4040
NileGuide Expert tip:
Get here early if you want a relaxing vibe; just before 11pm to join the party. Don't miss the free World Music on Tuesday night
Description:
Stepping into this dark cellar bar beneath Momo restaurant, is like descending into a throbbing souk, complete with authentic antique Moorish décor, the hypnotic beat of 21st-century world grooves, and waitresses with Maghreb-themed cocktails negotiating a trendy 30-something cosmopolitan crowd like whirling dervishes. It used to be the place in town where every serious 'A' lister came: Madonna, Kevin Spacey, Liv Tyler, Cameron Diaz and Sacha ("Ali G") Baron Cohen. Nowadays it's open to all (as long as you're in before 11pm), but it's still very fashionable. Every Tuesday night from around March through November the Kemia Bar stages (free admission) some of the very best World Music artists around. On other nights DJs play. The food here is excellent; go for the mezze – small plates of mostly Moroccan specialities, and, for the venue, is very good value. Order as early as you can before the place really fills up and service becomes stretched.
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