Once a sweaty underground basement bar famous for the bands it put on, now Barden’s is a little more leisurely. Transformed in every sense from its previous guise, its lost nothing in the pleasure of being here. Up and coming art-rock bands have been replaced by fledgling artists exhibited on the walls; so far, so Dalston. The layout is modern café all over- a combination of leather armchairs, sofas and dining tables. The artwork on the walls is interesting, coupled with photos of the bands that played at the old basement. There’s just the right amount of nostalgia without looking to the past too much.
There are big plans to set up a calendar of events here that will involve music, film and art and it still feels very much like a community thing. There’s coffee and tea by day, along with a simple menu of classics. Burgers, sandwiches and a large brunch menu that includes a good Mediterranean breakfast as well as bubble and squeak and eggs Benedict. The kitchen closes late in the afternoon and the whole feel of the place changes. The bar is born; the music’s turned up and the draught taps (Heineken, Fosters and Kronenbourg) see a lot more use. Unlike some of the places nearby, Barden’s Boudoir shirks from the pretentious and in keeping with the DIY fun of its past the new venture excels at giving a good time. So, if you haven’t seen Barden’s new boudoir, it’s time.